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3.85 AVERAGE
3.85 AVERAGE
adventurous
dark
informative
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
challenging
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Thoroughly enjoyed this book. Good pacing kept the momentum going. Loved the cat and mouse chases between Miller and others. Really enjoyed the twist at the end which I did not see coming. All in all a very good storyline.
emotional
informative
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Enjoyable book, intriguing story, well written. Not exactly an ironclad spy novel or anything but it definitely peaks your curiosity and makes you want to keep reading
informative
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
It was a bit more of a history textbook than a thriller.
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Forsyth always gives a brilliantly detailed, skilfully woven read and this is probably amongst my favourite books of all time, not just by him.
As a book written much closer to the end of the war than we are now, it gives a very interesting insight into peoples attitudes in Germany then. The general feeling seems much different to how things are now, where tons of books are still being released and most people are horrified; the book paints a picture of a populace who just want to forget, who are embarrassed about this episode of history, and ashamed of their lack of action 20 years ago; they have seen so many horrific accounts coming out and they struggle to equate how they saw things happening with what was really going on. It’s an attitude of “it’s done now, what good is taking up the past”, and this is why Miller, the protagonist, has such an issue finding valuable help when he comes into possession of Tauber’s diary.
The thriller type narrative combined with the historical detail, the personal mission, and the interesting asides (the tank!) are trademark Forsyth at his absolute best, and that’s why I’ve read this book so many times. The diary lends another level to the story, making it personal for the reader as well as Miller, as it truly is atrocious reading, and again elevates this book above many others.
If you’ve never read a Forsyth novel, this one or The Day of the Jackal (perhaps his most famous work?) are the two to start with. Enjoy! And perhaps put aside a weekend to dedicate to his wonderful storytelling!
As a book written much closer to the end of the war than we are now, it gives a very interesting insight into peoples attitudes in Germany then. The general feeling seems much different to how things are now, where tons of books are still being released and most people are horrified; the book paints a picture of a populace who just want to forget, who are embarrassed about this episode of history, and ashamed of their lack of action 20 years ago; they have seen so many horrific accounts coming out and they struggle to equate how they saw things happening with what was really going on. It’s an attitude of “it’s done now, what good is taking up the past”, and this is why Miller, the protagonist, has such an issue finding valuable help when he comes into possession of Tauber’s diary.
The thriller type narrative combined with the historical detail, the personal mission, and the interesting asides (the tank!) are trademark Forsyth at his absolute best, and that’s why I’ve read this book so many times. The diary lends another level to the story, making it personal for the reader as well as Miller, as it truly is atrocious reading, and again elevates this book above many others.
If you’ve never read a Forsyth novel, this one or The Day of the Jackal (perhaps his most famous work?) are the two to start with. Enjoy! And perhaps put aside a weekend to dedicate to his wonderful storytelling!
adventurous
informative
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
The infamous Nazi organization ODESSA, internationally famous for its war aid after the Second World War, is discovered in its labyrinths by a journalist researcher.
The German journalist finds a common thread when investigating the reasons for the suicide of an old Jew, finding some accusing documents of the deceased ahead of a Nazi extermination camp.
All this immerses him in a vortex where, surprisingly, he must face facts of his family's past.
Forsyth's novel is compelling, forcing the reader to understand both the characters and the action, especially in this case, where what is make-believe merges with the reality of the horror of genocide.
The German journalist finds a common thread when investigating the reasons for the suicide of an old Jew, finding some accusing documents of the deceased ahead of a Nazi extermination camp.
All this immerses him in a vortex where, surprisingly, he must face facts of his family's past.
Forsyth's novel is compelling, forcing the reader to understand both the characters and the action, especially in this case, where what is make-believe merges with the reality of the horror of genocide.