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Azincourt
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Bernard Cornwell;
2008-10-01;
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Usually dispatched within 24 hours
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Amazon: £9.49
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 Customer Reviews
Convincingly real, 13 Oct 2008
The heaps of praise this outstanding novel is getting here (with sales to match, I understand) is thoroughly deserved. I have no wish to repeat the plaudits and plot descriptions already offered, but thought it worth sharing my opinion that this is the best work Bernard Cornwell has produced since his utterly engrossing Arthurian trilogy "The Warlord Chronicles" which appeared well over a decade ago.
What made those three books so captivating was the reimagining of an enchanted legend and the placement of that legend into both a historical context and into an atmosphere which seemed convincingly realistic. Plus, of course, an unputdownable narrative momentum, a Cornwell trademark.
Given the greater amount of recorded historical detail available to Cornwell here, a reimagining is less necessary. So, the author focuses on putting the reader right into the heart of the action, the fears, smells, sounds, prejudices, superstitions, heroism and malevolence of an age in which we should all be glad we didn't live. With the exception of the obligatory malevolent monk (Sir Martin, who's complete lack of any single redeeming feature makes him somewhat cartoonish to my mind) all the characters are well fleshed out and their motivations and actions seem believable and authentic.
Finally, the spiritual part of the novel, Nicholas Hook's "relationship" with Saints Crispin and Crispinian, is beautifully handled and makes deft use of a historical coincidence I was unaware of. In fact, Christianity per se is handled very well in this story - given the historical setting, there's simply no avoiding it. However, where one may have left "The Warlord Chronicles" or even Cornwell's ongoing retelling of King Alfred's history with the impression that the author really has very little time for Chrisianity, I left this one with a more refined view. He simply doesn't like hypocritical self serving "Christians" very much.
Even this atheist can say a committed "Amen" to that.
Grail Quest Vol 4., 13 Oct 2008
First things first: this is probably the best book Bernard Cornwell has written in the past 5 years. Its greatest strength, but also its one weakness is that is effectively the 4th book in the Grail Quest series. To all extents and purposes the new hero Nicholas Hook is just Thomas of Hookton mark two (in fact Thomas of Hookton even gets a one line mention). You'd be hard pressed to distinguish the two and even the supporting cast are virtually identical. Nicholas is accompanied by a french girlfriend who's the daughter of a French knight and a friendly and most ungodly priest. So far, so Harlequin.
HOWEVER the reason people buy Bernard Cornwell's books isn't for the great characterisation or original plots- its for the battle scenes. Frankly no-one describes french men at arms being hacked apart with pole-axes and decimated by arrows in quite the way that Cornwell does and in this Azincourt excels. There's a shameless enjoyment to reading about any battle described by Cornwell and surely Azincourt was the ultimate battle, so he can really let rip on this one.
For me the historical notes at the back of the book are often the best bit of this sort of book. They put the novels into context, add in some detail and give Bernard Cornwell a chance to air his personal feelings. Again he excels in the back pages of this novel, making some very convincing counter arguments to some of the recent revisionist histories of Azincourt. Cornwell knows his history and makes solid assumptions when the 'truth' is less clear.
All Cornwell fans need this book on their shelf.
Adventure history at its best, 10 Oct 2008
It probably comes as no suprise to anyone who saw Bernard Cornwell's glowing comments on the front of Juliet Barker's excellent history book 'Agincourt', that Cornwell turned his attention Henry V's famous, almost miraculous, victory over the French. The problem is how to make such an extraordinarily well known story - thanks to Shakespeare and numerous histories - seem fresh and exciting. Thankfully, we are in the hands of a master at this sort of thing.
His story of Nick Hook, an English longbowman, does more than simply tick the expected boxes. It successfully puts the victory at Agincourt into perspective both politically and socially. It does so by bringing us firmly into the lives of the people. These people realised as properly medieval men and women. Cornwell scores over so many of his competitors by convincing us that these are not simply modern men in fancy dress. Faith in Christianity, for example, and the battle between the heretical Lollard beliefs, common in England at the time, and the Church are woven into the fabric of the story. It will come as no suprise that the battle scenes are strongly and convincingly portrayed.
I always hesitate before giving a five star review, but this is certainly worth it.
Fabulous, 10 Oct 2008
I've been a fan of Cornwell's for some years now and have read everything he's done, in the past I have found his one off story's lack the sheer brilliance of his books that are part of a series. Azincourt however is, in my opinion, the best novel Cornwell has as yet produced, it's simply awsome. There are some aspects here that just shouldn't work (mainly the bits with God and the Saints) but Mr C pulls it off without leaving the reader thinking 'yeah right like that'd happen'.
I read this in 2 days flat, it's the very best book I have read in a long time, I implore buy this book, you will not be disappointed.
Cornwell ? The best on the scene, 09 Oct 2008
Bernard Cornwell is like a war machine: a wonderful book every 8-12 months. After Sharpe (the best of His series) Arthur and Harlequin a new adventure with the fierce struggle between british archers and french heavy cavalry at Azincourt. A solid plot, good characters, a great battle. What else ?
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A Thousand Splendid Suns
Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days
*Best price found from Amazon Marketplace seller
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*Amazon: £2.82
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Customer Reviews
Convincingly real, 13 Oct 2008
The heaps of praise this outstanding novel is getting here (with sales to match, I understand) is thoroughly deserved. I have no wish to repeat the plaudits and plot descriptions already offered, but thought it worth sharing my opinion that this is the best work Bernard Cornwell has produced since his utterly engrossing Arthurian trilogy "The Warlord Chronicles" which appeared well over a decade ago.
What made those three books so captivating was the reimagining of an enchanted legend and the placement of that legend into both a historical context and into an atmosphere which seemed convincingly realistic. Plus, of course, an unputdownable narrative momentum, a Cornwell trademark.
Given the greater amount of recorded historical detail available to Cornwell here, a reimagining is less necessary. So, the author focuses on putting the reader right into the heart of the action, the fears, smells, sounds, prejudices, superstitions, heroism and malevolence of an age in which we should all be glad we didn't live. With the exception of the obligatory malevolent monk (Sir Martin, who's complete lack of any single redeeming feature makes him somewhat cartoonish to my mind) all the characters are well fleshed out and their motivations and actions seem believable and authentic.
Finally, the spiritual part of the novel, Nicholas Hook's "relationship" with Saints Crispin and Crispinian, is beautifully handled and makes deft use of a historical coincidence I was unaware of. In fact, Christianity per se is handled very well in this story - given the historical setting, there's simply no avoiding it. However, where one may have left "The Warlord Chronicles" or even Cornwell's ongoing retelling of King Alfred's history with the impression that the author really has very little time for Chrisianity, I left this one with a more refined view. He simply doesn't like hypocritical self serving "Christians" very much.
Even this atheist can say a committed "Amen" to that.
Grail Quest Vol 4., 13 Oct 2008
First things first: this is probably the best book Bernard Cornwell has written in the past 5 years. Its greatest strength, but also its one weakness is that is effectively the 4th book in the Grail Quest series. To all extents and purposes the new hero Nicholas Hook is just Thomas of Hookton mark two (in fact Thomas of Hookton even gets a one line mention). You'd be hard pressed to distinguish the two and even the supporting cast are virtually identical. Nicholas is accompanied by a french girlfriend who's the daughter of a French knight and a friendly and most ungodly priest. So far, so Harlequin.
HOWEVER the reason people buy Bernard Cornwell's books isn't for the great characterisation or original plots- its for the battle scenes. Frankly no-one describes french men at arms being hacked apart with pole-axes and decimated by arrows in quite the way that Cornwell does and in this Azincourt excels. There's a shameless enjoyment to reading about any battle described by Cornwell and surely Azincourt was the ultimate battle, so he can really let rip on this one.
For me the historical notes at the back of the book are often the best bit of this sort of book. They put the novels into context, add in some detail and give Bernard Cornwell a chance to air his personal feelings. Again he excels in the back pages of this novel, making some very convincing counter arguments to some of the recent revisionist histories of Azincourt. Cornwell knows his history and makes solid assumptions when the 'truth' is less clear.
All Cornwell fans need this book on their shelf.
Adventure history at its best, 10 Oct 2008
It probably comes as no suprise to anyone who saw Bernard Cornwell's glowing comments on the front of Juliet Barker's excellent history book 'Agincourt', that Cornwell turned his attention Henry V's famous, almost miraculous, victory over the French. The problem is how to make such an extraordinarily well known story - thanks to Shakespeare and numerous histories - seem fresh and exciting. Thankfully, we are in the hands of a master at this sort of thing.
His story of Nick Hook, an English longbowman, does more than simply tick the expected boxes. It successfully puts the victory at Agincourt into perspective both politically and socially. It does so by bringing us firmly into the lives of the people. These people realised as properly medieval men and women. Cornwell scores over so many of his competitors by convincing us that these are not simply modern men in fancy dress. Faith in Christianity, for example, and the battle between the heretical Lollard beliefs, common in England at the time, and the Church are woven into the fabric of the story. It will come as no suprise that the battle scenes are strongly and convincingly portrayed.
I always hesitate before giving a five star review, but this is certainly worth it.
Fabulous, 10 Oct 2008
I've been a fan of Cornwell's for some years now and have read everything he's done, in the past I have found his one off story's lack the sheer brilliance of his books that are part of a series. Azincourt however is, in my opinion, the best novel Cornwell has as yet produced, it's simply awsome. There are some aspects here that just shouldn't work (mainly the bits with God and the Saints) but Mr C pulls it off without leaving the reader thinking 'yeah right like that'd happen'.
I read this in 2 days flat, it's the very best book I have read in a long time, I implore buy this book, you will not be disappointed.
Cornwell ? The best on the scene, 09 Oct 2008
Bernard Cornwell is like a war machine: a wonderful book every 8-12 months. After Sharpe (the best of His series) Arthur and Harlequin a new adventure with the fierce struggle between british archers and french heavy cavalry at Azincourt. A solid plot, good characters, a great battle. What else ?
A must Read, 10 Oct 2008
Read this book and you will not be sorry!
I have read both Hosseini's books and I will not pick a favourite.
