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ladysadiereads's reviews
2878 reviews
A Hero of France by Alan Furst
3.0
Alan Furst is an author often suggested to me for my tendencies towards spy thrillers - especially those with a historical bent. I tried one before but it did not strike me and I set it aside for later. This week through Green Mountain Library Consortium (shout out to the excellent ebook lending library my state has!) I was able to pick up this one and see how I felt about it. Now after a tiny bit of internet research I learned that, similar to Tana French's Dublin Murder Squad books, Alan Furst's books all are related but not necessarily a series. There are minor characters who appear but it is not the same narrator or same core group at any time. Which led me to trying this novel which is his most recently published "Night Soldiers" book. (I am excited to read some other's of his books to see who I recognize from "Hero of France.")
Another reason for my interest in this book was because I am feeling in need of a book about resistance. My escapism into fiction helps to fuel my ability to function in the world but I needed some inspiration on how to continue to fight even when the fight feels already lost. Furst definitely addresses that and it was inspiring and enjoyable to read.
I was immediately engaged in this story purely because it read like oral history. There are lots of side notes and additions of information to the character's narrative which makes the book feel less like a novel and more like a storytelling. I adored the "main character" Mathieu and his patriotism and fight that did not stray too far in to trope hero status. I was curious about some of his backstory which was never really shared with the reader. I did find that I was curious about the other minor characters (one of whom seemed important and then barely showed up again, maybe he is for another volume?) and wanted more of them. This was a quick read but it did at times feel short; I was just disappearing in to this world it felt like and all the sudden it was over. Overall, I thought it was enjoyable and well written. The prose are lovely without being too flowery for it to have any fight. I look forward to reading more of his work in the future and enjoying more resistance fighters and their world perspectives.
Another reason for my interest in this book was because I am feeling in need of a book about resistance. My escapism into fiction helps to fuel my ability to function in the world but I needed some inspiration on how to continue to fight even when the fight feels already lost. Furst definitely addresses that and it was inspiring and enjoyable to read.
I was immediately engaged in this story purely because it read like oral history. There are lots of side notes and additions of information to the character's narrative which makes the book feel less like a novel and more like a storytelling. I adored the "main character" Mathieu and his patriotism and fight that did not stray too far in to trope hero status. I was curious about some of his backstory which was never really shared with the reader. I did find that I was curious about the other minor characters (one of whom seemed important and then barely showed up again, maybe he is for another volume?) and wanted more of them. This was a quick read but it did at times feel short; I was just disappearing in to this world it felt like and all the sudden it was over. Overall, I thought it was enjoyable and well written. The prose are lovely without being too flowery for it to have any fight. I look forward to reading more of his work in the future and enjoying more resistance fighters and their world perspectives.