"The Polish Officer" follows the journey of Captain Alexander de Milja, a Polish military officer turned spy during World War II. Set against the backdrop of the German invasion of Poland, the book takes readers through de Milja's experiences as he navigates dangerous assignments, espionage, and resistance activities in various European locations such as Paris, Ukraine, and Poland. The narrative paints a vivid picture of life under occupation and captures the atmosphere of the era through Furst's unique storytelling style, which jumps between different stages in de Milja's espionage career.

Furst's writing style in "The Polish Officer" is characterized by vivid characterizations, atmospheric vignettes, and a blend of historical fiction with spy thriller elements. Through de Milja's escapades, readers are immersed in a world of espionage, danger, and the moral complexities faced by individuals caught in the turmoil of war. The book offers a rich understanding of the time and place of World War II without overwhelming readers with excessive details, making it a compelling read for those interested in historical fiction beyond traditional thrillers.

Characters:

Characters are mostly ordinary individuals, depicted with depth and complexity, as they navigate the struggles of wartime.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is atmospheric and evocative, creating a vivid sense of time and place while employing an impressionistic approach to storytelling.

Plot/Storyline:

The story follows the protagonist through a collection of espionage assignments during WWII, emphasizing personal struggles and smaller acts of resistance rather than major battles.

Setting:

The setting encompasses key locations in Eastern Europe during WWII, vividly illustrating the dire circumstances of the time.

Pacing:

The pacing is slow and contemplative, featuring occasional bursts of action while maintaining a focus on character and atmosphere.

IN POLAND, ON the night of 11 September 1939, Wehrmacht scout and commando units—elements of Kuechler’s Third Army Corps—moved silently around the defenses of Novy Dvor, crossed the Vistula over the p...

Notes:

The novel is set during the German invasion of Poland in September 1939.

The main character, Alexander de Milja, is a Polish cartographer turned intelligence officer.

De Milja's initial mission is to smuggle Poland's gold reserves to Romania.

The story showcases various locations including Warsaw, Paris, and Ukraine.

Furst's writing emphasizes the moral dilemmas faced by individuals during wartime.

The plot consists of a series of missions rather than a single continuous story.

Furst captures the atmosphere of Europe before and during WWII through vivid descriptions.

The book highlights the struggles of ordinary people amidst extraordinary circumstances.

The narrative raises questions about the impact of one's contributions in a larger struggle against oppression.

Furst is known for his historical accuracy and richly developed characters.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings include themes of war violence, death, and moral complexities associated with espionage and survival during World War II.

Has Romance?

The book features a medium level of romance, with elements of romantic relationships interspersed throughout the narrative, but it is not the primary focus.

From The Publisher:

September 1939. As Warsaw falls to Hitler's Wehrmacht, Captain Alexander de Milja is recruited by the intelligence service of the Polish underground. His mission: to transport the national gold reserve to safety, hidden on a refugee train to Bucharest. Then, in the back alleys and black-market bistros of Paris, in the tenements of Warsaw, with partizan guerrillas in the frozen forests of the Ukraine, and at Calais Harbor during an attack by British bombers, de Milja fights in the war of the shadows in a world without rules, a world of danger, treachery, and betrayal.

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About the Author:

Alan Furst, widely recognized as the master of the historical spy novel, is the author of A Hero of France, Midnight in Europe, Mission to Paris, and many other bestsellers. Born in New York, he lived for many years in Paris,…

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