Books matching: complex loyalties
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- #1
Save:'Declare' by Tim Powers is a supernatural espionage thriller set during the Cold War period, blending elements of espionage, historical fiction, and dark fantasy. The story follows the involvement of three spies over 60 years in dealing with creatures known as djinn and fallen angels. The plot intricately weaves together British and Soviet military operations, espionage activities, and supernatural elements, creating a complex and detailed narrative that spans different time periods. The author's writing style combines spy novel tropes with Arabian Nights tales and Lovecraftian horror, offering a unique and engaging reading experience.
The book delves into the world of secret agencies working to recruit, control, or eliminate supernatural beings within their national spy agencies, adding layers of mystery and intrigue to the plot. Powers' meticulous research and incorporation of real historical events into the narrative provide a sense of authenticity, while his skillful storytelling keeps readers engaged with a blend of espionage, magic, and historical intrigue.
Hale had automatically started counting, and Spenser made four. “I imagine so,” he said, hastily and at random. “Uh, ‘which being dead many years, shall after revive,’ is the bit you’re thinking of. I... 'Agent Zigzag: A True Story of Nazi Espionage, Love, and Betrayal' by Ben Macintyre is a gripping account of the life of Eddie Chapman, a British double agent in the German Secret Service during WWII. The book narrates Chapman's remarkable journey from being a criminal to becoming a spy who played a crucial role in supplying information to the British while deceiving the Germans. Ben Macintyre's writing style is captivating, blending historical facts with a narrative that reads like a top-notch novel. The book is filled with references to MI5 archives and other historical sources, providing a rich and authentic backdrop to Chapman's extraordinary story.
Spring came early to the island of Jersey in 1939, and the sun that poured through the dining-room window of the Hotel de la Plage formed a dazzling halo around the man sitting opposite Betty Farmer w...- #3
Save:Old Mortality by Walter Scott is a historical novel set in Scotland during the religious wars of 1679 against the last Stuart kings. The book follows the story of Henry Morton, who gets involved in the Covenanters' uprising for the re-establishment of Presbyterianism in Scotland. The novel intricately weaves together fictional and real characters in a realistic historical context, showcasing the struggles, conflicts, and moral dilemmas faced by individuals on both sides of the rebellion. The narrative not only delves into the historical events but also explores themes of extremism, moderation, loyalty, and the impact of religious fervor on society.
The author, Walter Scott, skillfully balances the viewpoints of different characters, allowing readers to draw their own conclusions about the moral complexities presented in the novel. Through engaging storytelling and well-described battle scenes, Scott brings to life a period of religious and political turmoil in Scotland, highlighting the clash between ideologies and the personal sacrifices made during times of rebellion and change.
Ahora bien, dijo el Cura: traedme, senor huésped, aquesos libros, que los quiero ver. Que me place, respondió el; y entrando en su aposento, sacó dél una maletilla vieja cerrada con una cadenilla, y a... - #4
Save:A Hero of France by Alan Furst is set in Paris during 1941, focusing on a Resistance cell led by Mathieu, whose mission is to help downed British airmen escape to safety. The story portrays the early years of the French Resistance, operating independently before the Communist involvement and the crackdown by the German Gestapo. The writing style captures the intimate tale of this group of heroes navigating through collaborators, informers, and the ruthless German military police, with a focus on the emotional struggles and risks they face.
At eight-twenty in the evening, the man known to his Resistance cell as Mathieu waited in a doorway where he could watch the entry of the Métro station on the Boulevard Richard-Lenoir. He tried to loo...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Night Soldiers ) - #5
Save:"The Sorrow of Belgium" by Hugo Claus is a coming of age story of a young Belgian boy, Louis Seynaeve, set during World War II. The novel delves into Louis' experiences in a country at war, exploring themes of growing up in a divided Belgium with complex loyalties. The story is told through Louis' perspective, highlighting his relationships with family and friends, the impact of war on his life, and the cultural tensions between the Flemish and French traditions in Belgium.
Regarded as a panoramic novel of life in wartime Flanders, "The Sorrow of Belgium" paints a scathing, humorous, and moving portrayal of a Flemish community during the war. Through Louis' journey from a sheltered convent school to the chaos of war, the book explores beliefs, loyalties, and friendships severely tested by the wartime circumstances. The narrative is rich in dialogues, wit, and memorable characters coping with the destruction and ambiguity of wartime Belgium.
