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A review by katykelly
The Betrayers by David Bezmozgis
4.0
This book won't appeal to everyone - not a lot actually 'happens', it's almost a stage play in its scope of scenes and limited cast, a claustrophobic feel and slow pace. The political background passed me by as well mostly, but I did find the connection between the two main characters, when revealed, did keep me interested to see what would happen.
"In a small crumbling resort in the Crimea, two men meet after many years apart." That's the crux of the book - one man was jailed for many years, the other is now powerless and ageing, with regrets about his actions earlier in life. Kotler has fled his job and family with his young lover and by accident comes into the vicinity of Vladimir, an old acquaintance.
Truths will be brought to light in the head-to-head that is inevitable. Betrayals of one kind and another will surface.
I found this quite fascinating, but at the same time it's not going to be a blockbuster - no action, a lot of talking and politics. It could make a good film, but it's not a thriller, more a character piece.
"In a small crumbling resort in the Crimea, two men meet after many years apart." That's the crux of the book - one man was jailed for many years, the other is now powerless and ageing, with regrets about his actions earlier in life. Kotler has fled his job and family with his young lover and by accident comes into the vicinity of Vladimir, an old acquaintance.
Truths will be brought to light in the head-to-head that is inevitable. Betrayals of one kind and another will surface.
I found this quite fascinating, but at the same time it's not going to be a blockbuster - no action, a lot of talking and politics. It could make a good film, but it's not a thriller, more a character piece.