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jefecarpenter's review
5.0
This is a beautiful book, one of my favorites of the series, especially because it stands on the shoulders of all the previous novels, and it resonates with the cumulative momentum of those stories and characters.
I see that this book has been criticized for not developing a more linear plot driving towards a better ending. I feel that shows a misappreciation of the perspective that Furst has created by showing many different facets to the story of being sucked into war. The drama is certainly here in this book, and also the warmth of camaraderie, the surprise of sexual energy, the telling details of altruism... it's a fully fleshed out portrait of the world entering into war.
And, by the way, I think it has a beautiful ending.
I see that this book has been criticized for not developing a more linear plot driving towards a better ending. I feel that shows a misappreciation of the perspective that Furst has created by showing many different facets to the story of being sucked into war. The drama is certainly here in this book, and also the warmth of camaraderie, the surprise of sexual energy, the telling details of altruism... it's a fully fleshed out portrait of the world entering into war.
And, by the way, I think it has a beautiful ending.
pogue's review
adventurous
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
4.5
bibliobethreads's review
I enjoyed some parts of this book but as a story didn't feel it had enough pace to it. Didn't really buy the love relationship either.
quigs07's review
adventurous
informative
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
mhall's review
4.0
Elegant way to learn a little about Greece in the Second World War. Structured in a low-key, episodic style, this never picks up into an intricate thrill ride of a spy story, but I enjoyed the protagonist Zannis and his mountain sheep dog Melissa. Zannis is a 'fixer' in the city of Salonika, the guy on the police department who is called to handle the most delicate problems with discretion and the help of a large number of contacts, a network of sorts.
kfrench1008's review
4.0
Another great, atmospheric WWII spy novel from the current master of the genre.
jdelloso's review
adventurous
challenging
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
t720psu's review
3.0
This was one of those books that had too much going on. There's a really great story in there, but it's bogged down with all the extra stuff.
robsonjv's review
4.0
He still paints the best, most accurate, word picture of the espionage and international political intrigue in the early days of World War II. That said, while I enjoyed this book, it did feel as though he's gotten a little too comfortable and formulaic. The mission to France felt a bit forced (its only purpose seemed to be to put Zannis at our favorite Paris brasserie).