They are equally VERY good.
Type of books you cant stop reading and will cherish in your bookshelf...
Both books relate to us what is to be a human!
Flaud, sacrifices and mistakes we all make and have to live with.
I cant wait for his 3rd book.
compelling but miserable, 10 Oct 2008
I found this book quite compelling but profoundly miserable. If you are looking for grit and realism I would recommend it, it gives a good insight into awful living conditions in Afghanistan through years of turmoil. The characters are well developed. However, I was thoroughly depressed by reading this book - I guess because it was realistic. Maybe I'm just too shallow to do a book like this justice but this was not any form of escapism. Harrowing is a better description.
brilliant , 05 Oct 2008
This is one of the best books I have ever read. The story of two women brought together in the most awful, despicable circumstances which are totally out of their control. The husband Rasheed is probably one of the most hateful, violent characters I have ever come across and Hosseini's writing is so powerful that you believe these people really exist and I hated Rasheed with a passsion. This book had my heart thumping at a failed escape and crying at one of the most poignant chapters set in the Ghaza Stadium. Like the Kite Runner this book does end with a sense of hope but again, getting to that end still fills you with sadness. This is one book I will remember for along time.
Couldn't put it down!, 02 Oct 2008
I don't normally write reviews but I had to comment on A Thousand Splendid Suns which I have just finished. I couldn't put it down. It is written with understanding and feeling for the women of Afganistan. What they have had to go through is unthinkable in our western society but the author has managed to make it upbeat and shows that good overcomes evil eventually. This book will stay with me for a long time and I would thoroughly recommend it.
Highly Recommended, 02 Oct 2008
Each generation throws us a curveball of literacy genius; this is the one for this generation. Rarely is there a book that is so compelling that it reaches into the depth of your soul and make you reflect long after you have finished it. This book was given to me whilst deployed to Afghanistan but not read until my return. It is the only book that I have recommended to many people but would not share my copy. My daughter has now started reading it and interesting to see both the computer and mobile are off. This is a must read for all generations.
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A Most Wanted Man
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John le Carré;
2008-09-23;
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Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days
*Best price found from Amazon Marketplace seller
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*Amazon: £8.99
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Customer Reviews
Convincingly real, 13 Oct 2008
The heaps of praise this outstanding novel is getting here (with sales to match, I understand) is thoroughly deserved. I have no wish to repeat the plaudits and plot descriptions already offered, but thought it worth sharing my opinion that this is the best work Bernard Cornwell has produced since his utterly engrossing Arthurian trilogy "The Warlord Chronicles" which appeared well over a decade ago.
What made those three books so captivating was the reimagining of an enchanted legend and the placement of that legend into both a historical context and into an atmosphere which seemed convincingly realistic. Plus, of course, an unputdownable narrative momentum, a Cornwell trademark.
Given the greater amount of recorded historical detail available to Cornwell here, a reimagining is less necessary. So, the author focuses on putting the reader right into the heart of the action, the fears, smells, sounds, prejudices, superstitions, heroism and malevolence of an age in which we should all be glad we didn't live. With the exception of the obligatory malevolent monk (Sir Martin, who's complete lack of any single redeeming feature makes him somewhat cartoonish to my mind) all the characters are well fleshed out and their motivations and actions seem believable and authentic.
Finally, the spiritual part of the novel, Nicholas Hook's "relationship" with Saints Crispin and Crispinian, is beautifully handled and makes deft use of a historical coincidence I was unaware of. In fact, Christianity per se is handled very well in this story - given the historical setting, there's simply no avoiding it. However, where one may have left "The Warlord Chronicles" or even Cornwell's ongoing retelling of King Alfred's history with the impression that the author really has very little time for Chrisianity, I left this one with a more refined view. He simply doesn't like hypocritical self serving "Christians" very much.
Even this atheist can say a committed "Amen" to that.
Grail Quest Vol 4., 13 Oct 2008
First things first: this is probably the best book Bernard Cornwell has written in the past 5 years. Its greatest strength, but also its one weakness is that is effectively the 4th book in the Grail Quest series. To all extents and purposes the new hero Nicholas Hook is just Thomas of Hookton mark two (in fact Thomas of Hookton even gets a one line mention). You'd be hard pressed to distinguish the two and even the supporting cast are virtually identical. Nicholas is accompanied by a french girlfriend who's the daughter of a French knight and a friendly and most ungodly priest. So far, so Harlequin.
HOWEVER the reason people buy Bernard Cornwell's books isn't for the great characterisation or original plots- its for the battle scenes. Frankly no-one describes french men at arms being hacked apart with pole-axes and decimated by arrows in quite the way that Cornwell does and in this Azincourt excels. There's a shameless enjoyment to reading about any battle described by Cornwell and surely Azincourt was the ultimate battle, so he can really let rip on this one.
For me the historical notes at the back of the book are often the best bit of this sort of book. They put the novels into context, add in some detail and give Bernard Cornwell a chance to air his personal feelings. Again he excels in the back pages of this novel, making some very convincing counter arguments to some of the recent revisionist histories of Azincourt. Cornwell knows his history and makes solid assumptions when the 'truth' is less clear.
All Cornwell fans need this book on their shelf.
Adventure history at its best, 10 Oct 2008
It probably comes as no suprise to anyone who saw Bernard Cornwell's glowing comments on the front of Juliet Barker's excellent history book 'Agincourt', that Cornwell turned his attention Henry V's famous, almost miraculous, victory over the French. The problem is how to make such an extraordinarily well known story - thanks to Shakespeare and numerous histories - seem fresh and exciting. Thankfully, we are in the hands of a master at this sort of thing.
His story of Nick Hook, an English longbowman, does more than simply tick the expected boxes. It successfully puts the victory at Agincourt into perspective both politically and socially. It does so by bringing us firmly into the lives of the people. These people realised as properly medieval men and women. Cornwell scores over so many of his competitors by convincing us that these are not simply modern men in fancy dress. Faith in Christianity, for example, and the battle between the heretical Lollard beliefs, common in England at the time, and the Church are woven into the fabric of the story. It will come as no suprise that the battle scenes are strongly and convincingly portrayed.
I always hesitate before giving a five star review, but this is certainly worth it.
Fabulous, 10 Oct 2008
I've been a fan of Cornwell's for some years now and have read everything he's done, in the past I have found his one off story's lack the sheer brilliance of his books that are part of a series. Azincourt however is, in my opinion, the best novel Cornwell has as yet produced, it's simply awsome. There are some aspects here that just shouldn't work (mainly the bits with God and the Saints) but Mr C pulls it off without leaving the reader thinking 'yeah right like that'd happen'.
I read this in 2 days flat, it's the very best book I have read in a long time, I implore buy this book, you will not be disappointed.
Cornwell ? The best on the scene, 09 Oct 2008
Bernard Cornwell is like a war machine: a wonderful book every 8-12 months. After Sharpe (the best of His series) Arthur and Harlequin a new adventure with the fierce struggle between british archers and french heavy cavalry at Azincourt. A solid plot, good characters, a great battle. What else ?
A must Read, 10 Oct 2008
Read this book and you will not be sorry!
I have read both Hosseini's books and I will not pick a favourite.
They are equally VERY good.
Type of books you cant stop reading and will cherish in your bookshelf...
Both books relate to us what is to be a human!
Flaud, sacrifices and mistakes we all make and have to live with.
I cant wait for his 3rd book.
compelling but miserable, 10 Oct 2008
I found this book quite compelling but profoundly miserable. If you are looking for grit and realism I would recommend it, it gives a good insight into awful living conditions in Afghanistan through years of turmoil. The characters are well developed. However, I was thoroughly depressed by reading this book - I guess because it was realistic. Maybe I'm just too shallow to do a book like this justice but this was not any form of escapism. Harrowing is a better description.
brilliant , 05 Oct 2008
This is one of the best books I have ever read. The story of two women brought together in the most awful, despicable circumstances which are totally out of their control. The husband Rasheed is probably one of the most hateful, violent characters I have ever come across and Hosseini's writing is so powerful that you believe these people really exist and I hated Rasheed with a passsion. This book had my heart thumping at a failed escape and crying at one of the most poignant chapters set in the Ghaza Stadium. Like the Kite Runner this book does end with a sense of hope but again, getting to that end still fills you with sadness. This is one book I will remember for along time.
Couldn't put it down!, 02 Oct 2008
I don't normally write reviews but I had to comment on A Thousand Splendid Suns which I have just finished. I couldn't put it down. It is written with understanding and feeling for the women of Afganistan. What they have had to go through is unthinkable in our western society but the author has managed to make it upbeat and shows that good overcomes evil eventually. This book will stay with me for a long time and I would thoroughly recommend it.
Highly Recommended, 02 Oct 2008
Each generation throws us a curveball of literacy genius; this is the one for this generation. Rarely is there a book that is so compelling that it reaches into the depth of your soul and make you reflect long after you have finished it. This book was given to me whilst deployed to Afghanistan but not read until my return. It is the only book that I have recommended to many people but would not share my copy. My daughter has now started reading it and interesting to see both the computer and mobile are off. This is a must read for all generations.
As relevant and contemporary as ever, 09 Oct 2008
I've long been among the first in line for the new John le Carre, so was pleased to find this book on sale for half price at Waterstones last week. Throughout a long writing career (this novel is his 21st), le Carre has continued to return to the themes of deception and betrayal and, although he's used an interesting variety of geographical locations for his settings, those of us who've spent a long time immersed in his world have started to identify common characteristics in his dramatis personae. Thus, in this story, the befuddled Englishman who tries to do the right thing has echoes of, amongst others, Harry Pendel in The Tailor Of Panama, Ted Mundy in Absolute Friends and Tim Cranmer in Our Game. And the attractive idealistic female lawyer is strongly reminiscent of Tessa Quayle in The Constant Gardener.
But these links to older books don't mean that le Carre's running out of ideas, or is merely turning out variations on those same themes. Although he returns explicitly to the privations of the war on terror here (which he last visited in 2003's Absolute Friends) he's still as original and contemporary as ever. Part of this comes from his choice of Hamburg as a setting; one of his characters helpfully reminds his audience (and some of the book's readers) that Mohammed Atta was a worshipper in one of this city's mosques. And, in an aside that sounds devastatingly - even uncannily - up-to-date in these troubled times, another character in the banking business is heard worrying about the subprime mortgage market.
