ISBN: 0-7887-3476-8 Order from: Recorded Books Amazon.com Barnes & Noble.com
At times melancholy, and often ironic, this novel starts slowly but gains in appeal with its solid character portrayal and descriptions of Cuba.
Reviewed by David on October 17, 2004
Genre: Mystery
Synopsis: Arkady Renko, an experienced investigator from Moscow, flies to Havana to identify the body of a former friend, who once worked for the KGB. The body has been found in the bay, and its state prevents easy identification. Arkady is not satisfied with explanations of accidental death and decides to look into the circumstances.
He has several obstacles. Arkady speaks no Spanish, the local police are not interested in cooperation with former allies. Several people are trying to kill Arkady, and everybody advises him to drop the matter.
Perhaps the biggest enemy is Arkady's suicidal depression—he mourns for his recently dead wife Irina. But a combination of stubborness and experience propels Arkady to keep looking.
Full Review: Havana is vividly portrayed here, and acts as a character in its own right, along with the morose, intelligent Arkady. The bleakness of Arkady's thoughts, in stark contrast to the colorful Cuba, transforms into a strange synergy. The morose inspector cannot help but be influenced by Havana, a city with crushing poverty and hope, bitterness and a sense of humor, squalor of poverty and hypocracy of communism amidst the vibrant hope and beauty.
The contradictions and passion finally suck Arkady in, and he, with a reluctant police ally follow the convoluted trail of conspiracy and murder.
A slow start develops into well-paced, gripping and atmospheric investigation in this book.
Overall: 6; Plot: 5.5; Characters: 6; Style: 6; World-building: 6.5; Originality: 6;
Copyright date 1999, Recorded Books, 1999, Audio cassette, 8 cassettes
ISBN: 0-7887-3476-8 Order from: Recorded Books Amazon.com Barnes & Noble.com