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The Scarlatti Inheritance
Her weapons: Money and Power. Her target: The most dangerous man in the world—her son. Elizabeht Wyckman Scarlatti has a plan—a desperate, last-minute gamble—designed to save the world from her own son, Ulster, an incalculably dangerous man who is working under the name of Heinrich Kroeger: Unless she can stop him, he is about to give Hitler's Third Reich the most powerful triumph on earth.
386 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 28, 1971
431 people are currently reading
3592 people want to read
About the author
Robert Ludlum
621 books5,212 followersRobert Ludlum was the author of twenty-seven novels, each one a New York Times bestseller. There are more than 210 million of his books in print, and they have been translated into thirty-two languages. He is the author of The Scarlatti Inheritance, The Chancellor Manuscript, and the Jason Bourne series--The Bourne Identity, The Bourne Supremacy, and The Bourne Ultimatum--among others. Mr. Ludlum passed away in March, 2001. Ludlum also published books under the pseudonyms Jonathan Ryder and Michael Shepherd.
Some of Ludlum's novels have been made into films and mini-series, including The Osterman Weekend, The Holcroft Covenant, The Apocalypse Watch, The Bourne Identity, The Bourne Supremacy and The Bourne Ultimatum. A non-Ludlum book supposedly inspired by his unused notes, Covert One: The Hades Factor, has also been made into a mini-series. The Bourne movies, starring Matt Damon in the title role, have been commercially and critically successful (The Bourne Ultimatum won three Academy Awards in 2008), although the story lines depart significantly from the source material.
Some of Ludlum's novels have been made into films and mini-series, including The Osterman Weekend, The Holcroft Covenant, The Apocalypse Watch, The Bourne Identity, The Bourne Supremacy and The Bourne Ultimatum. A non-Ludlum book supposedly inspired by his unused notes, Covert One: The Hades Factor, has also been made into a mini-series. The Bourne movies, starring Matt Damon in the title role, have been commercially and critically successful (The Bourne Ultimatum won three Academy Awards in 2008), although the story lines depart significantly from the source material.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 256 reviews
April 23, 2018
This was my first Robert Ludlum novel, not because it was his first but because both he and it were recommended by the owner of a used book store I once frequented. So impressed I immediately bought his newest work at the time, something called The Bourne Identity. Ludlum had evolved in the ten years between the two books. Action had risen in prominence though not at the expense of intrigue. But another element had also appeared, which I confirmed with the next novel, The Parcifal Mosaic. These books ran about a quarter to a third longer than necessary. At what should have been the beginning of the end, a character heretofore not a part of the conspiracy would kill the hero’s only confederate before he could expose the plot. Now there was another layer of adversity to be overcome. I was clearly in the minority in my feelings regarding this development as Ludlum by then had readers in the millions.
The Scarlatti Inheritance is Ludlum without padding. But fair warning, also without action and without long-ranging, deep-reaching conspiracies. This is the story of how the youngest son of an absurdly rich New York family came to be a high-ranking Nazi officer, and it follows his plan to infuse a Germany on verge of defeat with over a hundred million dollars in stolen money. He is opposed by his mother, the tough-minded family matriarch. The conflicts that ensue are more emotionally weighted and financially based, even if they still affect the fate of humanity. And so, if admittedly not the Ludlum the world had come to know, a novel still riveting and well worth the read.
The Scarlatti Inheritance is Ludlum without padding. But fair warning, also without action and without long-ranging, deep-reaching conspiracies. This is the story of how the youngest son of an absurdly rich New York family came to be a high-ranking Nazi officer, and it follows his plan to infuse a Germany on verge of defeat with over a hundred million dollars in stolen money. He is opposed by his mother, the tough-minded family matriarch. The conflicts that ensue are more emotionally weighted and financially based, even if they still affect the fate of humanity. And so, if admittedly not the Ludlum the world had come to know, a novel still riveting and well worth the read.
November 8, 2021
The book was exciting with lots of OMG moments but there were many unanswered questions and, given attention to some of the details at the beginning of the story, you would have expected Ludlum to capitalize on it- but he didn’t. I did enjoy listening to this, my first book, but not my last-by Ludlum.
