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Dark Star: A Novel Audiobook
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(4.01) - 1,559 listener ratings
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Publisher Description
Author Alan Furst has written several historical fiction novels. In Dark Star, Andre Szara, a Polish journalist who becomes a spy for the Soviet Union in the late 1930s, is ordered to complete many tasks of espionage in Paris. Through Szara's character, the beginnings of World War II are revealed. George Guidall's gripping narration complements this suspenseful tale.
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"It's been a long, long time since I've finished a book, slept on it, and started over the next day. Dark Star is so thick, and rich with plot, character, and place that there was no way I could get it the first time through, and even after the second reading I could go back for more. I've been on a bit of an Alan Furst tear: Night Soldiers, The Spies of Warsaw, and Spies of the Balkans, but this one takes the cake. Deep into the heart and mind of Russian intelligence, deep into the machinations of Hitler and Stalin, as deep as you can get into the soul of the protagonist, this is a hell of a book. Most of the other reviewers go over the story, check them out, but beyond the story this is history, philosophy, poetry, and damned good writing."
— Richard (5 out of 5 stars)
Quotes
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“Outclasses any spy novel I have ever read.”
— Richard Condon, author of The Manchurian Candidate -
“A rich, deeply moving novel of suspense that is equal parts espionage thriller, European history, and love story…The time frame of the late 1930s on the Continent was once the special property of Eric Ambler and Graham Greene; Mr. Furst has ventured into their fictional territory and brought out a story that is equally original and engaging.”
— New York Times -
“Captures the murky allegiances and moral ambiguity of Europe on the brink of war…Nothing can be like watching Casablanca for the first time. But Furst comes closer than anyone has in years.”
— Time -
“A jewel—a gripping thriller that is also a fascinating history lesson.”
— Daily Mail (London) -
“Compelling…An excellent novel of history, betrayal and, most important, survival…While the story offers enough twists and turns to satisfy the most ardent spy fan, author Alan Furst transcends genre. This is a novel with heart.”
— San Francisco Chronicle -
“Intelligent, provocative, and gripping…Furst depicts the historical, geographic, and political context in lucid and highly readable prose…beautifully and compellingly told.”
— Publishers Weekly -
“George Guidall…delivers an outstanding performance. His mastery of multiple foreign accents seems limitless, and he handles female voices exceptionally well. His nuanced pacing and changes of tone heighten the action and characters’ emotions without overdramatization.”
— AudioFile -
“An intriguing combination of spy story and historical novel…Entertaining, exciting, and thought-provoking reading.”
— Library Journal -
“Kafka, Dostoyevsky, and le Carré sit up all night and talk to each other and this is what you get. It is absolutely wonderful.”
— Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
Awards
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Winner of the AudioFile Earphones Award
Dark Star Listener Reviews
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William, 5/13/2022
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" At times a bit hard to read, as there is so much information to remember, but for the most part thrilling, my heart beating in my chest while I read. "
— J, 2/19/2014 -
" A little choppy in spots. And perhaps slow at times. But fascinating overall. If I were interested in genres, I'd file this under historical fiction rather than spy thriller. "
— Billymojo, 1/29/2014 -
" I've read a ton of Alan Furst's novels--and after reading and then listening to Dark Star, I think this one is the best. "
— Carroll, 1/27/2014 -
" If you want to escape into the world of espionage, intrigue and suspense then read Dark Star. Furst tells a story filled with such vivid detail that you feel you have been transported to occupied lands in 1939. I read Dark Star during my morning commute and found myself waiting for uniformed soldiers to board the bus or stop me while I crossed the foot bridge connecting Kentucky and Ohio and ask for my papers. To avoid any spoilers, Furst ends the book in a surprising fashion that was pleasing and unexpected. "
— Jim, 1/19/2014 -
" One of the best WW2 novels I have ever read. It completely captures the uncertainty of the time and provides an interesting insight into the political intrigue in Eastern Europe. It's gritty and dark and incredibly engrossing. "
— Becca, 1/16/2014 -
" Loved this book! intelligent, makes you think "
— Brandin, 1/10/2014 -