One of the memorable things le Carre said during a rare public speaking appearance in London last week was that he always wanted to be writing in the present, to be as relevant and contemporary as possible. Judging from this important contribution to an impressive body of work, I'd say that he's succeeded once again.
Old Wine in a New Bottle, 08 Oct 2008
Do not make the mistake of starting John le Carré's latest espionage novel, "A Most Wanted Man," when you have a list of pressing errands or household duties, because once you have read one page, you will read another, and another, and yet another; and before you know it, you will be so thoroughly absorbed in the author's tangled web of international intrigue that your letters will remain unposted; your floors will remain unswept; and your list, which you thought so important before you began the book, will seem irrelevant.
Set in today's polyglot German port-city of Hamburg, the novel focuses on three people whose lives are turned upside down by what the author terms the modern "espionocracy"--the oligarchs of espionage, who play the same old games, even though in the post-911 world, the rules have been changed beyond recognition (and the villains of the piece are not who you might think). As usual, the author takes his characters and his prose beyond the threshold of the conventional thriller, injecting the former with charm and the latter with humor that sometimes emerges surprisingly in delightful similes. Behind his fictional world lie serious issues, such as the counter-productivity caused by the conflicting agendas of various espionage agencies that are supposed to be working together. In less skilled hands, such themes might intrude on the novel, but Le Carré remains focused on his riveting plot.
So cancel all appointments for the weekend; forget about those pesky cobwebs in the corner; turn off all technological devices; curl up in a comfortable chair, and enjoy John le Carré's latest gripping tale of espionage. And even though you will want to speed-read to the end (as the author tightens the threads of his narrative almost to the breaking point), take your time; put the book down once in a while; think about it; pick it up again; savor it. You will find the experience most satisfying, and while you will certainly be sorry when Le Carré's narrative bottle is empty, the memory of its rich contents will linger on your palate like a vintage wine after you have, regretfully, closed the book for the last time.
During times of universal deceit, telling the truth becomes a revolutionary act." , 06 Oct 2008
George Orwell.
With the possible exception of one young German lawyer there are no revolutionary acts in John Le Carre's "A Most Wanted Man". Rather, we have high-level functionaries from German, British, and US intelligence agencies for whom deceit is the norm and truth plays, at best, a secondary role in acting in what is or may be in each country's national interest. In tone and substance this is not much different from Le Carre's Cold War fiction. The trick is to see whether the same cynical realism plays as well in today's `war on terror'. Le Carre's transition from the Cold War to the brave new world post-9/11 is excellent. The result is a book that is dark, cynical, and almost as rewarding as the best of Le Carre's earlier fiction.
The most wanted man in question is Issa. Issa is the product of the rape of a Chechnyan woman by a Red Army Colonel stationed in Chechnya. Raised by his father in Russia, Issa flees to the west after his father dies. Issa finds his way to Hamburg and despite his famished look it appears that Issa has connection to money and influence. He is also, apparently, a Muslim and because of his Chechnyan heritage he is identified by Russian intelligence agencies as a suspected terrorist. German, US, and British intelligence agencies based in Hamburg quickly identify him as a person of interest. The other main protagonists are Annabel Richter and Tommy Brue. Richter is a newly qualified attorney who has foregone work in private practice to work for a German civil rights organization created to assist immigrants and refugees in normalizing their status in Germany. Brue is a private banker whose bank is the depository of the significant funds Issa may lay claim to.
Le Carre does a wonderful job portraying Issa, Richter, and Brue. Issa is a total cipher. He has a naĂ¯ve innocence about him (think of Chance from Jerzy Kosinki's Being There) that takes the reader in one direction in assessing his motives and the real reason for his presence in Germany. Yet there are enough anomalies and discrepancies in his story and in his remarks to Richter and Brue that make you go, "hold on a moment, there's more here than meets the eye." Richter is something of a naif, her idealism tends to obscure her ability to cast a truly critical eye over the gaps in Issa's story.
Tennyson once wrote:
"That a lie which is half a truth is ever the blackest of lies;
That a lie which is all a lie may be met and fought with outright;
But a lie which is part a truth is a harder matter to fight."
Le Carre writes with exquisite precision and insight about a world in which truth is not a matter worth fighting for. Highly recommended. L. Fleisig
Remember, betrayal is by friends, 04 Oct 2008
"I mean, Jesus Christ, let's just see what we've got here. One goofy liberal woman lawyer on the verge of a nervous breakdown. One semi-defunct British banker who maybe has the hots for her. And one semi-Chechen freedom fighter on the ruin from Russian justice who flies paper gliders and thinks one day he'll be a doctor. And you boys truly think you can put all together in one room, and they're going to nail a dyed-in-the-wool Islamist money-launderer who's spent his entire life seeing around corners? Do I have this right? Or am I being a little soft in the head by any chance?" - Martha, the CIA's #2 in Berlin, from A MOST WANTED MAN.
Yup, that pretty much summarizes the plot.
While reading A MOST WANTED MAN, I was reminded of the endgame masterminded by Smiley against his KGB nemesis Karla through the Soviet diplomat Grigoriev in Berne, as told in Smiley's People. Moreover, as in all of le Carre's espionage tales, the heroes aren't superheroes but mid-level grunts in the war against those that would do the West harm. And, as in the superb novels by Gerald Seymour, the victory here is Pyrrhic and not clear-cut.
Shoot-outs. Wild chases. Babes. If that's what you want, then le Carre's stories are not for you. It's all about plot and character development, and the slow, methodical process of putting together the intricate espionage puzzle at hand. A MOST WANTED MAN is no exception to this format.
I'm awarding four stars to this novel using SMILEY'S PEOPLE as the yardstick for intelligent literary entertainment. The plot of the latter is more elegantly constructed (beginning in its prequel, Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy), and the conclusion was more satisfying both for me and the Western spymaster protagonist.
Great thriller, 01 Oct 2008
I've never read a book by John le Carre before, but this is the best
thriller I've read for as long as I can remember. I was hooked from the first page. What's more, it's an intelligent book that looks at the War on Terror from a fresh perspective. The main character is Issa, a young Russian who becomes a pawn in everyone else's
game. He is a fasinating character, and his friendship with
Annabel, a lawyer, made the book come alive for me. I would
definitely recommend this book and I'll now have to go back and read
more of le Carre's books.
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The Road Home
Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days
*Best price found from Amazon Marketplace seller
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*Amazon: £3.01
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Customer Reviews
Convincingly real, 13 Oct 2008
The heaps of praise this outstanding novel is getting here (with sales to match, I understand) is thoroughly deserved. I have no wish to repeat the plaudits and plot descriptions already offered, but thought it worth sharing my opinion that this is the best work Bernard Cornwell has produced since his utterly engrossing Arthurian trilogy "The Warlord Chronicles" which appeared well over a decade ago.
What made those three books so captivating was the reimagining of an enchanted legend and the placement of that legend into both a historical context and into an atmosphere which seemed convincingly realistic. Plus, of course, an unputdownable narrative momentum, a Cornwell trademark.
Given the greater amount of recorded historical detail available to Cornwell here, a reimagining is less necessary. So, the author focuses on putting the reader right into the heart of the action, the fears, smells, sounds, prejudices, superstitions, heroism and malevolence of an age in which we should all be glad we didn't live. With the exception of the obligatory malevolent monk (Sir Martin, who's complete lack of any single redeeming feature makes him somewhat cartoonish to my mind) all the characters are well fleshed out and their motivations and actions seem believable and authentic.
Finally, the spiritual part of the novel, Nicholas Hook's "relationship" with Saints Crispin and Crispinian, is beautifully handled and makes deft use of a historical coincidence I was unaware of. In fact, Christianity per se is handled very well in this story - given the historical setting, there's simply no avoiding it. However, where one may have left "The Warlord Chronicles" or even Cornwell's ongoing retelling of King Alfred's history with the impression that the author really has very little time for Chrisianity, I left this one with a more refined view. He simply doesn't like hypocritical self serving "Christians" very much.
Even this atheist can say a committed "Amen" to that.
Grail Quest Vol 4., 13 Oct 2008
First things first: this is probably the best book Bernard Cornwell has written in the past 5 years. Its greatest strength, but also its one weakness is that is effectively the 4th book in the Grail Quest series. To all extents and purposes the new hero Nicholas Hook is just Thomas of Hookton mark two (in fact Thomas of Hookton even gets a one line mention). You'd be hard pressed to distinguish the two and even the supporting cast are virtually identical. Nicholas is accompanied by a french girlfriend who's the daughter of a French knight and a friendly and most ungodly priest. So far, so Harlequin.
HOWEVER the reason people buy Bernard Cornwell's books isn't for the great characterisation or original plots- its for the battle scenes. Frankly no-one describes french men at arms being hacked apart with pole-axes and decimated by arrows in quite the way that Cornwell does and in this Azincourt excels. There's a shameless enjoyment to reading about any battle described by Cornwell and surely Azincourt was the ultimate battle, so he can really let rip on this one.
For me the historical notes at the back of the book are often the best bit of this sort of book. They put the novels into context, add in some detail and give Bernard Cornwell a chance to air his personal feelings. Again he excels in the back pages of this novel, making some very convincing counter arguments to some of the recent revisionist histories of Azincourt. Cornwell knows his history and makes solid assumptions when the 'truth' is less clear.
All Cornwell fans need this book on their shelf.
Adventure history at its best, 10 Oct 2008
It probably comes as no suprise to anyone who saw Bernard Cornwell's glowing comments on the front of Juliet Barker's excellent history book 'Agincourt', that Cornwell turned his attention Henry V's famous, almost miraculous, victory over the French. The problem is how to make such an extraordinarily well known story - thanks to Shakespeare and numerous histories - seem fresh and exciting. Thankfully, we are in the hands of a master at this sort of thing.