November 6, 2024
Who knew a government field accountant could make for a good lead character?
This is a suspense thriller that mostly takes place in the mid 1920s during the infancy of German Small Mustache Man’s plot to take over the German government. It’s crafted as one big flashback after a brief couple chapters set in the 1940s.
I don’t want to talk about the plot. This is a generational tale centered on the Scarlatti family, in particular Elizabeth Scarlatti. Elizabeth Scarlatti is the epitome of the strong, independent woman I keep hearing about. How shocking that such a character existed in a novel from 1971! (Not really.)
Ludlum crafted a globetrotting narrative here and writes like a seasoned pro, even though it’s his first novel. I loved every minute.
This is a suspense thriller that mostly takes place in the mid 1920s during the infancy of German Small Mustache Man’s plot to take over the German government. It’s crafted as one big flashback after a brief couple chapters set in the 1940s.
I don’t want to talk about the plot. This is a generational tale centered on the Scarlatti family, in particular Elizabeth Scarlatti. Elizabeth Scarlatti is the epitome of the strong, independent woman I keep hearing about. How shocking that such a character existed in a novel from 1971! (Not really.)
Ludlum crafted a globetrotting narrative here and writes like a seasoned pro, even though it’s his first novel. I loved every minute.
May 25, 2010
Even though this is one of the first books Robert Ludlum it is one of the last ones I read so you could imagine my delight when I found this a Ludlum book I haven't yet read during a book drive at my daughter's school.
The book starts in Washington DC where Major Matthew Canfield is being sent to meet a high ranking German official with promises to divulge information to help end WWII.
From the second chapter, to one before last, the story is told as a back flash about the Scarlatti family. Giovanni Scarlatti, a poor but ingenious Italian immigrant, marries a rich heiress, his employer's daughter, named Elizabeth who helps him take over her business in as well as many other companies to become extremely rich within a decade.
The Scralattis had three sons, one died in WWI, the other was ordered by his mother not to enlist, and the third - the troublemaker - enlisted and, to everyone's surprise, became a war hero.
What no-one knew is that the third son, Ulster, coned his whole regiment to believe he killed many Germans and saved them all, only trying to escape the front. Together with a German officer he took on a second identity of a German solider he killed named Heinrich Kroeger.
Ulster's plan to bankrupt his family and help Hitler's Third Reich is the plot which takes us, his mother and the book's hero, field accountant (not yet Major) Canfield, around the globe and into mysterious financial transactions.
I'm a big Ludlum fan but honestly - I don't know what to think of this book. It's certainly isn't as good as other Ludlum books but it is an exciting read, well paced and the characters are not one-dimensional freaks.
The thing that this book falls short on is the ending. It seems that Ludlum used the "Star Trek" type ending - where a complex story is neatly tied up in 5 minutes or less.
The book starts in Washington DC where Major Matthew Canfield is being sent to meet a high ranking German official with promises to divulge information to help end WWII.
From the second chapter, to one before last, the story is told as a back flash about the Scarlatti family. Giovanni Scarlatti, a poor but ingenious Italian immigrant, marries a rich heiress, his employer's daughter, named Elizabeth who helps him take over her business in as well as many other companies to become extremely rich within a decade.
The Scralattis had three sons, one died in WWI, the other was ordered by his mother not to enlist, and the third - the troublemaker - enlisted and, to everyone's surprise, became a war hero.
What no-one knew is that the third son, Ulster, coned his whole regiment to believe he killed many Germans and saved them all, only trying to escape the front. Together with a German officer he took on a second identity of a German solider he killed named Heinrich Kroeger.
Ulster's plan to bankrupt his family and help Hitler's Third Reich is the plot which takes us, his mother and the book's hero, field accountant (not yet Major) Canfield, around the globe and into mysterious financial transactions.
I'm a big Ludlum fan but honestly - I don't know what to think of this book. It's certainly isn't as good as other Ludlum books but it is an exciting read, well paced and the characters are not one-dimensional freaks.
The thing that this book falls short on is the ending. It seems that Ludlum used the "Star Trek" type ending - where a complex story is neatly tied up in 5 minutes or less.
