The World at Night: A Novel
by Alan Furst
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Book Summary Information
Author: Alan FurstEdition: Paperback
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published)
Published: 2002-01-08
ISBN: 0375758585
Number of pages: 268
Publisher: Random House Trade Paperbacks
Book Reviews of The World at Night: A Novel
Book Review: A Solid Novel, but not Furst's Greatest
Summary: 3 Stars
For the first time in his well crafted series of espionage novels set amid the interwar years and opening acts of WW2 taking place in Eastern Europe, Furst departs from his usual stomping grounds in "The World at Night". Firstly, the story takes place in France, and its main character, Jean Casson, is French. Secondly, the timeline is from the invasion of France into World War 2- often occurring only in the final chapters of Furst's other novels.
His accomplishment is varied in its quality; at first I was not so interested in reading this book because the originality of his others seemed to be replaced by a run-of-the-mill WW2 spy novel. However, Jean Casson holds his own as an interesting and conflicted protagonist. As he converts his skills in media production to resisting Nazi rule, Casson is torn between the life of affluence he knew, and the desire to fight for the memory of France that seems to be fading all around him. Additionally, Casson's love interest adds another layer of complexity to the story.
"The World at Night" has an ending that left me waiting for more, and a little unsatisfied, which is my biggest critique of the story. I think Furst himself must have realized this, and he returns to Jean Casson's plight in the only direct sequel he has written to date (April, 2006), and the continues the tale in "Red Gold".
Although this novel can easily be read as a stand-alone book, some readers will enjoy beginning their foray into Furst's world with "Night Soldiers", his original and possibly best spy novel. This book introduces several characters who make appearances throughout Furst's other novels set in the same period of time and general geographical local. Because of this fact, I highly recommend reading "Night Soldiers" first, although those that follow can typically be read in any particular order (the exception being the stories involving Jean Casson - World at Night and Red Gold).
What makes Furst's loosely structured series so compelling is that 1; they are very well researched and historical very accurate, especially with regard to spy craft - as I understand it through academic experience only. 2; the characters are extremely flawed, very believable and interesting to empathize with - all of the characters and their adventures provoke much thought. 3; the novels do not attempt to achieve a false sense of conclusion at their end - they always allow the reader to decide for him/herself what happens, and they rarely resolve the feeling of tension that pervades Furst's works. 4; the secondary characters are always very well developed and much more interesting than their sometimes small roles would have the reader believe- so one is always off balance (who will live, who will die - who can be trusted, who cannot?). 5; Furst does an excellent job of setting the atmosphere of terror that resulted from the conflict between fascism and the resistance in France during the Second World War.
You cannot go wrong with this novel. While not Furst's best spy novel, for anyone interested in reading and enjoying spy stories, or stories of world war two, this book is a must read.
Summary of The World at Night: A Novel
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.Alan Furst has written three excellent thrillers set in unexpected corners of World War II: Dark Star, Night Soldiers and The Polish Officer. Now he continues his exploration of courage under fire with this haunting story of a film producer caught inside Nazi-occupied France, and what he has to do not only to survive but also to come out with his personal ideas of honor intact.
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