His story of Nick Hook, an English longbowman, does more than simply tick the expected boxes. It successfully puts the victory at Agincourt into perspective both politically and socially. It does so by bringing us firmly into the lives of the people. These people realised as properly medieval men and women. Cornwell scores over so many of his competitors by convincing us that these are not simply modern men in fancy dress. Faith in Christianity, for example, and the battle between the heretical Lollard beliefs, common in England at the time, and the Church are woven into the fabric of the story. It will come as no suprise that the battle scenes are strongly and convincingly portrayed.
I always hesitate before giving a five star review, but this is certainly worth it.
Fabulous, 10 Oct 2008
I've been a fan of Cornwell's for some years now and have read everything he's done, in the past I have found his one off story's lack the sheer brilliance of his books that are part of a series. Azincourt however is, in my opinion, the best novel Cornwell has as yet produced, it's simply awsome. There are some aspects here that just shouldn't work (mainly the bits with God and the Saints) but Mr C pulls it off without leaving the reader thinking 'yeah right like that'd happen'.
I read this in 2 days flat, it's the very best book I have read in a long time, I implore buy this book, you will not be disappointed.
Cornwell ? The best on the scene, 09 Oct 2008
Bernard Cornwell is like a war machine: a wonderful book every 8-12 months. After Sharpe (the best of His series) Arthur and Harlequin a new adventure with the fierce struggle between british archers and french heavy cavalry at Azincourt. A solid plot, good characters, a great battle. What else ?
A must Read, 10 Oct 2008
Read this book and you will not be sorry!
I have read both Hosseini's books and I will not pick a favourite.
They are equally VERY good.
Type of books you cant stop reading and will cherish in your bookshelf...
Both books relate to us what is to be a human!
Flaud, sacrifices and mistakes we all make and have to live with.
I cant wait for his 3rd book.
compelling but miserable, 10 Oct 2008
I found this book quite compelling but profoundly miserable. If you are looking for grit and realism I would recommend it, it gives a good insight into awful living conditions in Afghanistan through years of turmoil. The characters are well developed. However, I was thoroughly depressed by reading this book - I guess because it was realistic. Maybe I'm just too shallow to do a book like this justice but this was not any form of escapism. Harrowing is a better description.
brilliant , 05 Oct 2008
This is one of the best books I have ever read. The story of two women brought together in the most awful, despicable circumstances which are totally out of their control. The husband Rasheed is probably one of the most hateful, violent characters I have ever come across and Hosseini's writing is so powerful that you believe these people really exist and I hated Rasheed with a passsion. This book had my heart thumping at a failed escape and crying at one of the most poignant chapters set in the Ghaza Stadium. Like the Kite Runner this book does end with a sense of hope but again, getting to that end still fills you with sadness. This is one book I will remember for along time.
Couldn't put it down!, 02 Oct 2008
I don't normally write reviews but I had to comment on A Thousand Splendid Suns which I have just finished. I couldn't put it down. It is written with understanding and feeling for the women of Afganistan. What they have had to go through is unthinkable in our western society but the author has managed to make it upbeat and shows that good overcomes evil eventually. This book will stay with me for a long time and I would thoroughly recommend it.
Highly Recommended, 02 Oct 2008
Each generation throws us a curveball of literacy genius; this is the one for this generation. Rarely is there a book that is so compelling that it reaches into the depth of your soul and make you reflect long after you have finished it. This book was given to me whilst deployed to Afghanistan but not read until my return. It is the only book that I have recommended to many people but would not share my copy. My daughter has now started reading it and interesting to see both the computer and mobile are off. This is a must read for all generations.
As relevant and contemporary as ever, 09 Oct 2008
I've long been among the first in line for the new John le Carre, so was pleased to find this book on sale for half price at Waterstones last week. Throughout a long writing career (this novel is his 21st), le Carre has continued to return to the themes of deception and betrayal and, although he's used an interesting variety of geographical locations for his settings, those of us who've spent a long time immersed in his world have started to identify common characteristics in his dramatis personae. Thus, in this story, the befuddled Englishman who tries to do the right thing has echoes of, amongst others, Harry Pendel in The Tailor Of Panama, Ted Mundy in Absolute Friends and Tim Cranmer in Our Game. And the attractive idealistic female lawyer is strongly reminiscent of Tessa Quayle in The Constant Gardener.
But these links to older books don't mean that le Carre's running out of ideas, or is merely turning out variations on those same themes. Although he returns explicitly to the privations of the war on terror here (which he last visited in 2003's Absolute Friends) he's still as original and contemporary as ever. Part of this comes from his choice of Hamburg as a setting; one of his characters helpfully reminds his audience (and some of the book's readers) that Mohammed Atta was a worshipper in one of this city's mosques. And, in an aside that sounds devastatingly - even uncannily - up-to-date in these troubled times, another character in the banking business is heard worrying about the subprime mortgage market.
One of the memorable things le Carre said during a rare public speaking appearance in London last week was that he always wanted to be writing in the present, to be as relevant and contemporary as possible. Judging from this important contribution to an impressive body of work, I'd say that he's succeeded once again.
Old Wine in a New Bottle, 08 Oct 2008
Do not make the mistake of starting John le Carré's latest espionage novel, "A Most Wanted Man," when you have a list of pressing errands or household duties, because once you have read one page, you will read another, and another, and yet another; and before you know it, you will be so thoroughly absorbed in the author's tangled web of international intrigue that your letters will remain unposted; your floors will remain unswept; and your list, which you thought so important before you began the book, will seem irrelevant.
Set in today's polyglot German port-city of Hamburg, the novel focuses on three people whose lives are turned upside down by what the author terms the modern "espionocracy"--the oligarchs of espionage, who play the same old games, even though in the post-911 world, the rules have been changed beyond recognition (and the villains of the piece are not who you might think). As usual, the author takes his characters and his prose beyond the threshold of the conventional thriller, injecting the former with charm and the latter with humor that sometimes emerges surprisingly in delightful similes. Behind his fictional world lie serious issues, such as the counter-productivity caused by the conflicting agendas of various espionage agencies that are supposed to be working together. In less skilled hands, such themes might intrude on the novel, but Le Carré remains focused on his riveting plot.
So cancel all appointments for the weekend; forget about those pesky cobwebs in the corner; turn off all technological devices; curl up in a comfortable chair, and enjoy John le Carré's latest gripping tale of espionage. And even though you will want to speed-read to the end (as the author tightens the threads of his narrative almost to the breaking point), take your time; put the book down once in a while; think about it; pick it up again; savor it. You will find the experience most satisfying, and while you will certainly be sorry when Le Carré's narrative bottle is empty, the memory of its rich contents will linger on your palate like a vintage wine after you have, regretfully, closed the book for the last time.
During times of universal deceit, telling the truth becomes a revolutionary act." , 06 Oct 2008
George Orwell.
With the possible exception of one young German lawyer there are no revolutionary acts in John Le Carre's "A Most Wanted Man". Rather, we have high-level functionaries from German, British, and US intelligence agencies for whom deceit is the norm and truth plays, at best, a secondary role in acting in what is or may be in each country's national interest. In tone and substance this is not much different from Le Carre's Cold War fiction. The trick is to see whether the same cynical realism plays as well in today's `war on terror'. Le Carre's transition from the Cold War to the brave new world post-9/11 is excellent. The result is a book that is dark, cynical, and almost as rewarding as the best of Le Carre's earlier fiction.
The most wanted man in question is Issa. Issa is the product of the rape of a Chechnyan woman by a Red Army Colonel stationed in Chechnya. Raised by his father in Russia, Issa flees to the west after his father dies. Issa finds his way to Hamburg and despite his famished look it appears that Issa has connection to money and influence. He is also, apparently, a Muslim and because of his Chechnyan heritage he is identified by Russian intelligence agencies as a suspected terrorist. German, US, and British intelligence agencies based in Hamburg quickly identify him as a person of interest. The other main protagonists are Annabel Richter and Tommy Brue. Richter is a newly qualified attorney who has foregone work in private practice to work for a German civil rights organization created to assist immigrants and refugees in normalizing their status in Germany. Brue is a private banker whose bank is the depository of the significant funds Issa may lay claim to.
Le Carre does a wonderful job portraying Issa, Richter, and Brue. Issa is a total cipher. He has a naĂ¯ve innocence about him (think of Chance from Jerzy Kosinki's Being There) that takes the reader in one direction in assessing his motives and the real reason for his presence in Germany. Yet there are enough anomalies and discrepancies in his story and in his remarks to Richter and Brue that make you go, "hold on a moment, there's more here than meets the eye." Richter is something of a naif, her idealism tends to obscure her ability to cast a truly critical eye over the gaps in Issa's story.
Tennyson once wrote:
"That a lie which is half a truth is ever the blackest of lies;
That a lie which is all a lie may be met and fought with outright;
But a lie which is part a truth is a harder matter to fight."
Le Carre writes with exquisite precision and insight about a world in which truth is not a matter worth fighting for. Highly recommended. L. Fleisig
Remember, betrayal is by friends, 04 Oct 2008
"I mean, Jesus Christ, let's just see what we've got here. One goofy liberal woman lawyer on the verge of a nervous breakdown. One semi-defunct British banker who maybe has the hots for her. And one semi-Chechen freedom fighter on the ruin from Russian justice who flies paper gliders and thinks one day he'll be a doctor. And you boys truly think you can put all together in one room, and they're going to nail a dyed-in-the-wool Islamist money-launderer who's spent his entire life seeing around corners? Do I have this right? Or am I being a little soft in the head by any chance?" - Martha, the CIA's #2 in Berlin, from A MOST WANTED MAN.
Yup, that pretty much summarizes the plot.
While reading A MOST WANTED MAN, I was reminded of the endgame masterminded by Smiley against his KGB nemesis Karla through the Soviet diplomat Grigoriev in Berne, as told in Smiley's People. Moreover, as in all of le Carre's espionage tales, the heroes aren't superheroes but mid-level grunts in the war against those that would do the West harm. And, as in the superb novels by Gerald Seymour, the victory here is Pyrrhic and not clear-cut.
Shoot-outs. Wild chases. Babes. If that's what you want, then le Carre's stories are not for you. It's all about plot and character development, and the slow, methodical process of putting together the intricate espionage puzzle at hand. A MOST WANTED MAN is no exception to this format.