November 19, 2017
it was good but the economics bit went over my head by several miles
i didn't quite expect mein fuhrer himself;
sieg heil!
p35: in what amounted to a slaughter of the uninformed, giovanni suggested that a desierable course of action was the formation of one parent organization with himself and his wife as the principal stockholders.
p54-55: the german clicked the hammer of his luger into firing position...
...the german slowly released the hammer of his revolver, still staring at the lieutenant.
p137: premeditation of the whole sequence was apparent: the reservations made in february; the short engagement; the honeymoon tour; the constant deposits and prompt withdrawls; the removal of the securities and the final act of ulster's disappearance itself.
i didn't quite expect mein fuhrer himself;
sieg heil!
p35: in what amounted to a slaughter of the uninformed, giovanni suggested that a desierable course of action was the formation of one parent organization with himself and his wife as the principal stockholders.
p54-55: the german clicked the hammer of his luger into firing position...
...the german slowly released the hammer of his revolver, still staring at the lieutenant.
p137: premeditation of the whole sequence was apparent: the reservations made in february; the short engagement; the honeymoon tour; the constant deposits and prompt withdrawls; the removal of the securities and the final act of ulster's disappearance itself.
August 6, 2022
Robert Ludlum stierf jammer genoeg in 2001. Ooit was hij theater acteur en –producent. Bij de start van zijn auteursleven schreef hij onder de pseudoniemen Jonathan Ryder en Michael Shepherd.
Het boek De Scarlatti erfenis werd oorspronkelijk uitgebracht in ’71.
Verhaal
Als in 1944 Hitler ’s derde rijk wankelt, wil Heinrich Kroeger overlopen. Deze wil echter enkel onderhandelen met een onbekende majoor van de inlichtingendienst, Matthew Canfield. Deze stemt daarin toe indien hij het zeer geheime Scarlatti dossier in handen krijgt. Elisabeth Scarlatti is de centrale figuur in dat dossier. Een schatrijke en vindingrijke dame die lijnrecht tegenover haar eigen zoon komt te staan.
Mijn gedacht
De achtergrond van dit verhaal vormt zich in de jaren na WWI en de beginjaren van WWII. Met alles dat zich toen afspeelt, gemengd met een grote dosis fictie creëerde Ludlum een pracht van een verhaal.
De spanningsboog staat niet hard gespannen maar dit stoort niet. Het echte verhaal wordt gevormd door de dialogen en plottwisten. Deze beide zaken zorgen ervoor dat je in het verhaal getrokken wordt en er ook blijft.
Ludlum gebruikt thema’s als familie, misleiding en spionage om tot dit eindresultaat te komen.
Een diversiteit aan personages passeert de revue. Van de strenge, over lijken gaande, industrieel tot de verwende jongste zoon die denkt alles te mogen. Maar ook de manipulator krijgt zijn rol in het verhaal.
In dit boek is het meer mogelijk dat men meevoelt met het volledige pakket aan gebeurtenissen dan dat men zich aan één enkel personage hecht.
Slot
Het einde van het verhaal voelt wat minder aan. Echte twisten zitten er niet meer in. Er werd gekozen om alles wat aan de vlugge kant af te ronden.
Conclusie
Een mooi geschreven verhaal die het niet moet hebben van de spanning, maar meer van de dialogen en kronkels in het verhaal. De opkomst van Hitler past wel in dit verhaal. Het einde was wel wat te vlug afgerond. Na een aanloop van meer dan 300pg’s zat hier toch volgens mij wat meer in. Maar het blijft toch een goed boek van een getalenteerde auteur.
Engels
Robert Ludlum sadly passed away in 2001. He was once a theater actor and producer. At the start of his author life, he wrote under the pseudonyms Jonathan Ryder and Michael Shepherd.
The book The Scarlatti Legacy was originally published in '71.
Story
When in 1944 Hitler's Third Reich falters, Heinrich Kroeger wants to defect. However, he only wants to negotiate with an unknown major of the intelligence service, Matthew Canfield. He agrees if he gets his hands on the very secret Scarlatti file. Elisabeth Scarlatti is the central figure in that dossier. A wealthy and resourceful lady who is diametrically opposed to her own son.
