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Night Soldiers

Book 1 in the series:Night Soldiers

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Night Soldiers by Alan Furst follows the journey of Khristo Stoianev, a young Bulgarian who is recruited into the NKVD Soviet secret intelligence service after his brother is killed by local fascists. The story spans from 1934 to 1945, covering Khristo's training, operations in the Spanish Civil War, escape to France, and involvement in guerrilla operations with the French underground. Furst's writing style is described as atmospheric, with detailed geographical research and well-developed characters that bring the historical setting to life.

Characters:

The characters are multifaceted, reflecting the moral complexities of those swept into the chaos of war and espionage.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is rich in detail and historical accuracy, requiring the reader's attention to fully grasp its depth and complexities.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot intricately weaves the life of Khristo Stoianev as he navigates the chaotic landscape of pre-WWII Europe, touching on espionage and the effects of war.

Setting:

The setting spans multiple European locations during a tumultuous time, providing an immersive backdrop that enhances the story's emotional and historical depth.

Pacing:

The pacing is uneven, with a slow start that balances detailed exposition against heightened tension during key dramatic moments.
His brother was fifteen, no more than a blameless fool with a big mouth, and in calmer days his foolishness would have been accommodated in the usual ways—a slap in the face for humiliation, a few col...

Notes:

The book is set between 1934 and 1945, covering various locations in Europe.
It follows the story of Khristo Stoianev, a young Bulgarian recruited into the Soviet NKVD.
Khristo witnesses the brutal murder of his younger brother by fascists, sparking his involvement in espionage.
The narrative includes events from the Spanish Civil War and the French Resistance against Nazis.
Furst's writing blends personal narrative with historical facts, adding depth to the espionage genre.
The plot explores themes of friendship, ideology, and survival in wartime Europe.
Characters form a brotherhood named BF 825, which appears throughout the story.
Furst's characters face constant danger and moral dilemmas, reflecting the chaotic political landscape of the time.
The novel is characterized as a historical spy thriller with detailed geographical and historical research.
Night Soldiers was published in 1988, marking the beginning of Furst's series of loosely connected spy novels.
Furst is known for his atmospheric writing style, often compared to literary greats like Tolstoy.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings for Night Soldiers include violence, political oppression, and references to historical atrocities, which may be distressing to some readers.

Has Romance?

There is a medium level of romance in Night Soldiers, primarily through the protagonist's relationship with his lover, which adds depth to his character.

From The Publisher:

Bulgaria, 1934. A young man is murdered by the local fascists. His brother, Khristo Stoianev, is recruited into the NKVD, the Soviet secret intelligence service, and sent to Spain to serve in its civil war. Warned that he is about to become a victim of Stalin's purges, Khristo flees to Paris. Night Soldiers masterfully re-creates

the European world of 1934-45: the struggle between Nazi Germany and Soviet Russia for Eastern Europe, the last desperate gaiety of the beau monde in 1937 Paris, and guerrilla operations with the French underground in 1944. Night Soldiers is a scrupulously researched panoramic novel, a work on a grand scale.

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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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