" A very interesting view of Europe during the time period 1937-40 through the eyes of a Soviet NKVD agent. If you enjoy reading about WWII in Europe and also like spy thrillers, you will definitely enjoy this book. "
— Al, 1/10/2014 -
" heads and shoulders above John LeCarre. The best espionage novel I've read to date. "
— Michal, 12/29/2013 -
" My enjoyment of spy novels started with Robert Ludlum, who tells a fast-paced tale with fairly shallow characters and improbably dialogue. Alan Furst, on the other hand, is a thoughtful writer who fully develops his characters and weaves an intriguing story. "
— Lisa, 12/14/2013 -
" Magical realism with a Russian twist. "
— Lou, 12/10/2013 -
" Jewish journalist turned Soviet spy in 1938 Berlin. What's not to love?! "
— Breezy, 12/8/2013 -
" Great spy / historical novel - very atmospheric "
— Joseph, 11/12/2013 -
" I've read almost all of Alan Furst's historical espionage novels, they are absolutely superb. However, Dark Star is my favorite. It's simply a great read. "
— Yael, 11/1/2013 -
" I loved this historical spy novel set in late 1930s Europe. Highly recommended. "
— Ruth, 9/24/2013 -
" Does all the things you want an espionage novel to do. It takes off running, and Furst takes you with him through all facets of protagonist Andre Szara's network. It's a long read, but it's suspenseful through the book's final moments. You can't help but feel as though you're reading a movie. "
— Tyler, 9/17/2013 -
" Very Interesting to me. "
— Thomas, 5/20/2013 -
" Alan Furst is one of my most favourite authors. I love this genre and he is a master of it. He has a very easy to read writing style. I have read almost all of his books now and have enjoyed every one. "
— Kerry, 8/26/2012 -
" Spies - Germany, Russian, England - at the beginning of WWII. Kristalnicht, the invasion of Poland, terror and effort to prevent misery. "
— Joyce, 8/17/2012 -
" Alan Furst at his best. As someone who would know told me, this gives a tremendously realistic picture of this kind of activity. I highly recommend it! "
— Penney, 7/13/2012 -
" This book did have some spots that were rather bland, but overall an exciting book. "
— Sarah, 6/27/2012 -
" Oh my god. My new passion: Alan Furst. I must read everything he's written. This one is a brilliant evocation of between-the-wars eastern Europe, spy craft, Soviet social currents, politics, relationships, travel. It's all perfect perfect perfect. "
— Rachel, 6/17/2012 -
" Enjoying Furst's historical approach to espionage writing. He pays close attention to the cultural and practical details of interwar Europe. "
— Andy, 2/24/2012 -
" The best book by one of my favorites. You don't HAVE to read them in order but read them all! "
— Michael, 12/11/2011 -
" I didn't think this was nearly as good as Night Soldiers, but it was still diverting and eye-opening. "
— Watoosa, 7/29/2011 -
" Very cool book. Not sure how he recreated a world of Russian secret service agents, but every situation in this book rang true and the characters were real. I enjoyed it a lot! "
— Jodi, 6/28/2011 -
" Russian journalist pre WWII. Nice ending, slow beginning "
— Dan, 4/27/2011 -
" This book is COMPLICATED - and I mean that as both a compliment and a criticism. "
— Adele, 4/14/2011 -
" Great descriptions and use of language. "She was a little pudding of a woman." I love that. Dark stories with well drawn characters. Most everything is a grey area. "
— Pat, 2/26/2011 -
" Magical realism with a Russian twist. "
— Lou, 12/6/2010 -
" Love this book! 1937 traveling all over Europe, just a regular guy and Andre Szara does the right thing! "
— Gloria, 9/10/2010 -
" Still marveling at Furst's ability to capture the essence of an era, a setting, a location and a character while telling an entirely believable tale of espionage, war, love and internal conflict. I'm on to the next Furst as soon as it arrives. "
— Donald, 9/7/2010 -
" Not as good as Night Soldiers, but still good enough to be one of the better writers in the genre. "
— Brian, 9/6/2010
About Alan Furst
Alan Furst is widely recognized as the master of the historical spy novel. He is the author of Night Soldiers, Dark Star, The Polish Officer, The World at Night, and others. He has written for a number of magazines and news publications, including Esquire and the International Herald Tribune. Before becoming a full-time novelist, he worked as a copy writer for ad agencies in Seattle; he has also lived in New York and France. Currently, Furst lives on Long Island, New York.
About George Guidall
George Guidall, winner of more than eighty AudioFile Earphones Awards, has won three of the prestigious Audie Award for Excellence in Audiobook Narration. In 2014 the Audio Publishers Association presented him with the Special Achievement Award for lifetime achievement/ During his thirty-year recording career he has recorded over 1,700 audiobooks, won multiple awards, been a mentor to many narrators, and shown by example the potential of fine storytelling. His forty-year acting career includes starring roles on Broadway, an Obie Award for best performance off Broadway, and frequent television appearances.