My thought
The background of this story is set in the years after WWI and the early years of WWII. With everything that took place then, mixed with a large dose of fiction, Ludlum created a beauty of a story.
The tension arc is not tense, but this is not disturbing. The real story is formed by the dialogues and plot twists. Both of these things ensure that you are drawn into the story and stay there.
Ludlum uses themes such as family, deception and espionage to arrive at this end result.
A diversity of characters is featured. From the stern, corpse, industrialist to the spoiled youngest son who thinks he can do anything. But the manipulator also gets its part in the story.
In this book, it is more possible to sympathize with the full package of events than to become attached to a single character.
Key lock
The end of the story feels a bit less. There are no real twists anymore. It was decided to finish everything on the fast side.
Conclusion
A beautifully written story that does not rely on the tension, but more on the dialogues and twists in the story. The rise of Hitler fits into this story. The ending was a bit too soon. After a run of more than 300pg's, I think there was a bit more in it. But it is still a good book by a talented author.
Het boek De Scarlatti erfenis werd oorspronkelijk uitgebracht in ’71.
Verhaal
Als in 1944 Hitler ’s derde rijk wankelt, wil Heinrich Kroeger overlopen. Deze wil echter enkel onderhandelen met een onbekende majoor van de inlichtingendienst, Matthew Canfield. Deze stemt daarin toe indien hij het zeer geheime Scarlatti dossier in handen krijgt. Elisabeth Scarlatti is de centrale figuur in dat dossier. Een schatrijke en vindingrijke dame die lijnrecht tegenover haar eigen zoon komt te staan.
Mijn gedacht
De achtergrond van dit verhaal vormt zich in de jaren na WWI en de beginjaren van WWII. Met alles dat zich toen afspeelt, gemengd met een grote dosis fictie creëerde Ludlum een pracht van een verhaal.
De spanningsboog staat niet hard gespannen maar dit stoort niet. Het echte verhaal wordt gevormd door de dialogen en plottwisten. Deze beide zaken zorgen ervoor dat je in het verhaal getrokken wordt en er ook blijft.
Ludlum gebruikt thema’s als familie, misleiding en spionage om tot dit eindresultaat te komen.
Een diversiteit aan personages passeert de revue. Van de strenge, over lijken gaande, industrieel tot de verwende jongste zoon die denkt alles te mogen. Maar ook de manipulator krijgt zijn rol in het verhaal.
In dit boek is het meer mogelijk dat men meevoelt met het volledige pakket aan gebeurtenissen dan dat men zich aan één enkel personage hecht.
Slot
Het einde van het verhaal voelt wat minder aan. Echte twisten zitten er niet meer in. Er werd gekozen om alles wat aan de vlugge kant af te ronden.
Conclusie
Een mooi geschreven verhaal die het niet moet hebben van de spanning, maar meer van de dialogen en kronkels in het verhaal. De opkomst van Hitler past wel in dit verhaal. Het einde was wel wat te vlug afgerond. Na een aanloop van meer dan 300pg’s zat hier toch volgens mij wat meer in. Maar het blijft toch een goed boek van een getalenteerde auteur.
Engels
Robert Ludlum sadly passed away in 2001. He was once a theater actor and producer. At the start of his author life, he wrote under the pseudonyms Jonathan Ryder and Michael Shepherd.
The book The Scarlatti Legacy was originally published in '71.
Story
When in 1944 Hitler's Third Reich falters, Heinrich Kroeger wants to defect. However, he only wants to negotiate with an unknown major of the intelligence service, Matthew Canfield. He agrees if he gets his hands on the very secret Scarlatti file. Elisabeth Scarlatti is the central figure in that dossier. A wealthy and resourceful lady who is diametrically opposed to her own son.
My thought
The background of this story is set in the years after WWI and the early years of WWII. With everything that took place then, mixed with a large dose of fiction, Ludlum created a beauty of a story.
The tension arc is not tense, but this is not disturbing. The real story is formed by the dialogues and plot twists. Both of these things ensure that you are drawn into the story and stay there.
Ludlum uses themes such as family, deception and espionage to arrive at this end result.
A diversity of characters is featured. From the stern, corpse, industrialist to the spoiled youngest son who thinks he can do anything. But the manipulator also gets its part in the story.
