There's a British travel writer, a Bulgarian undertaker, and more.Ĭosta Zannis must deal with them all. As war approaches, the spies begin to circle, from the Turkish legation to the German secret service. But Adolf Hitler cannot tolerate such freedom the invasion is coming its only a matter of time, and the people of Salonika can only watch and wait.Īt the center of this drama is Costa Zannis, a senior police official, head of an office that handles special political cases. On the northern border, the Greek army has blocked Mussolini's invasion, pushing his divisions back to Albania, the first defeat suffered by the Nazis, who have conquered most of Europe. In that ancient port, with its wharves and warehouses, dark lanes and Turkish mansions, brothels and tavernas, a tense political drama is being played out. Not sunny vacation Greece: northern Greece, Macedonian Greece, Balkan Greece, the city of Salonika.
It was a treat and he was such a nice person, we chatted briefly at the signing table.īack to the new novel, the only thing I can think to say negatively, is that it was way too short of a book after having waited two years for it. 2008's The Spies of Warsaw allowed me to meet him when he read at the Barnes and Noble on 68th Street in NYC.
This is something I haven't found in any other historical novels, especially ones with a military history bend.Īnd I know I am late to the Furst party, but I feel that I've found a writer who I yearn for each new project. He is able to mix elements of spy intrigue, military history, local color, and sexual mischief, all into one. For it seems he was always there, just in front of you.
Once you've had a taste, you can't figure out how you've gone so long without it. At one point in your life maybe by mistake or by recommendation, who knows, you happen upon one of his books. Reading Alan Furst is like enjoying a fine wine.
0 kommentar(er)
