Paris, 1940. The civilized, upper-class life of film producer Jean Casson is derailed by the German occupation of Paris, but Casson learns that with enough money, compromise, and connections, one need not deny oneself the pleasures of Parisian life. Somewhere inside Casson, though, is a stubborn romantic streak. When he's offered the chance to take part in an operation of the British secret service, this idealism gives him the courage to say yes. A simple mission, but it goes wrong, and Casson realizes he must gamble everything-his career, the woman he loves, life itself. Here is a brilliant re-creation of France-its spirit in the moment of defeat, its valor in the moment of rebirth.
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"Alan Furst is an author of sheer genius in his depiction of WW2 era espionage, atmospherics, tensions, intimacies. His 14 books in THE NIGHT SOLDIERS series may vary in location, personalities, levels of violence, in violent times. The most consistent trait in Furst's writings is authenticity and historical accuracy. This is historical fiction of the highest most elucidating character. Most critically important core philosophy of Furst's revelatory didacticism is the prime lesson - Statist Tyranny wears several masks - Communist, National Socialist, Fascist - but these mass murdering thugs are always the same people - sadistic regulatory obsessives with the ethics and morals of reptiles. Sound like the city councils of LA, SF, B-MD, P-PA, D-MI, NYC? These are instructional lessons from recent history with a contemporary application - Take Heed. "
— William (5 out of 5 stars)
" Paris in the '30 as seen through the eyes of a Parisian artist/reluctant spy. It's seems like I'm seeing a noir black and white movie of the '30s in my head. WAY better than movies. "
— Lou, 2/10/2014" Another totally enjoyable Furst. My favorite thing about this one was that not a whole lot happened, he just lived like a frenchman in difficult times, a little spyin' and a little sleepin' around. Viva la France! "
— Bazbal666, 2/8/2014" As usual, Furst opens a window into the world of European history by creating another fully-realized and sympathetic character to experience it for us. This time the setting is occupied France, where a patriotic movie producer finds himself drawn rather haphazardly into spy work. The tone and atmosphere are lovingly detailed, and Jean Casson is a wonderful point-of-view character. "
— Jennifer, 2/6/2014" Second Alan Furst book. WWII "
— Randy, 1/30/2014" The depiction of Paris is great, but I am baffled by the ending. "
— Richard, 1/20/2014" one of my all time favorite books. "
— Gigi, 1/20/2014" Another excellent thriller from Furst. I read the follow-up (Red Gold) about a year ago and I recommend reading this one first. It definitely sets the stage for both plot lines and character development. "
— Robert, 1/4/2014" I think this book accurately conveys the feeling of ordinary life during World War II. Also very exciting story, sympathetic characters, beautifully written. "
— Refuse, 12/20/2013" actually currently listening to the george guidel read unabridged version. "
— Andy, 11/23/2013" I picked this up at random from the new books shelf at the library and really enjoyed it. It effectively captured the fear and uncertainty of the German occupation of Paris without any actual violence. I'm inspired to read more of his "
— Hollis, 11/12/2013" I was very engaged by the well drawn characters of this story until the ending which failed to satisfy. "
— Ann, 8/30/2013" Furst has an uncanny ability to teach history while engrossing his readers in an individual's daily life. His inclusion of small details brings dimension to the story, and provides a real sense of his protagonists intellectual and emotional make-up. Truly a fantastic novel. "
— Shannon, 8/2/2013" This was my first novel by Alan Furst and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I've since read (actually, listened to) 5 or 6 more by this author. "
— Roger, 5/10/2013" Hard to read and I usually hate all French characters in book! "
— R., 12/20/2012" A view of Paris during the German occupation. "
— Diane, 12/6/2012" The NY Times loves this guy but his writing leaves me cold. No John le Carre. No Graham Greene. "
— Peter, 12/4/2012" Confusing, disjointed, disconnected, hard to follow. It was like it was a rough draft and the author never got around to filling in the gaps. I was never really sure what was going on in the book and what the point was. I think it could have been good but it was just too disjointed. "
— Miste, 11/18/2012" Another good historical spy novel by Furst. I had read the sequel to this and enjoyed it as well. "
— John, 4/1/2012" A movie producer is drawn into working against the German occupation in WWII era Paris. "
— Tara, 1/15/2012" Very reluctant to pick this intially up as the subject matter didn't seem appealing. But the characterisation of Casson, an insider's outsider in the cosy French haute bourgeoise of the 16th Arrondissement, was very compelling and sympathetic.<br/><br/><br/> "
— gargamelscat, 6/10/2011" I didn't like this one as much as his others, but the setting of WWII occupied Paris was indeed haunting. It was an interesting view of decisions different characters made to survive the German occupation. "
— Chris, 6/1/2011" I am, generally speaking, a Furst fan (just can't quite remember the details of this one). "
— Colleen, 5/29/2011" It was one of Furst's good books with a hero who was a common person. High on testosterone. It left it with the unknown, you could take it either way. "
— Kenneth, 3/16/2011" A dark shadowy read about a dark, shadowy time: Paris, 1940. Very enjoyable, and a surprise ending! "
— Carol, 3/8/2011" This was my first novel by Alan Furst and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I've since read (actually, listened to) 5 or 6 more by this author. "
— Rhw199, 2/15/2011" Another excellent thriller from Furst. I read the follow-up (Red Gold) about a year ago and I recommend reading this one first. It definitely sets the stage for both plot lines and character development.<br/> "
— Robert, 2/6/2011" I am a big fan of Alan Furst. I loved this. "
— Dougzilla, 1/6/2011" it is a pity that there isn't a no star category .<br/>i really don't know who reads all these Furst novels because this is the first plotless thriller i have read full of Paris cliches and featuring an empty invisible man as its hero . Absolute tosh with all the atmosphere of a used teabag . "
— Alistair, 12/16/2010" Paris in the '30 as seen through the eyes of a Parisian artist/reluctant spy. It's seems like I'm seeing a noir black and white movie of the '30s in my head. WAY better than movies. "
— Lou, 12/6/2010" Much better than the Polish Officer. Very entertaining depiction of how an average citizen might get pulled and twisted into involvement in occupied France. "
— Aaron, 10/8/2010Alan 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.
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.