In this book, it is more possible to sympathize with the full package of events than to become attached to a single character.
Key lock
The end of the story feels a bit less. There are no real twists anymore. It was decided to finish everything on the fast side.
Conclusion
A beautifully written story that does not rely on the tension, but more on the dialogues and twists in the story. The rise of Hitler fits into this story. The ending was a bit too soon. After a run of more than 300pg's, I think there was a bit more in it. But it is still a good book by a talented author.
August 10, 2017
Robert Ludlum never disappoints. I think every one of his novels that I've read have been spy thrillers, mostly set around World War II or the Cold War. There's plenty of mayhem, blood and gore, so if you're squeamish about that sort of thing, Ludlum is not for you.
This book is set in the time before World War II when Hitler is looking for backers. And men on both sides of the ocean are swayed by his superior race rhetoric. One such man is a Scarlatti scion, and he's inherited millions, so he can fund a lot.
The main character in this book is Matthew Canfield, a US government field accountant who investigates shady financial dealings of the ultra rich. He runs across the sale of millions of dollars worth of American securities in overseasmarkets. Elizabeth Scarlatti has learned that her son, the black sheep of the family, has stolen these securities from his own family. So Elizabeth and Matthew team up. Assassination attempts are made. Mayhem, violence, etc.
This book is set in the time before World War II when Hitler is looking for backers. And men on both sides of the ocean are swayed by his superior race rhetoric. One such man is a Scarlatti scion, and he's inherited millions, so he can fund a lot.
The main character in this book is Matthew Canfield, a US government field accountant who investigates shady financial dealings of the ultra rich. He runs across the sale of millions of dollars worth of American securities in overseasmarkets. Elizabeth Scarlatti has learned that her son, the black sheep of the family, has stolen these securities from his own family. So Elizabeth and Matthew team up. Assassination attempts are made. Mayhem, violence, etc.
July 19, 2015
The book is good. Robert Ludlum is easy to understand. I especially liked the character of the unconventional, strong, and daring Scarlatti matriarch. A very different heroine.
August 8, 2015
I did not enjoy this book that much. It was such a slow read in the beginning that had me putting the book down for days at a time. I felt like trudging through mud at stages. The ending came quite quick and did not feel rounded off and the relationship with the son had an entry and end but no other info for in between. A bit disappointed.
November 9, 2015
A Ludlum thriller, overflowing with elements encompassing Nazism, wealth, government intelligence, secrecy... At every junction death is lurking, mental confusion is paramount, suspense at the pinnacle... The reader is taken on an action filled, adventure riddled journey, and every word makes him only yearn for more.
February 11, 2019
I read half of this once and didn't finish it. 90% of the book is a flashback. You think its building up to a huge climax, but no. This is the story of a spoiled rich brat that tries to fake his death and join a "new world order" but is betrayed by the people he tries to buy respect from. There is a lot of hype and an abrupt end.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 11, 2020
This is my first book written n by Robert Ludlum that I ever read in life. I'm glad I did it.
Elizabeth Wyckham was in love with one of her father's worker named Giordanni Scarlatti. Giordanni is a highly confident man who came to America from Italy although can only speak little English. His confidence is what attracted Elizabeth to him. He is also an ambitious and a hard working man who refuse to see himself as an employee. Through Elizabeth's guidance to him about legal things and how things work, Giordanni slowly expanding himself and asked for Elizabeth's hand. They are lovers, friends, and partners. Their relationship together caused the emergence of Scarlatti industrial empire and Elizabeth bore 3 sons to Giordanni. Times go on and Giordanni passed away leaving Elizabeth alone managing the Scarlatti empire and raising her 3 sons.
Can Elizabeth managed the Scarlatti empire successfully?
Do her sons will turn out to be like their father?
Will the Scarlatti empire last long despite the world war?
I like how this book has multiple of POVs which enable me to understand why the characters did what they did. What irks me abit is there are so many names to remember.
I like Elizabeth Scarlatti and I want to be like her. When she mentioned about "fought in matketplace- doubling, redoubling, adding, building - always acquiring..." That is relatable to me for being busy on Facebook marketplace.
I totally agree with her about:
"... that it was never the acquisition of profits or material gain that mattered - they were merely the byproducts. It was the acquisition of power..."
