…and talk about how I found the perfect spy novel.

Those who regularly read my blog, or at least used to *big sigh* (let’s not talk about what my little blog traffic line graph looks like right now), know that I love a great spy story. Unfortunately, I hold spy stories to very high standards (unless, of course, Daniel Craig is acting them out), so this year I have yet to find a new favourite spy author.

Until now.

And who is the lucky author, who with ten books to his name is sure to appear more often in my ‘currently reading sidebar’ (note to self: update that!)?

Ladies and gentlemen, may I present to you:

Alan Furst

I just finished reading Night Soldiers, and it’s exactly what Eva’s ideal spy novel is. It’s introspective and philosophical; each of the characters truly embodies their nationalities; no one speaks an absurd amount of language fluently; the settings were wonderfully drawn; I cared about the characters; the ending was perfection.

I don’t think I need to say more than that, do I? If you’re interested in Europe from around the rise of Hitler to the end of WWII, if you’re interested in spies, if you’re interested in how people cope in impossible situations and live with the consequences of wrenching decisions, you should go read this book. Of course, parts of it are dark, but I promise it’s not a tear-jerker (and we know how easily I cry). I didn’t know anything about the plot going into the book, and I think that was for the best. But you should know that this isn’t pulp fiction; Hurst has a gorgeous style and a wideview lens that reminded me a little of Tolstoy. That being said, the action is always moving, and I had to keep turnign the pages to find out if everything was going to be ok. Go read this book!