I'm awarding four stars to this novel using SMILEY'S PEOPLE as the yardstick for intelligent literary entertainment. The plot of the latter is more elegantly constructed (beginning in its prequel, Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy), and the conclusion was more satisfying both for me and the Western spymaster protagonist.
Great thriller, 01 Oct 2008
I've never read a book by John le Carre before, but this is the best
thriller I've read for as long as I can remember. I was hooked from the first page. What's more, it's an intelligent book that looks at the War on Terror from a fresh perspective. The main character is Issa, a young Russian who becomes a pawn in everyone else's
game. He is a fasinating character, and his friendship with
Annabel, a lawyer, made the book come alive for me. I would
definitely recommend this book and I'll now have to go back and read
more of le Carre's books.
My favourite read of the year, 30 Sep 2008
There are some writers who just create seamless prose that reads like it's always been there on the page and they just traced over the words. Well, for me, this was one of those books. I loved it from beginning to end. It tells the story of Lev, an "economic migrant" from the East, and his search for work, and life. It is probably a little too rose tinted to be real, and I doubt there are many migrants so lucky as Lev, but I so wanted him to succeed.
Ok it's a fairy tale but a life affirming one, 30 Sep 2008
In language serious, studied, courtly and old-fashioned RT takes us straight into the mind of our melancholy hero Lev - not Olev - cleverly written, carefully researched and up to the minute subject.
Through a haze of cigarettes, the smoking of each one has to be respectfully described, swigs of his darling vodka lisch, all vital to him despite the poverty of his circumstances. Christy and Rudi also sharing his crutches of nicotine and alcohol until they learn that they live more happily without them..
Auror, Glic, Yarbyl, Baryn, Jor are all unrecognised as actual place names so Lev comes from an unknown to us Eastern European country, of grey trade and grey money, arriving by bus and ferry to London. Journeying with the tidy figure of Lydia beside him.
Threading through the story the memory of Marina his lost loved wife, who was a strong mother, daughter in law, friend and colleague. Looking at London and Londoners through the eyes of a new comer with only his language structure to describe it. "Sucking on bottles like anxious babies"..
A clear and effective narrative - Rudi's voice is always in Lev's head, a powerful influence on him. Although later Lev overtakes Rudi and turns his life around for him. The homespun wisdom of Lev's family pushing through his thoughts. Homesickness constantly threatening to overwhelm him. Thoughts of Rudi and his Tschevi (almost a person) Lev's innocence, naivety and simplicity is appealing. Rudi's character is attractive and impressive. When he eventually becomes "The Face Of The Place' all seems right with the world.
Ina, the grim and difficult mother/grandmother/widow whose God is asleep never reacts quite as we'd hope and is like a belligerent donkey who will not be led. I felt she was an excellently drawn person, quite believable.
The themes of food and diet running through are interesting and touching. This chocolate `reminds me of sleep' says Ina grudgingly at the end in the restaurant at no. 43 Podorsky Street. Food horizons opening up with the experience of GKAshe, I remember the same when I worked in restaurant kitchens. Detailed descriptions of meals all so different, from hardboiled eggs, greasy grey goat meat kebabs onward all affected Lev and awoke his senses. Although I am amazed that Lev's taste buds actually worked after so much abuse from the tobacco and spirits. In fact Lev falls in love with food and cooking. Even in the uninspiring atmosphere of the nursing home kitchen. Food becomes his life even after the forty two years of not thinking about it. The kitchen suppers at GKAshe have a comforting reassuring feel, the crostini so delicious you can almost smell it.
As a poignant thoughtful touch RT includes characters from her other stories at least I recognised Ruby Constad from Letters to Sister Benedicta.
Truly felicitous meetings unfold through Lev's progress from his doomed home. His path is smoothed in a fairy tale way mostly by kind ladies and people who are pleased to repay the kindness of others to them. Lydia, Sulima at the first B+B, Ahmed the kebab man, hospitable Tom and Larissa (yoga aficionado). Christy Slane is far deeper and more of a character than he first appears and like all pantomime stories, his ends happily thankfully. Sophie, Sam the mad hatter, Vitas, the Ming's.
Throughout the tale we always understand what is being said to Lev but because of his limited English he only gets part of the conversations along the way especially with GKAshe (Gordon Ramsey) whose kitchen is run like an orchestra or an operating theatre. Christy talking away, his ex wife,snapping, Sophie the lover. It all gives the reader another view of our own language.
Through all of Lev's vast range of experiences you feel you are going through them al with him, they are so warmly and inclusively written. When he mucks things up in his only human way you cringe along with him and admire him for rising again to the next challenges.
So much of the story shows us how other people's voices, opinions and advice constantly ring in our heads - if we choose to let them. Also that the kindness of strangers really can turn your life around.
Lovely stuff!
Rose Tremain does it again, 23 Sep 2008
This is a wonderful novel. I always enjoy Rose Tremain, and The Road Home is certainly one of my favourites.
It's fabulously written, as ever, and Lev is a sympathetic hero, though she certainly doesn't hide his faults. His flashes of anger, culminating in the book's most brutal scene, are convincingly built up - and his treatment of long-suffering Lydia is pretty shoddy.
I agree that there's the odd stereotype among the characters, but I most certainly do not share the view that this story has a fairytale ending. It's highly ambiguous - is everyone really happy and how rosy is the future?
Because Rose Tremain's novels are all so different from each other, I was surprised - and charmed - to find her using a character from an earlier novel quite prominently. Ruby Constad, an old lady who Lev comes to know, is the heroine of Tremain's much earlier novel Letter to Sister Benedicta. The poor woman's life hasn't improved along the way, but I think her appearance here shows how much Tremain cares for her. And if you realise that, you can see she's far more than the convenient plot device she might, at first, appear.
A mirror through which to view a 'Green and pleasant land'., 14 Sep 2008
I enjoyed this book, which isn't surprising considering it was written by Rose Tremain. As usual the prose, construction, attention to detail, plot progression and pace were brilliant: I'm certain Rose Tremain could write a novel about a matchbox and it would be riveting and informative.
For me, Lev, the central character is in essence a mirror that Tremain holds up for us to see the England we'd maybe rather ignore or forget: the pretentious garbage of celebrity and affluence; the coldness and fickle allegiances of a morally bankrupt society; the pockets of loneliness and sadness that exist within families and institutions.
There are aspects of the book that didn't work for me. I felt Lev's character was a little one-dimensional and slightly underdeveloped. His outbursts of temper seemed incongruous and, somewhat irritatingly, his mastery of English seemed to be achieved at a phenomenal rate. I felt the ending was a little brief, not really tying together or enhancing what went before. However his work ethic, determination and pragmatism were an accurate reflection of the Eastern European workers I know.
Some of the characters in the story are memorable: the scarred, sensitive and lonely Christy; the life force that is Rudi; the driven GK Ashe. Others were less believable or bordered on parody: the farmer Midge was irritatingly underdeveloped and his cod rural speech and mannerisms annoying; I didn't find Sophie believable, a shame given her central role.
But, the negatives above can't detract from the overall quality of the book. I was held throughout Lev's odyssey and as I neared the end I actually longed for it all to turn out well for him. I finished with a feeling that my latent dislike of much of what is modern England had flowered into something approaching full blown disgust.
This book reminded me of the famous lines from Burns:
'Oh wad some power the Giftie gie us
To see oursels as others see us!'
Beautifully written but predictable tale, 02 Sep 2008
Fascinating to read so many rave reviews. I read this on a very long train journey and if I hadn't been stuck there would probably have abandoned it. Rose Tremain has a wonderful prose style and she organizes her plots really well with lots of development, but the novel didn't grip me at all. Characters were boring, situations obvious (mobile phone going off during concert, stereotypical rich/poor London, even more stereotypical run-down anonymous ex-eastern bloc country etc), the ending warm & cosy. Did nobody else find Lev deeply tedious? She is very good at doing her homework, so the top-class restaurant, police treatment of migrants, retirement home, and lots of other stuff were thoroughly credible. But I felt disappointed; maybe I'm just expecting too much.
Norman Housley
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Customer Reviews
Convincingly real, 13 Oct 2008
The heaps of praise this outstanding novel is getting here (with sales to match, I understand) is thoroughly deserved. I have no wish to repeat the plaudits and plot descriptions already offered, but thought it worth sharing my opinion that this is the best work Bernard Cornwell has produced since his utterly engrossing Arthurian trilogy "The Warlord Chronicles" which appeared well over a decade ago.
What made those three books so captivating was the reimagining of an enchanted legend and the placement of that legend into both a historical context and into an atmosphere which seemed convincingly realistic. Plus, of course, an unputdownable narrative momentum, a Cornwell trademark.
Given the greater amount of recorded historical detail available to Cornwell here, a reimagining is less necessary. So, the author focuses on putting the reader right into the heart of the action, the fears, smells, sounds, prejudices, superstitions, heroism and malevolence of an age in which we should all be glad we didn't live. With the exception of the obligatory malevolent monk (Sir Martin, who's complete lack of any single redeeming feature makes him somewhat cartoonish to my mind) all the characters are well fleshed out and their motivations and actions seem believable and authentic.
Finally, the spiritual part of the novel, Nicholas Hook's "relationship" with Saints Crispin and Crispinian, is beautifully handled and makes deft use of a historical coincidence I was unaware of. In fact, Christianity per se is handled very well in this story - given the historical setting, there's simply no avoiding it. However, where one may have left "The Warlord Chronicles" or even Cornwell's ongoing retelling of King Alfred's history with the impression that the author really has very little time for Chrisianity, I left this one with a more refined view. He simply doesn't like hypocritical self serving "Christians" very much.
Even this atheist can say a committed "Amen" to that.
Grail Quest Vol 4., 13 Oct 2008
First things first: this is probably the best book Bernard Cornwell has written in the past 5 years. Its greatest strength, but also its one weakness is that is effectively the 4th book in the Grail Quest series. To all extents and purposes the new hero Nicholas Hook is just Thomas of Hookton mark two (in fact Thomas of Hookton even gets a one line mention). You'd be hard pressed to distinguish the two and even the supporting cast are virtually identical. Nicholas is accompanied by a french girlfriend who's the daughter of a French knight and a friendly and most ungodly priest. So far, so Harlequin.