Those who are into historical fiction, thriller or a story that is centered around the world war will find this story to be interesting.
Elizabeth Wyckham was in love with one of her father's worker named Giordanni Scarlatti. Giordanni is a highly confident man who came to America from Italy although can only speak little English. His confidence is what attracted Elizabeth to him. He is also an ambitious and a hard working man who refuse to see himself as an employee. Through Elizabeth's guidance to him about legal things and how things work, Giordanni slowly expanding himself and asked for Elizabeth's hand. They are lovers, friends, and partners. Their relationship together caused the emergence of Scarlatti industrial empire and Elizabeth bore 3 sons to Giordanni. Times go on and Giordanni passed away leaving Elizabeth alone managing the Scarlatti empire and raising her 3 sons.
Can Elizabeth managed the Scarlatti empire successfully?
Do her sons will turn out to be like their father?
Will the Scarlatti empire last long despite the world war?
I like how this book has multiple of POVs which enable me to understand why the characters did what they did. What irks me abit is there are so many names to remember.
I like Elizabeth Scarlatti and I want to be like her. When she mentioned about "fought in matketplace- doubling, redoubling, adding, building - always acquiring..." That is relatable to me for being busy on Facebook marketplace.
I totally agree with her about:
"... that it was never the acquisition of profits or material gain that mattered - they were merely the byproducts. It was the acquisition of power..."
Those who are into historical fiction, thriller or a story that is centered around the world war will find this story to be interesting.
December 1, 2019
I really enjoyed reading this book. It wasn't an easy read, but Ludlum's book hardly ever are. What I liked best, is the information on a relatively new to me period in history (the time between WWI en WWII). This period also had links in this book to now, or the time the book was written in. Things may have happened this way, they may not have happened, but things concerning politics and finance are usually not very transparent, so, who knows.
Fact is that I enjoyed this book and that's the main thing (for me at least).
Fact is that I enjoyed this book and that's the main thing (for me at least).
November 14, 2008
The Scarlatti Inheritance was recommended to be by a friend who told me that if I liked James Bond, I would like the Robert Ludlum series. The Scarlatti Inheritance tells a truely fascinating story of an American intelligence officer who is hired to determine the status of the Scarlatti fortunes and Ulster Scarlett while being financed by German Nazi's. Ludlum is a very gifted writer and has now become a favorite author that I count on for a fun filled adventure.
July 17, 2019
I liked the story and plot, though sometime I felt I’m reading a riddle that I have to solve, which took away from suspense buildup I assume was what Ludlum was aiming for. Still, who doesn’t like to hate an evil American becomes Nazi, an American spy trying to stop him and a couple of rich ladies in the mix?
March 26, 2008
Engrossing and intriguing.
December 31, 2018
This is Robert Ludlum's debut novel. It's the fictional account of the son of an Italian immigrant and his quest for power. The book begins with the basic premise that Ulster Scarlett has taken the nom de guerre of Heinrich Kroeger and is an important part of Nazi Germany and Hitler's rise to power.
I did read this book back in the early 1980's for a junior high school book report and just wanted to re-read it. Ludlum is one of the best in modern espionage fiction. He tries to create three-dimensional characters that are very believable and familiar. Ulster reminds me of a male version of Hillary Clinton. His scenarios often have a ring of truth as though they were stripped from yesterday's news.
Ludlum unlike Tom Clancy and Craig Thomas is more character and action driven with little to no emphasis on technology. Ludlum writes more like John Le Carre, Graham Greene or Eric Ambler. The closest he came to Ian Fleming was the Bourne Trilogy and even then it was a stretch to compare the two authors. Fleming's Bond still had more emphasis on tech than Ludlum's Bourne.
I did read this book back in the early 1980's for a junior high school book report and just wanted to re-read it. Ludlum is one of the best in modern espionage fiction. He tries to create three-dimensional characters that are very believable and familiar. Ulster reminds me of a male version of Hillary Clinton. His scenarios often have a ring of truth as though they were stripped from yesterday's news.
