In 'Dark Voyage' by Alan Furst, the reader is taken on a gripping journey aboard the Dutch tramp steamer Noordendam during the early days of World War II. Captain Eric DeHaan and his crew find themselves thrust into the world of espionage as they navigate dangerous waters and secret missions for Allied naval intelligence. The novel expertly combines historical accuracy with strong character development, offering a unique perspective on the war through the eyes of ordinary individuals facing extraordinary circumstances. Furst’s writing style immerses readers in the nautical setting, capturing the atmosphere of the wartime era with meticulous detail and evocative storytelling.

Characters:

Characters are a mix of heroism and ordinariness, with the protagonist being particularly relatable though some secondary characters lack depth.

Writing/Prose:

The style is marked by atmospheric storytelling with a focus on detailed historical context and nuanced character development.

Plot/Storyline:

The narrative revolves around the exploits of a Dutch captain recruited for secret missions during World War II, involving disguises and aiding the British Navy.

Setting:

The setting vividly portrays the early days of WWII across multiple European locations, highlighting the maritime feel through a merchant vessel.

Pacing:

Initially slow, the pacing becomes more engaging as the plot develops, particularly in the latter sections.

In the port of Tangier, on the last day of April, 1941, the fall of the Mediterranean evening was, as always, subtle and slow. Broken cloud, the color of dark fire in the last of the sunset, drifted o...

Notes:

The book is set during World War II, specifically in 1941.

The main character is Dutch sea captain Eric DeHaan.

DeHaan's ship is disguised as a neutral Spanish freighter.

The story involves espionage and missions for British Naval intelligence.

The ship's missions include assisting a British commando unit and delivering munitions.

Dark Voyage captures the atmosphere of the era and includes authentic nautical details.

Readers may find themselves needing to reread sections for better understanding.

The novel includes a diverse cast of European characters recruited for war efforts.

The book features historical accuracy regarding places and events of WWII.

Furst's writing is known for its immersive and atmospheric quality.

The book has both action and human elements, focusing on the lives of ordinary people.

Setting shifts from the Mediterranean Sea to the Baltic Ocean and ports like Tangier and Lisbon.

Character development is slower than in typical thrillers, focusing more on realism.

Readers might find the pacing slow at first but rewarding later on.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings may include themes of war, violence, and peril faced by characters.

From The Publisher:

May, 1941. At four in the morning, a rust-streaked tramp freighter streams up the Tagus River to dock at the port of Lisbon. She is the Santa Rosa; she flies the flag of neutral Spain and is in Lisbon to load cork oak, tinned sardines, and drums of cooking oil bound for the Baltic port of Malmo. Only she is not the Santa Rosa, she is the Noordendam, a Dutch freighter that sails for the Intelligence Division of the British Royal Navy and she will load detection equipment for a clandestine operation on the Swedish coast - a secret mission, a dark voyage. Here is an epic tale of war and espionage, of spies and fugitives, of love in secret hotel rooms, of courage in the face of impossible odds.

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About the Author:

Alan Furst is widely recognized as the master of the historical spy novel. He is the author of Night Soldiers, Dark Star, The Polish Officer, The World at Night, Red Gold, Kingdom of Shadows, Blood of Victory, and Dark Voyage. Born in New York, he has lived for long periods in France, especially Paris. He now lives on Long Island, New York. Visit the author's website at AlanFurst.net.

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Dark Voyage

Alan Furst

Book 8 in the series:Night Soldiers