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The Chocolate Assassin by Peter Durantine (view source)
Revision as of 15:51, 29 October 2010
, 15:51, 29 October 2010no edit summary
When I started this book I was convinced that I would struggle to work out who was who and what was going on. That lasted for, oh, half a dozen pages and after that I struggled to put the book down. There's a wealth of background in there but the book wears it lightly. It's fascinating to read about Hershey and chocolate, about submarines and the problems they had with fuel, about how some old-time Nazis survive against all the odds. There are some new angles on an era which has been overworked in the literary field.
None of this would matter though if the plot wasn't good and the characters compelling. I liked Grey. He comes off the page well, with human frailties and too much to do to make time for a personal life. He leads the story, but doesn't overwhelm it. The Germans – Hahn and Hoest – are compellingimpressive, the one with Prussian stiffness and a belief in the Fatherland and the other knowing that the Third Reich has but limited time. They're an elegant contrast but a strong partnership.
The plot is twisty and very satisfying. You no sooner think that you have it worked out than everything changes. It's an easy read and a fast read because it really is difficult to put down, but you will have to think about what's there on the page to get the best out of it. Highly recommended.