Ludlum unlike Tom Clancy and Craig Thomas is more character and action driven with little to no emphasis on technology. Ludlum writes more like John Le Carre, Graham Greene or Eric Ambler. The closest he came to Ian Fleming was the Bourne Trilogy and even then it was a stretch to compare the two authors. Fleming's Bond still had more emphasis on tech than Ludlum's Bourne.
August 15, 2017
Typically Ludlum, what you expect
Fast paced, with enough details to keep your interest. Good story with an evil protagonist central to the plot and an unlikely hero in over his head, with a sprinkling of sex.
Fast paced, with enough details to keep your interest. Good story with an evil protagonist central to the plot and an unlikely hero in over his head, with a sprinkling of sex.
July 10, 2024
Up and down. Started well, faded, picked up, faded once more and finally picked up again.
January 29, 2024
Me lo compré en un mercadillo de segunda mano para que me hicieran rebaja y ha sido una novela muy interesante. He tardado en leerla más de lo que debería por el tema de los exámenes, igualmente me tenía enganchado
November 20, 2018
I am am old Ludlum fan and this book was fast paced, had the twists and the compulsory Ludlum style ending (which fir once I would like to end in an unpredictable manner). A decent read.
August 14, 2012
By Robert Ludlum. Grade: A
Robert Ludlum is the bestselling author of 37 novels once touted as the best in the world with his blend of sophisticated planning and extreme pace. He is best known for The Jason Bourne Series – The Bourne Identity, The Bourne Supremacy and The Bourne Ultimatum among others.
According to this story, the Third Reich is in its death struggle. Elizabeth Scarlatti has a plan, a desperate, last-minute gamble, designed to save the world from a most dangerous man – her own son. Unless she can stop him, he is about to give Hitler’s Third Reich the most powerful instrument on Earth. In Washington word is received that an elite member of the Nazi High Command is willing to defect and divulge information that will shorten the war.
But his defection entails the release of the ultra-top secret file on the Scarlatti Inheritance. If the contents if this file is made public, it will destroy the Western world’s greatest and most illustrious nations.
The story begins with a discussion in a Washington D.C. military office about a certain Nazi high ranking official named Heinrich Kroger who wishes to contact an ex-Major Matthew Canfield (which is most unusual). The discussion entails the probability of the defection of Heinrich Kroger and the release of an ultra-secret document (only possible with the permission of the President of USA) demanded by Matthew Canfield (who happens to be the hero) along with the mention of a certain “April Red”.
The story then goes back 52 years into the early 1890s following the establishment of the Scarlatti industries by Giovanni and Elizabeth Scarlatti and the transformation of the industries into an empire almost controlling the market. After their marriage, the Giovanni and Elizabeth Scarlatti had three sons – Roland Wyckham, Chancellor Drew and Ulster Stewart Scarlett (Scarlatti was changed to Scarlett to make it more American and less Italian). At the time of the First World War, all the three sons entered into the army.
On returning from the army, Ulster begins to plot a devious plan (under the name Heinrich Kroger), a plan which involves the funnelling of funds into the Nazi Third Reich party. If completed, this would give the Nazis the most powerful weapon to control the West – money. Suddenly, amidst all of this, Ulster disappears with his inheritance (which is a hell lot of money) exhausted in his exploits. Following this was the erratic purchase of assets worth a lot of money all over the world.
Elizabeth Scarlatti, with a little help from her daughter-in-law Janet (Ulster’s wife) and Matthew Canfield, discovers this horrific plan and devises a counter-plan to stop this atrocity. Though all the perils and threats on their lives, Elizabeth Scarlatti stops them from committing the most heinous crime in the history of the world.
The best part about the novel is the sheer simplicity of the plot embroidered in the outer complexity and intricacy of the story. From the most powerful instrument being money to the planning and counter-planning to the utter basic nature of the motive, the plot thrives on the basic instincts of the human nature.
The beginning of the novel has a set of newspaper clippings instead of the traditional prologue which is innovative on the author’s part.
The only thing in which the plot fell short was the timeline. Had the timeline been a little clearer, it would have been easier for the reader to connect to the plot of the novel and get a better feel of the story.
To sum it up, Robert Ludlum is an author who can very easily pull any reader to the edge of his seat with his twists and blinding pace at which he writes. The Scarlatti Inheritance offers a treat to the fans of the espionage genre with its sweep and intricacy of the plot and is a must-read for the sheer magnitude of the plot.