HOWEVER the reason people buy Bernard Cornwell's books isn't for the great characterisation or original plots- its for the battle scenes. Frankly no-one describes french men at arms being hacked apart with pole-axes and decimated by arrows in quite the way that Cornwell does and in this Azincourt excels. There's a shameless enjoyment to reading about any battle described by Cornwell and surely Azincourt was the ultimate battle, so he can really let rip on this one.
For me the historical notes at the back of the book are often the best bit of this sort of book. They put the novels into context, add in some detail and give Bernard Cornwell a chance to air his personal feelings. Again he excels in the back pages of this novel, making some very convincing counter arguments to some of the recent revisionist histories of Azincourt. Cornwell knows his history and makes solid assumptions when the 'truth' is less clear.
All Cornwell fans need this book on their shelf.
Adventure history at its best, 10 Oct 2008
It probably comes as no suprise to anyone who saw Bernard Cornwell's glowing comments on the front of Juliet Barker's excellent history book 'Agincourt', that Cornwell turned his attention Henry V's famous, almost miraculous, victory over the French. The problem is how to make such an extraordinarily well known story - thanks to Shakespeare and numerous histories - seem fresh and exciting. Thankfully, we are in the hands of a master at this sort of thing.
His story of Nick Hook, an English longbowman, does more than simply tick the expected boxes. It successfully puts the victory at Agincourt into perspective both politically and socially. It does so by bringing us firmly into the lives of the people. These people realised as properly medieval men and women. Cornwell scores over so many of his competitors by convincing us that these are not simply modern men in fancy dress. Faith in Christianity, for example, and the battle between the heretical Lollard beliefs, common in England at the time, and the Church are woven into the fabric of the story. It will come as no suprise that the battle scenes are strongly and convincingly portrayed.
I always hesitate before giving a five star review, but this is certainly worth it.
Fabulous, 10 Oct 2008
I've been a fan of Cornwell's for some years now and have read everything he's done, in the past I have found his one off story's lack the sheer brilliance of his books that are part of a series. Azincourt however is, in my opinion, the best novel Cornwell has as yet produced, it's simply awsome. There are some aspects here that just shouldn't work (mainly the bits with God and the Saints) but Mr C pulls it off without leaving the reader thinking 'yeah right like that'd happen'.
I read this in 2 days flat, it's the very best book I have read in a long time, I implore buy this book, you will not be disappointed.
Cornwell ? The best on the scene, 09 Oct 2008
Bernard Cornwell is like a war machine: a wonderful book every 8-12 months. After Sharpe (the best of His series) Arthur and Harlequin a new adventure with the fierce struggle between british archers and french heavy cavalry at Azincourt. A solid plot, good characters, a great battle. What else ?
A must Read, 10 Oct 2008
Read this book and you will not be sorry!
I have read both Hosseini's books and I will not pick a favourite.
They are equally VERY good.
Type of books you cant stop reading and will cherish in your bookshelf...
Both books relate to us what is to be a human!
Flaud, sacrifices and mistakes we all make and have to live with.
I cant wait for his 3rd book.
compelling but miserable, 10 Oct 2008
I found this book quite compelling but profoundly miserable. If you are looking for grit and realism I would recommend it, it gives a good insight into awful living conditions in Afghanistan through years of turmoil. The characters are well developed. However, I was thoroughly depressed by reading this book - I guess because it was realistic. Maybe I'm just too shallow to do a book like this justice but this was not any form of escapism. Harrowing is a better description.
brilliant , 05 Oct 2008
This is one of the best books I have ever read. The story of two women brought together in the most awful, despicable circumstances which are totally out of their control. The husband Rasheed is probably one of the most hateful, violent characters I have ever come across and Hosseini's writing is so powerful that you believe these people really exist and I hated Rasheed with a passsion. This book had my heart thumping at a failed escape and crying at one of the most poignant chapters set in the Ghaza Stadium. Like the Kite Runner this book does end with a sense of hope but again, getting to that end still fills you with sadness. This is one book I will remember for along time.
Couldn't put it down!, 02 Oct 2008
I don't normally write reviews but I had to comment on A Thousand Splendid Suns which I have just finished. I couldn't put it down. It is written with understanding and feeling for the women of Afganistan. What they have had to go through is unthinkable in our western society but the author has managed to make it upbeat and shows that good overcomes evil eventually. This book will stay with me for a long time and I would thoroughly recommend it.
Highly Recommended, 02 Oct 2008
Each generation throws us a curveball of literacy genius; this is the one for this generation. Rarely is there a book that is so compelling that it reaches into the depth of your soul and make you reflect long after you have finished it. This book was given to me whilst deployed to Afghanistan but not read until my return. It is the only book that I have recommended to many people but would not share my copy. My daughter has now started reading it and interesting to see both the computer and mobile are off. This is a must read for all generations.
As relevant and contemporary as ever, 09 Oct 2008
I've long been among the first in line for the new John le Carre, so was pleased to find this book on sale for half price at Waterstones last week. Throughout a long writing career (this novel is his 21st), le Carre has continued to return to the themes of deception and betrayal and, although he's used an interesting variety of geographical locations for his settings, those of us who've spent a long time immersed in his world have started to identify common characteristics in his dramatis personae. Thus, in this story, the befuddled Englishman who tries to do the right thing has echoes of, amongst others, Harry Pendel in The Tailor Of Panama, Ted Mundy in Absolute Friends and Tim Cranmer in Our Game. And the attractive idealistic female lawyer is strongly reminiscent of Tessa Quayle in The Constant Gardener.
But these links to older books don't mean that le Carre's running out of ideas, or is merely turning out variations on those same themes. Although he returns explicitly to the privations of the war on terror here (which he last visited in 2003's Absolute Friends) he's still as original and contemporary as ever. Part of this comes from his choice of Hamburg as a setting; one of his characters helpfully reminds his audience (and some of the book's readers) that Mohammed Atta was a worshipper in one of this city's mosques. And, in an aside that sounds devastatingly - even uncannily - up-to-date in these troubled times, another character in the banking business is heard worrying about the subprime mortgage market.
One of the memorable things le Carre said during a rare public speaking appearance in London last week was that he always wanted to be writing in the present, to be as relevant and contemporary as possible. Judging from this important contribution to an impressive body of work, I'd say that he's succeeded once again.
Old Wine in a New Bottle, 08 Oct 2008
Do not make the mistake of starting John le Carré's latest espionage novel, "A Most Wanted Man," when you have a list of pressing errands or household duties, because once you have read one page, you will read another, and another, and yet another; and before you know it, you will be so thoroughly absorbed in the author's tangled web of international intrigue that your letters will remain unposted; your floors will remain unswept; and your list, which you thought so important before you began the book, will seem irrelevant.
Set in today's polyglot German port-city of Hamburg, the novel focuses on three people whose lives are turned upside down by what the author terms the modern "espionocracy"--the oligarchs of espionage, who play the same old games, even though in the post-911 world, the rules have been changed beyond recognition (and the villains of the piece are not who you might think). As usual, the author takes his characters and his prose beyond the threshold of the conventional thriller, injecting the former with charm and the latter with humor that sometimes emerges surprisingly in delightful similes. Behind his fictional world lie serious issues, such as the counter-productivity caused by the conflicting agendas of various espionage agencies that are supposed to be working together. In less skilled hands, such themes might intrude on the novel, but Le Carré remains focused on his riveting plot.
So cancel all appointments for the weekend; forget about those pesky cobwebs in the corner; turn off all technological devices; curl up in a comfortable chair, and enjoy John le Carré's latest gripping tale of espionage. And even though you will want to speed-read to the end (as the author tightens the threads of his narrative almost to the breaking point), take your time; put the book down once in a while; think about it; pick it up again; savor it. You will find the experience most satisfying, and while you will certainly be sorry when Le Carré's narrative bottle is empty, the memory of its rich contents will linger on your palate like a vintage wine after you have, regretfully, closed the book for the last time.
During times of universal deceit, telling the truth becomes a revolutionary act." , 06 Oct 2008
George Orwell.
With the possible exception of one young German lawyer there are no revolutionary acts in John Le Carre's "A Most Wanted Man". Rather, we have high-level functionaries from German, British, and US intelligence agencies for whom deceit is the norm and truth plays, at best, a secondary role in acting in what is or may be in each country's national interest. In tone and substance this is not much different from Le Carre's Cold War fiction. The trick is to see whether the same cynical realism plays as well in today's `war on terror'. Le Carre's transition from the Cold War to the brave new world post-9/11 is excellent. The result is a book that is dark, cynical, and almost as rewarding as the best of Le Carre's earlier fiction.
The most wanted man in question is Issa. Issa is the product of the rape of a Chechnyan woman by a Red Army Colonel stationed in Chechnya. Raised by his father in Russia, Issa flees to the west after his father dies. Issa finds his way to Hamburg and despite his famished look it appears that Issa has connection to money and influence. He is also, apparently, a Muslim and because of his Chechnyan heritage he is identified by Russian intelligence agencies as a suspected terrorist. German, US, and British intelligence agencies based in Hamburg quickly identify him as a person of interest. The other main protagonists are Annabel Richter and Tommy Brue. Richter is a newly qualified attorney who has foregone work in private practice to work for a German civil rights organization created to assist immigrants and refugees in normalizing their status in Germany. Brue is a private banker whose bank is the depository of the significant funds Issa may lay claim to.
Le Carre does a wonderful job portraying Issa, Richter, and Brue. Issa is a total cipher. He has a naĂ¯ve innocence about him (think of Chance from Jerzy Kosinki's Being There) that takes the reader in one direction in assessing his motives and the real reason for his presence in Germany. Yet there are enough anomalies and discrepancies in his story and in his remarks to Richter and Brue that make you go, "hold on a moment, there's more here than meets the eye." Richter is something of a naif, her idealism tends to obscure her ability to cast a truly critical eye over the gaps in Issa's story.
