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schopflin's review against another edition
4.0
I really enjoyed this. Loved the story and characters.
mcurry1010's review against another edition
4.0
Strong sense of place, intriguing exploration of the times (WWII) and an engaging cast of characters. Not a book for those who like their mystery neatly wrapped up.
nate_gordon's review against another edition
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
gchiararo's review against another edition
3.0
One of my favourite settings. A good cast of characters.
booknrrd's review against another edition
2.0
Lately when I read "smart" books, I am bored. I just didn't care about Lysander.
minsies's review against another edition
1.0
This thing is a mess.
My main issue (though I had plenty of smaller issues) was that the main mystery is not resolved in any kind of convincing way. All the strange behaviour of all the military men just gets waved away as serving the greater mystery plot, and Rief's presenting his case as a fait accompli during the showdown is more handwaving.
The representation of women here is particularly bad, as well (Hettie Bull seriously what) and it's just disjointed and confused and the therapy sessions don't make any sense. I'm not going to try to go down the rabbit hole of what, exactly, the chloral hydrate could mean because "it was all a dream!" would make me kick something.
My main issue (though I had plenty of smaller issues) was that the main mystery is not resolved in any kind of convincing way. All the strange behaviour of all the military men just gets waved away as serving the greater mystery plot, and Rief's presenting his case as a fait accompli during the showdown is more handwaving.
The representation of women here is particularly bad, as well (Hettie Bull seriously what) and it's just disjointed and confused and the therapy sessions don't make any sense. I'm not going to try to go down the rabbit hole of what, exactly, the chloral hydrate could mean because "it was all a dream!" would make me kick something.
lissan's review against another edition
3.0
I recently read Brazzaville Beach by William Boyd, highly recommended from my brother-in-law. Really loved the book, so eager to read another one. This I had on my TBR shelves. It is not in the same league as Brazzaville Beach. Totally different setting, this time starting in Vienna in 1913 where Lysander Rief, an actor, comes for a psychoanalytical consultation. His life in Vienna makes him consider his old life so far and he is thinking of staying. However, he is forced to leave. Once back in England he is drawn into the British secret service and the lookout for a spy during the First World War.
I really loved the characters and how they are described. However, the whole story is rather messy and a lot of meetings and coincidences are happening without realistic explanations to how they occur. It somehow kept me motivated until the end, although even the end is somehow over the edge. Not the very best of his books I imagine, but I still like his writings and will look for more books.
From my book blog - thecontentreader.blogspot.com
I really loved the characters and how they are described. However, the whole story is rather messy and a lot of meetings and coincidences are happening without realistic explanations to how they occur. It somehow kept me motivated until the end, although even the end is somehow over the edge. Not the very best of his books I imagine, but I still like his writings and will look for more books.
From my book blog - thecontentreader.blogspot.com