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greybeard49's review against another edition
3.0
I enjoyed the WW2 setting and how well known historical figures were major characters in the narrative. Plotting was intricate and not quite convincing. Denouement really was complicated and the tying up of so many disparate plot threads disappointing. Too much ‘James Bondian’ type action wrapped in an erudite historical wrapping - did not come off for me.
nightchough's review against another edition
3.0
Interesting WW2 speculative history thriller. American viewpoint character a cad and not very interesting; hard to understand why women throw themselves at this philosophy professor; so docking 1 star for that. He's no Bernie Gunther... nor is the German viewpoint character. Plot was good and moved right along. Historical figures portrayed well. Worth the read.
jhouses's review against another edition
3.0
En realidad no es historia alternativa por cuanto no hay cambio respecto de lo que se cuenta en los libros de historia. Es mas bien novela histórica en la que se narran hechos que han permanecido silenciados y se han eliminado de la versión oficial con relación a la conferencia de Teherán entre Stalin, Roosevelt y Churchill durante la segunda guerra mundial. Una trama de espionaje muy lograda con una documentación exhaustiva respecto a los personajes y hechos históricos (no creo que me olvide del lapiz verde de Himmler). Agradable de leer y aunque un poco dispersa y falta de estructura redondea bien la trama. Lo mejor los detalles reales que muchas veces superan la ficción.
daniel_mc_adam's review against another edition
5.0
A marvellous historical thriller. A lot of this fine thriller is based on fact. Have no hesitation adding it to my To Be Read Again List.
ja_hopkins's review against another edition
3.0
In this alternate history thriller, we follow philosopher, turned OSS agent Willard Mayer as you becomes FDR’s enjoy and one of his companions travelling to the real life Big Three conference in Tehran in 1943. The premise is Hitler realises Germany can no longer win the war, and is willing to settle for some sort of peace deal with the allies. Churchill refuses to go along, but FDR and Stalin might be persuaded to negotiate. In parallel, Himmler is working on his own plans. Mayer travels across the Atlantic with FDR and his entourage, and becomes embroiled in a complicated conspiracy where no side trusts the other.
Overall this is an enjoyable yarn. Kerr incorporates a vast array of real life people, including of course, FDR, Churchill and Stalin, but also periphery characters include Kim Philby, later to be uncovered as a Soviet spy in British intelligence. The depictions of wartime Cairo and Tehran are good, as are the characters involved. Of course, the plot is rather unlikely, and it is a long book. Some of the setup and peripheral storyline feels a little unnecessary. However, it’s not bad and if you like Kerr’s writing, you’ll probably enjoy this as well, even if is not his best.
Overall this is an enjoyable yarn. Kerr incorporates a vast array of real life people, including of course, FDR, Churchill and Stalin, but also periphery characters include Kim Philby, later to be uncovered as a Soviet spy in British intelligence. The depictions of wartime Cairo and Tehran are good, as are the characters involved. Of course, the plot is rather unlikely, and it is a long book. Some of the setup and peripheral storyline feels a little unnecessary. However, it’s not bad and if you like Kerr’s writing, you’ll probably enjoy this as well, even if is not his best.
annarella's review against another edition
5.0
This is a wonderful story and i appreciated the vivid historical background and the great cast of characters.
Mr Kerr is a master storyteller and this story keeps you hooked till the end.
I loved the plot and I loved the storytelling.
An excellent read, highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.
Mr Kerr is a master storyteller and this story keeps you hooked till the end.
I loved the plot and I loved the storytelling.
An excellent read, highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.
claphuenf's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
informative
mysterious
reflective
tense
fast-paced
4.5
linwearcamenel's review against another edition
challenging
dark
informative
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.75