Washington's Spies by Alexander Rose delves into the intriguing world of espionage during the American War of Independence, focusing on General Washington's intelligence operations in New York. The book vividly portrays the challenges faced by the Culper Ring in gathering crucial information from within British-held territory, showcasing the tradecraft and daring missions of individuals like Benjamin Tallmadge and Abraham Woodhull. Through a mix of historical narrative and captivating storytelling, Rose sheds light on the lesser-known aspect of George Washington employing spies and the impact of intelligence gathering on the war efforts.
'During the Reign of the Queen of Persia' by Joan Chase is a novel set in a small town in Ohio in the 1950s, focusing on a family of women spanning multiple generations. The story is narrated by four granddaughters, exploring their relationships with each other and their experiences growing up under the matriarchal figure of Lil Gran. The book delves into themes of family dynamics, feminine awakening, and the complexities of relationships, all portrayed with poetic language and vivid characterizations.
The narrative unfolds in a non-linear manner, highlighting different aspects of the family members' lives through various chapters. The story revolves around the characters' interactions, struggles, and growth, particularly centering on Grace's battle with breast cancer and the impact it has on the family dynamics. Through the multiple perspectives of the granddaughters, the book weaves a tapestry of girlhood experiences, showcasing the bonds of love and loyalty that transcend hardship and loss.
IN northern Ohio there is a county of some hundred thousand arable acres which breaks with the lake region flatland and begins to roll and climb, and to change into rural settings: roadside clusters o...- #8
Save:Alison Weir's novel, 'Innocent Traitor', delves into the tragic life of Lady Jane Grey, the nine-day queen of England. The story is narrated through various perspectives, including Lady Jane's own, her mother's, her nurse's, and other relevant characters, providing a detailed exploration of her life from childhood to her untimely death. Weir masterfully intertwines historical facts with fictional elements, portraying Lady Jane as a pawn in the political intrigues and religious turmoil of Tudor England. The book captures the reader's attention with its rich storytelling and evocative depiction of the era.
The narrative skillfully portrays Lady Jane Grey's struggles as a political tool manipulated by her ambitious family members and courtiers. Weir's writing style immerses the reader in the turbulent times of Tudor England, offering a blend of historical accuracy and emotional depth. Through the multiple viewpoints presented in the novel, the reader gains insight into Lady Jane's character, her intelligence, and her unwavering commitment to her beliefs despite the tragic fate awaiting her. 'Innocent Traitor' is a poignant tale of power, betrayal, and the complexities of loyalty during a tumultuous period in English history.
I am sitting on my bed, my fingers feverishly creasing the crewelwork on the coverlet. The fire has been lit and crackles merrily in the hearth, but I am shivering. I am now a condemned traitor, and a... - #9
Save:'The Man From St. Petersburg' by Ken Follett is a historical fiction and thriller set in the months leading up to World War I. The plot revolves around a secret treaty negotiation between Britain and Russia, orchestrated by Prince Orlov and the Earl of Walden, while a Russian anarchist assassin, who was once romantically involved with the countess, aims to disrupt the negotiations. The story is filled with deception, lies, and a race against time to prevent a murder, all unfolding against the backdrop of political tensions in England, France, Germany, and Russia in 1914. Despite some two-dimensional characters, the relationships and events in the book manage to bring them to life intermittently.
It was a slow Sunday afternoon, the kind Walden loved. He stood at an open window and looked across the park. The broad, level lawn was dotted with mature trees: a Scotch pine, a pair of mighty oaks, ... - #10
Save:"Fire on the Mountain" by Edward Abbey is a novel set in the West, portraying the struggle of an aging rancher, John Vogelin, against the US government's attempts to take over his land for the White Sands Missile Range expansion. Through the eyes of Vogelin's grandson and other characters, Abbey weaves a tale of defiance, love for the land, and the clash between individual liberty and governmental authority. The book is praised for its vivid descriptions of the desert landscape, the emotional connection to the characters, and the philosophical musings on nature preservation and personal freedom.
Brightest New Mexico. In the vivid light each rock and tree and cloud and mountain existed with a kind of force and clarity that seemed not natural but supernatural. Yet it also felt as familiar as ho...
