Category: Books

Stu’s Reviews

Genre:  Novel

Grade  B-

Notable People:    John Irving

Title:  Avenue of Mysteries

Review: I had this book for six months before I read it- waiting to savor my 30 year relationship with Irving’s books. Alas, it was not to be….this was a struggle to get through and literally took me weeks and weeks. There is no question that Irving is a brilliant writer, and a legend of his generation. But, he has gotten carried away here with way too much symbolism, religiosity and ruminations….with very little real relationships or action taking place. It was very depressing, and obsessed with death as a theme, without the usual Irving caricature of such events. Almost no likeable charters, an those that are…..die. Way to heady for most people to be interested in….and I missed the bears, Vienna, wrestling and all the warmly expected themes of 30 years of writing. Where is GARP when we need him?

 

Genre:  Novel

Grade  A-

Notable People:    Philip Kerr

Title:  “If the Dead Rise Not”

Review: I have been fully absorbed this summer with these Kerr books about the rise and fall of the Third Reich. Gunther is a wonderful protagonist- full of both heroic traits and frailties. … a very, very reflective tough guy. The material and the basis in historical truths is fascinating. What an unbelievable culture. This one finds Gunther in Berlin in 1937 trying to stay out of the Nazi’s sight and then in Havana in 1954 where he has been forced to escape due to his SS affiliation. It’s an amazing portrait of Cuba during the Batista regime and right before the Castro takeover…..and full of American gangsters. These books are worth their summer weight in gold.

Genre:  Novel

Grade  A

Notable People:   Philip Kerr

Title:  A German Requiem

Review: As far as I’m concerned the summer of 2016 reading prize goes to Philip Kerr for these wonderful stories of the German detective Bernie Gunther. The series started in late 1930’s pre-war, Nazi gripped Berlin and follows our man through into the late 50s-early 60s. This selection is the third an final  in his original Berlin Noir trilogy, which started pre-war with the first book, mid-war for the second and this one, which takes place in 1948 post war-torn Berlin and then in Vienna, where the four victorious super powers reign supreme, while engaging in the kind of spy meets spy intrigue destined to become the Cold War. The writing is really good- the story even better. This is a series worth sinking your teeth into- great suspense/mystery writing in the context of very accurate historical times and people- all of which seem to be thoroughly well investigated and presented.

Genre:  Novel

Grade  A-

Notable People:    Martin Walker

Title:  Children of War

 Review: Seventh in the series of ten so far..…I absolutely love these books set in the southwest of France. Bruno is just a wonderful character and the books are full of unusual intrigue, great cooking, magnificent wines from the Dordogne “Caves” and titillating stories of French history. This one is centered around the French Resistance during the war and loaded with political commentary as well. What great summer reads.

Genre:  Novel

Grade A-

Notable People:   Philip Kerr

Title: March Violets

 

Review: this is the fourth of Kerr’s Bernie Gunther novels I’ve read and the best yet. I started (mistakenly) with the later post war novels, then read a wartime version, but have now turned my attention to the original “Berlin Noir” trilogy. This series of classic detective noir initiates in 1936 as the Nazis are assuming full power. These books work in the great traditions of Dashiell Hammett and  the great James M. Cain. If you like that sort of thing- this is for you. Excellent read.

Stu’s Reviews

 

Genre:  Novel

Grade A-

Notable People:   Martin Walker

Title: The Devils Cave

 

Review: You may have noticed that I am on somewhat of a repetitive run here, alternating between these books and those of Philip Kerr; both series of  I find fascinating. This one finds our relentless St. Denis Chief of Police, Bruno, in the midst of what appears to be satanic ritual murder, but indeed is another of walkers’ subtle remonstrations of the wealthy earthworms that try to suck the life out of the small person. Much of the novel takes place in the famous caves around the Dordogne region, with magnificent descriptions of the caves and the surrounding countryside. The books have the bonus of being gastronomic adventures what with being set in this area of France known for its outstanding food and wine. I had the chance to spend a week in the Dordogne/Perigord , with Tess some time ago, so those books really resonate the beauty and culture of this magnificent area in the southwest of France. Caves, chateaus, manor house, vineyards, patisseries, boulangeries, small cafes…and by the way, a pretty good murder mystery in between. Great series of books.

Stu’s Reviews

 

Genre:  Album

Grade A-

Notable People:   Philip Kerr

Title: Prague Fatale

 

Review: this is a the third in Kerr’s Bernie Gunther series that I have read, and by far the best. Gunther is a detective in Berlin before, during and after the Nazi takeover; a man trying to find the way between self-preservation and his moral compass. He hates the Nazis but is forced into the SS where he does his best to undermine the movement. This one takes place in Berlin and Prague in 1940, as the Reich is taking over France, Eastern Europe and mounting it’s massive offensive on Russia. Interwoven with the very real exploration of the Nazi culture is a murder mystery. Most of the charters in the books are real: Hitler, Goring, Himmler and so on) which makes it a fascinating read. The books are not for everyone- there is horror and unspeakable hatred aplenty…but very well written and totally absorbing. Leaves you shaking your head…how did this happen in our times?

 

Genre:  Novel

Grade A-

Notable People:   Philip Kerr

Title: Field Gray

Review: Continuing saga of Berlin detective Bernie Gunther as we follow him into the Cold War. When last seen, he was hiding out with all the other Nazis in Argentina. This book picks up in 1954 with Bernie living the life in Cuba and then captured by the Americans, the Russians and the French in succession. Complicated book about a complicated time- Bernie is a tortured German policeman who was forced into the SS and lives with his demons. I have not yet read the original pre-war Berlin trilogy that Kerr has constructed, but it’s on  my list. The picture of post war chaos and suspicion is done to the highest standard and Kerr is a fine writer. Unique for the genre.

Genre:  Novel

Grade B+

Notable People:   Donna Tartt

Title: Goldfinch

 

Review: compelling third novel from Tartt, this is mammoth book- scanning decades in the life of young man who loses his mother in a terrorist attack at a major NY art museum. Cast adrift through a variety of life circumstances- his ultimate bedrock is the infamous 16^th century Dutch Master painting he inadvertently took away from the rubble and then has it become his grounded touchstone to his beloved mother. Set alternately in the antiques world  of New York and the dream-to-get- rich environs of Las Vegas  it is a fascinating study of hope and despair. A worthwhile, but VERY long and sometimes difficult read.

Genre:  Novel

Grade A-

Notable People:   Philip Kerr

Title: A Quiet Flame

 

Review: another in a long line of quality books I’ve read in last year that takes place in Berlin in the dark days of the Nazi emergence. This is part of as series by this gifted writer about Bernie Gunther, a Berlin detective genius trying to survive despite his anti-Nazi sentiment. The book moves flawlessly back and forth between his experiences in the late 30s in Berlin and in 1950 after his escape to Argentina- hunted as a war criminal despite being forced into SS duty during the war. The man is a walking ball of guilt and regret and determined to tie the atrocities of the very corrupt Peron regime with unsolved pre-war Berlin atrocities. The portrayals of some of the most heinous war criminals hiding out in Buenos Aires along with the ruthless Peron government are chilling. Gunther remains a man for all seasons despite it all, and no happy endings likely in sight-paying the price for his time and place. A bunch more of these to look forward to. A very quick and quality read.