Members with This Book
Most Helpful Reviews
see all reviews
Liked It “I became a fan of Ms. Mandel when I stumbled on her debut novel "Last Night in Montreal". Her second novel is totally different and proved to be just as enjoyable. This time, I was treated to a sophisticated cocktail filled with flashbacks and flash forwards mixed into a fiery mystery of...” see full review » see other reviews » |
Didn’t Like It “Actually ended up better than I thought. In some ways this is kind of an existential suspense novel where the meaning of life and the value of work is called into question. Additionally, the randomness of relationships Nd their tenuousness is explored. Parts are completely bizarre and...” see full review » see other reviews » |
Newest Reviews
see all reviews-
“I became a fan of Ms. Mandel when I stumbled on her debut novel "Last Night in Montreal". Her second novel is totally different and proved to be just as enjoyable. This time, I was treated to a sophisticated cocktail filled with flashbacks and flash forwards mixed into a fiery mystery of suspense, international intrigue, a tale of family loyalties and the price one pays to obtain independence.
Toni O wrote this review Saturday, November 26, 2011. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
The story concerns the conflicting and intersecting interests of Anton Waker, his ex-secretary/lover Elena, his cousin Aria and the detective bent on bringing down the family business, Alexandra Brodon.
Anton wants a normal life, have a family and a desk job. He is tired of doing things that are immoral and being involved in the illegal business of his parents, but his ties are strong and hard to break. Anton reinvents himself as a successful middle manager in another field but his carefully constructed life soon begins to disintegrate around him. His past comes back to haunt him when his cousin Aria threatens to reveal his roots in crime if he doesn't do one last job. Now he is forced to choose between family and his desire to live a life on the good side of the law..... How can he keep his past buried for ever?
The story is well-crafted without the slam-bang action found in most thrillers. It explores the dangerous territory between ones duties to family versus ones desire. The writer's prose remain sturdy and lean throughout, slowly drawing you in, gradually building tension until you are hooked and holding your breath in anticipation and savouring every word while turning the pages. Anton Waker, is Mandel's mysterious, complex and conflicted protagonist and the rest of the cast is carefully nuanced to create a unique atmosphere. It is easy to relate with Waker, he really doesn't seem like a criminal at all, a good person at heart unfortunately brought up on the wrong side of the fence.
I enjoyed this novel very much; Emily St. John appears on the right track to be a diversified and gifted writer.
”“Actually ended up better than I thought. In some ways this is kind of an existential suspense novel where the meaning of life and the value of work is called into question. Additionally, the randomness of relationships Nd their tenuousness is explored. Parts are completely bizarre and unrealistic like when Anton is exiled to the cleaners floor at his job and throws things out the closed wndows and no one notices and he never quits. It's not clear who Anton is that this would be expected behavior except from a rather kafakesque perspective. Part of a family that lives through stealing, Anton wants something more normal, yet doesnt go to college even though he is quite smart, instead Aftter helping with illegL passport selling he fakes graduation from Harvard and begins to workin an office.”
Mary v wrote this review Tuesday, August 2, 2011. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No“Interesting book, reminded me of a David Mamet play. Lots of things hinted at, but unsaid.”
Mary Hirdt wrote this review Saturday, April 23, 2011. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“A fantastic book, original storyline and lovely setting. Loved getting to know the characters, and liked pretty much everything about it except the last paragraph (sometimes I'm picky about endings)”
Jessie wrote this review Sunday, January 9, 2011. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“Interesting ... topics you don't normally hear about. Would be a good Woody Allen movie!”
Melissa O wrote this review Sunday, June 27, 2010. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“Anton no longer wanted to be in his family's corrupt business so he goes out to find his own way. Written well but I would not feel compelled to recommend it to avid readers. The message of changing ones life was good, but I did not feel empowered when finished. ”
Sandy K wrote this review Thursday, May 27, 2010. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
Displaying 1-7 of 7