Tennyson once wrote:
"That a lie which is half a truth is ever the blackest of lies;
That a lie which is all a lie may be met and fought with outright;
But a lie which is part a truth is a harder matter to fight."
Le Carre writes with exquisite precision and insight about a world in which truth is not a matter worth fighting for. Highly recommended. L. Fleisig
Remember, betrayal is by friends, 04 Oct 2008
"I mean, Jesus Christ, let's just see what we've got here. One goofy liberal woman lawyer on the verge of a nervous breakdown. One semi-defunct British banker who maybe has the hots for her. And one semi-Chechen freedom fighter on the ruin from Russian justice who flies paper gliders and thinks one day he'll be a doctor. And you boys truly think you can put all together in one room, and they're going to nail a dyed-in-the-wool Islamist money-launderer who's spent his entire life seeing around corners? Do I have this right? Or am I being a little soft in the head by any chance?" - Martha, the CIA's #2 in Berlin, from A MOST WANTED MAN.
Yup, that pretty much summarizes the plot.
While reading A MOST WANTED MAN, I was reminded of the endgame masterminded by Smiley against his KGB nemesis Karla through the Soviet diplomat Grigoriev in Berne, as told in Smiley's People. Moreover, as in all of le Carre's espionage tales, the heroes aren't superheroes but mid-level grunts in the war against those that would do the West harm. And, as in the superb novels by Gerald Seymour, the victory here is Pyrrhic and not clear-cut.
Shoot-outs. Wild chases. Babes. If that's what you want, then le Carre's stories are not for you. It's all about plot and character development, and the slow, methodical process of putting together the intricate espionage puzzle at hand. A MOST WANTED MAN is no exception to this format.
I'm awarding four stars to this novel using SMILEY'S PEOPLE as the yardstick for intelligent literary entertainment. The plot of the latter is more elegantly constructed (beginning in its prequel, Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy), and the conclusion was more satisfying both for me and the Western spymaster protagonist.
Great thriller, 01 Oct 2008
I've never read a book by John le Carre before, but this is the best
thriller I've read for as long as I can remember. I was hooked from the first page. What's more, it's an intelligent book that looks at the War on Terror from a fresh perspective. The main character is Issa, a young Russian who becomes a pawn in everyone else's
game. He is a fasinating character, and his friendship with
Annabel, a lawyer, made the book come alive for me. I would
definitely recommend this book and I'll now have to go back and read
more of le Carre's books.
My favourite read of the year, 30 Sep 2008
There are some writers who just create seamless prose that reads like it's always been there on the page and they just traced over the words. Well, for me, this was one of those books. I loved it from beginning to end. It tells the story of Lev, an "economic migrant" from the East, and his search for work, and life. It is probably a little too rose tinted to be real, and I doubt there are many migrants so lucky as Lev, but I so wanted him to succeed.
Ok it's a fairy tale but a life affirming one, 30 Sep 2008
In language serious, studied, courtly and old-fashioned RT takes us straight into the mind of our melancholy hero Lev - not Olev - cleverly written, carefully researched and up to the minute subject.
Through a haze of cigarettes, the smoking of each one has to be respectfully described, swigs of his darling vodka lisch, all vital to him despite the poverty of his circumstances. Christy and Rudi also sharing his crutches of nicotine and alcohol until they learn that they live more happily without them..
Auror, Glic, Yarbyl, Baryn, Jor are all unrecognised as actual place names so Lev comes from an unknown to us Eastern European country, of grey trade and grey money, arriving by bus and ferry to London. Journeying with the tidy figure of Lydia beside him.
Threading through the story the memory of Marina his lost loved wife, who was a strong mother, daughter in law, friend and colleague. Looking at London and Londoners through the eyes of a new comer with only his language structure to describe it. "Sucking on bottles like anxious babies"..
A clear and effective narrative - Rudi's voice is always in Lev's head, a powerful influence on him. Although later Lev overtakes Rudi and turns his life around for him. The homespun wisdom of Lev's family pushing through his thoughts. Homesickness constantly threatening to overwhelm him. Thoughts of Rudi and his Tschevi (almost a person) Lev's innocence, naivety and simplicity is appealing. Rudi's character is attractive and impressive. When he eventually becomes "The Face Of The Place' all seems right with the world.
Ina, the grim and difficult mother/grandmother/widow whose God is asleep never reacts quite as we'd hope and is like a belligerent donkey who will not be led. I felt she was an excellently drawn person, quite believable.
The themes of food and diet running through are interesting and touching. This chocolate `reminds me of sleep' says Ina grudgingly at the end in the restaurant at no. 43 Podorsky Street. Food horizons opening up with the experience of GKAshe, I remember the same when I worked in restaurant kitchens. Detailed descriptions of meals all so different, from hardboiled eggs, greasy grey goat meat kebabs onward all affected Lev and awoke his senses. Although I am amazed that Lev's taste buds actually worked after so much abuse from the tobacco and spirits. In fact Lev falls in love with food and cooking. Even in the uninspiring atmosphere of the nursing home kitchen. Food becomes his life even after the forty two years of not thinking about it. The kitchen suppers at GKAshe have a comforting reassuring feel, the crostini so delicious you can almost smell it.
As a poignant thoughtful touch RT includes characters from her other stories at least I recognised Ruby Constad from Letters to Sister Benedicta.
Truly felicitous meetings unfold through Lev's progress from his doomed home. His path is smoothed in a fairy tale way mostly by kind ladies and people who are pleased to repay the kindness of others to them. Lydia, Sulima at the first B+B, Ahmed the kebab man, hospitable Tom and Larissa (yoga aficionado). Christy Slane is far deeper and more of a character than he first appears and like all pantomime stories, his ends happily thankfully. Sophie, Sam the mad hatter, Vitas, the Ming's.
Throughout the tale we always understand what is being said to Lev but because of his limited English he only gets part of the conversations along the way especially with GKAshe (Gordon Ramsey) whose kitchen is run like an orchestra or an operating theatre. Christy talking away, his ex wife,snapping, Sophie the lover. It all gives the reader another view of our own language.
Through all of Lev's vast range of experiences you feel you are going through them al with him, they are so warmly and inclusively written. When he mucks things up in his only human way you cringe along with him and admire him for rising again to the next challenges.
So much of the story shows us how other people's voices, opinions and advice constantly ring in our heads - if we choose to let them. Also that the kindness of strangers really can turn your life around.
Lovely stuff!
Rose Tremain does it again, 23 Sep 2008
This is a wonderful novel. I always enjoy Rose Tremain, and The Road Home is certainly one of my favourites.
It's fabulously written, as ever, and Lev is a sympathetic hero, though she certainly doesn't hide his faults. His flashes of anger, culminating in the book's most brutal scene, are convincingly built up - and his treatment of long-suffering Lydia is pretty shoddy.
I agree that there's the odd stereotype among the characters, but I most certainly do not share the view that this story has a fairytale ending. It's highly ambiguous - is everyone really happy and how rosy is the future?
Because Rose Tremain's novels are all so different from each other, I was surprised - and charmed - to find her using a character from an earlier novel quite prominently. Ruby Constad, an old lady who Lev comes to know, is the heroine of Tremain's much earlier novel Letter to Sister Benedicta. The poor woman's life hasn't improved along the way, but I think her appearance here shows how much Tremain cares for her. And if you realise that, you can see she's far more than the convenient plot device she might, at first, appear.
A mirror through which to view a 'Green and pleasant land'., 14 Sep 2008
I enjoyed this book, which isn't surprising considering it was written by Rose Tremain. As usual the prose, construction, attention to detail, plot progression and pace were brilliant: I'm certain Rose Tremain could write a novel about a matchbox and it would be riveting and informative.
For me, Lev, the central character is in essence a mirror that Tremain holds up for us to see the England we'd maybe rather ignore or forget: the pretentious garbage of celebrity and affluence; the coldness and fickle allegiances of a morally bankrupt society; the pockets of loneliness and sadness that exist within families and institutions.
There are aspects of the book that didn't work for me. I felt Lev's character was a little one-dimensional and slightly underdeveloped. His outbursts of temper seemed incongruous and, somewhat irritatingly, his mastery of English seemed to be achieved at a phenomenal rate. I felt the ending was a little brief, not really tying together or enhancing what went before. However his work ethic, determination and pragmatism were an accurate reflection of the Eastern European workers I know.
Some of the characters in the story are memorable: the scarred, sensitive and lonely Christy; the life force that is Rudi; the driven GK Ashe. Others were less believable or bordered on parody: the farmer Midge was irritatingly underdeveloped and his cod rural speech and mannerisms annoying; I didn't find Sophie believable, a shame given her central role.
But, the negatives above can't detract from the overall quality of the book. I was held throughout Lev's odyssey and as I neared the end I actually longed for it all to turn out well for him. I finished with a feeling that my latent dislike of much of what is modern England had flowered into something approaching full blown disgust.
This book reminded me of the famous lines from Burns:
'Oh wad some power the Giftie gie us
To see oursels as others see us!'
Beautifully written but predictable tale, 02 Sep 2008
Fascinating to read so many rave reviews. I read this on a very long train journey and if I hadn't been stuck there would probably have abandoned it. Rose Tremain has a wonderful prose style and she organizes her plots really well with lots of development, but the novel didn't grip me at all. Characters were boring, situations obvious (mobile phone going off during concert, stereotypical rich/poor London, even more stereotypical run-down anonymous ex-eastern bloc country etc), the ending warm & cosy. Did nobody else find Lev deeply tedious? She is very good at doing her homework, so the top-class restaurant, police treatment of migrants, retirement home, and lots of other stuff were thoroughly credible. But I felt disappointed; maybe I'm just expecting too much.
Norman Housley
Disappointing, 12 Oct 2008
Like most readers who have reviewed this - I loved The House at Riverton and couldn't wait to read Forgotten Garden. My oh my - was she paid by the page? I found that it was really drawn out - too descriptive for my tastes (I like to use my imagination and don't want the author to explain what a tree looks like - thanks!) The writing wasn't up to the same standard and I had "guessed" the answer to the "mystery" well before the end. I also found the constant hopping around from London, Brisbane, Cornwall, 1907, 1913, 1975, 2005 (where are we now?) confusing and unnecessary. Being a pedant, it also annoyed me when Cassandra said she was looking through her "grandmother's scrapbooks" (Rose's) when actually Nell was her grandmother and Rose was her GREAT grandmother - at least that's what she should have been at this point in the story. All in all - I wouldn't really recommend buying it unless you are a die-hard Morton fan.
