Blood of Victory By Alan Furst - Book Review

Tuesday, April 29, 2008

By David Carter

Set in the early years of World War II before Russia and America are in the war, but after France has capitulated to the Germans, Blood of Victory follows the fortunes of the Russian ้migr้ writer now working for the British, I. A. Serebin.

The scene switches from occupied Paris to Belgrade to Istanbul to Bucharest to London and back, amid turbulent countries in turbulent times. Some of the nations are already in the war, some are thinking of getting in, while others strive desperately to keep out, while still more switch sides - more than once if need be, desperate to back the winning team, as civil wars rage through their own streets and squares and bars.

Mister Furst is a past master at describing the darkened European cities of the time, where food and safety are hard to come by, true love almost as difficult to find, a continent dancing to the tune of sirens, and where just about everyone is frightened to the marrow of their bones. They have plenty to be frightened about. The devil is at the gates. Survival is the name of the game, that, and winning.

Running through the book like a bulging vein is the mighty Danube River and it is here that much of the later action takes place.

I liked the book a lot, I learned stuff too, always a nice little bonus, and it wasn't too long a read. It was very easy to read though, and I would recommend it. If you enjoy espionage based thrillers, especially those set in the middle of the last century, then Blood of Victory has a lot to offer, and much to commend it.

David Carter's new novel "The Fish Catcher" tells the story of a group of children evacuated from London during World War II to escape the blitz bombing. It turns into a murder mystery and has been well reviewed. You can check out the first chapter on David's website at http://www.davidcarter.eu The book is available in hard copy or by instant download, and can be ordered in any bookshop quoting ISBN 978 - 1847539304

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