Good old fashioned storytelling, 07 Oct 2008
I must admit that I was attracted to this book as it mentioned Richard and Judy's Bookclub. Not that I read all they recommend but they are usually worth a look. Then I found out that it was the author's previous book that was referred to "The House at Riverton" so I read that first.
It was good, but for me this one is better. It is set in Australia and Cornwall in the past and present. It starts with a puzzle and a rather heart rending one at that. A four year old girl is left on a steamer heading to Australia in 1912, apparently abandoned and unnoticed by the authorities. Who would do such a thing, and why?
There follows a well written multi layered story that untangles the complexities of the girls life. We see Edwardian society from the viewpoint of the rich and the poor. In the present day we see the girls granddaughter coming to terms with her true heritage. A fine mystery that keeps you guessing.
It is a wonderful adventure, reminding me of Daphne du Maurier and even the Famous Five, but in spirit only.
Thoroughly recommended.
Not bad but a bit long-winded, 05 Oct 2008
I, like many others who reviewed this book, read and really enjoyed 'The House at Riverton'. This book was also good, up to about two-thirds of the way through. It then became a bit laborious when the answer to the mystery became predictable. The skipping back and forth between time zones was O.K. at first but then became confusing. Nevertheless, not a bad read but expected better after the author's first book.
Dull, derivative, souless and unsatisfactory, 01 Oct 2008
A dull read, probably good for a dull day. The plot is straight from Mills & Boon. Little characterisation - people are either good or very bad. A long book which could have been edited to half its length without loss. Each chapter covers a specific time and place - 1900, 1913, 1975, 2005 - but in each chapter there is no sense of time or place. The characters behave the same and use the same vocabulary regardless of era.
It does try to be a modern classic but sadly fails.
Don't bother.
Hard to put down.., 28 Sep 2008
As soon as I saw the back of the book I knew I had to read the book!
It was so hard to put down once I'd started reading it.
There were so many surprises in it. Just when you thought you'd worked it out, there was another twist to the story.
I will definitely be buying her other book.
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Customer Reviews
Convincingly real, 13 Oct 2008
The heaps of praise this outstanding novel is getting here (with sales to match, I understand) is thoroughly deserved. I have no wish to repeat the plaudits and plot descriptions already offered, but thought it worth sharing my opinion that this is the best work Bernard Cornwell has produced since his utterly engrossing Arthurian trilogy "The Warlord Chronicles" which appeared well over a decade ago.
What made those three books so captivating was the reimagining of an enchanted legend and the placement of that legend into both a historical context and into an atmosphere which seemed convincingly realistic. Plus, of course, an unputdownable narrative momentum, a Cornwell trademark.
Given the greater amount of recorded historical detail available to Cornwell here, a reimagining is less necessary. So, the author focuses on putting the reader right into the heart of the action, the fears, smells, sounds, prejudices, superstitions, heroism and malevolence of an age in which we should all be glad we didn't live. With the exception of the obligatory malevolent monk (Sir Martin, who's complete lack of any single redeeming feature makes him somewhat cartoonish to my mind) all the characters are well fleshed out and their motivations and actions seem believable and authentic.
Finally, the spiritual part of the novel, Nicholas Hook's "relationship" with Saints Crispin and Crispinian, is beautifully handled and makes deft use of a historical coincidence I was unaware of. In fact, Christianity per se is handled very well in this story - given the historical setting, there's simply no avoiding it. However, where one may have left "The Warlord Chronicles" or even Cornwell's ongoing retelling of King Alfred's history with the impression that the author really has very little time for Chrisianity, I left this one with a more refined view. He simply doesn't like hypocritical self serving "Christians" very much.
Even this atheist can say a committed "Amen" to that.
Grail Quest Vol 4., 13 Oct 2008
First things first: this is probably the best book Bernard Cornwell has written in the past 5 years. Its greatest strength, but also its one weakness is that is effectively the 4th book in the Grail Quest series. To all extents and purposes the new hero Nicholas Hook is just Thomas of Hookton mark two (in fact Thomas of Hookton even gets a one line mention). You'd be hard pressed to distinguish the two and even the supporting cast are virtually identical. Nicholas is accompanied by a french girlfriend who's the daughter of a French knight and a friendly and most ungodly priest. So far, so Harlequin.
HOWEVER the reason people buy Bernard Cornwell's books isn't for the great characterisation or original plots- its for the battle scenes. Frankly no-one describes french men at arms being hacked apart with pole-axes and decimated by arrows in quite the way that Cornwell does and in this Azincourt excels. There's a shameless enjoyment to reading about any battle described by Cornwell and surely Azincourt was the ultimate battle, so he can really let rip on this one.
For me the historical notes at the back of the book are often the best bit of this sort of book. They put the novels into context, add in some detail and give Bernard Cornwell a chance to air his personal feelings. Again he excels in the back pages of this novel, making some very convincing counter arguments to some of the recent revisionist histories of Azincourt. Cornwell knows his history and makes solid assumptions when the 'truth' is less clear.
All Cornwell fans need this book on their shelf.
Adventure history at its best, 10 Oct 2008
It probably comes as no suprise to anyone who saw Bernard Cornwell's glowing comments on the front of Juliet Barker's excellent history book 'Agincourt', that Cornwell turned his attention Henry V's famous, almost miraculous, victory over the French. The problem is how to make such an extraordinarily well known story - thanks to Shakespeare and numerous histories - seem fresh and exciting. Thankfully, we are in the hands of a master at this sort of thing.
His story of Nick Hook, an English longbowman, does more than simply tick the expected boxes. It successfully puts the victory at Agincourt into perspective both politically and socially. It does so by bringing us firmly into the lives of the people. These people realised as properly medieval men and women. Cornwell scores over so many of his competitors by convincing us that these are not simply modern men in fancy dress. Faith in Christianity, for example, and the battle between the heretical Lollard beliefs, common in England at the time, and the Church are woven into the fabric of the story. It will come as no suprise that the battle scenes are strongly and convincingly portrayed.
I always hesitate before giving a five star review, but this is certainly worth it.
Fabulous, 10 Oct 2008
I've been a fan of Cornwell's for some years now and have read everything he's done, in the past I have found his one off story's lack the sheer brilliance of his books that are part of a series. Azincourt however is, in my opinion, the best novel Cornwell has as yet produced, it's simply awsome. There are some aspects here that just shouldn't work (mainly the bits with God and the Saints) but Mr C pulls it off without leaving the reader thinking 'yeah right like that'd happen'.
I read this in 2 days flat, it's the very best book I have read in a long time, I implore buy this book, you will not be disappointed.
Cornwell ? The best on the scene, 09 Oct 2008
Bernard Cornwell is like a war machine: a wonderful book every 8-12 months. After Sharpe (the best of His series) Arthur and Harlequin a new adventure with the fierce struggle between british archers and french heavy cavalry at Azincourt. A solid plot, good characters, a great battle. What else ?
A must Read, 10 Oct 2008
Read this book and you will not be sorry!
I have read both Hosseini's books and I will not pick a favourite.
They are equally VERY good.
Type of books you cant stop reading and will cherish in your bookshelf...
Both books relate to us what is to be a human!
Flaud, sacrifices and mistakes we all make and have to live with.
I cant wait for his 3rd book.
compelling but miserable, 10 Oct 2008
I found this book quite compelling but profoundly miserable. If you are looking for grit and realism I would recommend it, it gives a good insight into awful living conditions in Afghanistan through years of turmoil. The characters are well developed. However, I was thoroughly depressed by reading this book - I guess because it was realistic. Maybe I'm just too shallow to do a book like this justice but this was not any form of escapism. Harrowing is a better description.
brilliant , 05 Oct 2008
This is one of the best books I have ever read. The story of two women brought together in the most awful, despicable circumstances which are totally out of their control. The husband Rasheed is probably one of the most hateful, violent characters I have ever come across and Hosseini's writing is so powerful that you believe these people really exist and I hated Rasheed with a passsion. This book had my heart thumping at a failed escape and crying at one of the most poignant chapters set in the Ghaza Stadium. Like the Kite Runner this book does end with a sense of hope but again, getting to that end still fills you with sadness. This is one book I will remember for along time.
Couldn't put it down!, 02 Oct 2008
I don't normally write reviews but I had to comment on A Thousand Splendid Suns which I have just finished. I couldn't put it down. It is written with understanding and feeling for the women of Afganistan. What they have had to go through is unthinkable in our western society but the author has managed to make it upbeat and shows that good overcomes evil eventually. This book will stay with me for a long time and I would thoroughly recommend it.
Highly Recommended, 02 Oct 2008
Each generation throws us a curveball of literacy genius; this is the one for this generation. Rarely is there a book that is so compelling that it reaches into the depth of your soul and make you reflect long after you have finished it. This book was given to me whilst deployed to Afghanistan but not read until my return. It is the only book that I have recommended to many people but would not share my copy. My daughter has now started reading it and interesting to see both the computer and mobile are off. This is a must read for all generations.
As relevant and contemporary as ever, 09 Oct 2008
I've long been among the first in line for the new John le Carre, so was pleased to find this book on sale for half price at Waterstones last week. Throughout a long writing career (this novel is his 21st), le Carre has continued to return to the themes of deception and betrayal and, although he's used an interesting variety of geographical locations for his settings, those of us who've spent a long time immersed in his world have started to identify common characteristics in his dramatis personae. Thus, in this story, the befuddled Englishman who tries to do the right thing has echoes of, amongst others, Harry Pendel in The Tailor Of Panama, Ted Mundy in Absolute Friends and Tim Cranmer in Our Game. And the attractive idealistic female lawyer is strongly reminiscent of Tessa Quayle in The Constant Gardener.
But these links to older books don't mean that le Carre's running out of ideas, or is merely turning | | |