Originally reviewed at : www.the-vault.co.cc
Robert Ludlum is the bestselling author of 37 novels once touted as the best in the world with his blend of sophisticated planning and extreme pace. He is best known for The Jason Bourne Series – The Bourne Identity, The Bourne Supremacy and The Bourne Ultimatum among others.
According to this story, the Third Reich is in its death struggle. Elizabeth Scarlatti has a plan, a desperate, last-minute gamble, designed to save the world from a most dangerous man – her own son. Unless she can stop him, he is about to give Hitler’s Third Reich the most powerful instrument on Earth. In Washington word is received that an elite member of the Nazi High Command is willing to defect and divulge information that will shorten the war.
But his defection entails the release of the ultra-top secret file on the Scarlatti Inheritance. If the contents if this file is made public, it will destroy the Western world’s greatest and most illustrious nations.
The story begins with a discussion in a Washington D.C. military office about a certain Nazi high ranking official named Heinrich Kroger who wishes to contact an ex-Major Matthew Canfield (which is most unusual). The discussion entails the probability of the defection of Heinrich Kroger and the release of an ultra-secret document (only possible with the permission of the President of USA) demanded by Matthew Canfield (who happens to be the hero) along with the mention of a certain “April Red”.
The story then goes back 52 years into the early 1890s following the establishment of the Scarlatti industries by Giovanni and Elizabeth Scarlatti and the transformation of the industries into an empire almost controlling the market. After their marriage, the Giovanni and Elizabeth Scarlatti had three sons – Roland Wyckham, Chancellor Drew and Ulster Stewart Scarlett (Scarlatti was changed to Scarlett to make it more American and less Italian). At the time of the First World War, all the three sons entered into the army.
On returning from the army, Ulster begins to plot a devious plan (under the name Heinrich Kroger), a plan which involves the funnelling of funds into the Nazi Third Reich party. If completed, this would give the Nazis the most powerful weapon to control the West – money. Suddenly, amidst all of this, Ulster disappears with his inheritance (which is a hell lot of money) exhausted in his exploits. Following this was the erratic purchase of assets worth a lot of money all over the world.
Elizabeth Scarlatti, with a little help from her daughter-in-law Janet (Ulster’s wife) and Matthew Canfield, discovers this horrific plan and devises a counter-plan to stop this atrocity. Though all the perils and threats on their lives, Elizabeth Scarlatti stops them from committing the most heinous crime in the history of the world.
The best part about the novel is the sheer simplicity of the plot embroidered in the outer complexity and intricacy of the story. From the most powerful instrument being money to the planning and counter-planning to the utter basic nature of the motive, the plot thrives on the basic instincts of the human nature.
The beginning of the novel has a set of newspaper clippings instead of the traditional prologue which is innovative on the author’s part.
The only thing in which the plot fell short was the timeline. Had the timeline been a little clearer, it would have been easier for the reader to connect to the plot of the novel and get a better feel of the story.
To sum it up, Robert Ludlum is an author who can very easily pull any reader to the edge of his seat with his twists and blinding pace at which he writes. The Scarlatti Inheritance offers a treat to the fans of the espionage genre with its sweep and intricacy of the plot and is a must-read for the sheer magnitude of the plot.
Originally reviewed at : www.the-vault.co.cc
July 9, 2019
In general, if you have read Ludlum's books, most notably the Bourne series, but certainly others as well [1], then it is not hard to understand the compelling nature of the author's historical thrillers, of which this is a classic example. Indeed, one of the more daring aspects of this particular book is the way that it succeeds as a political thriller despite having among the more anticlimactic endings imaginable in its genre. Yet the structure of the novel is such that it has compelling drama to the end, even though the book begins after some 95% or more of the story has taken place, and then goes back in time to its most compelling scenes before the startling anticlimax of the conclusion. Indeed, one of the most important tasks of a writer is to know one's material well enough to frame the story in its most effective way, and Ludlum certainly shows his ability to do that here, making a story that could have been Ludlum's Nostromo and turns an apparent weak ending into something that brings a sense of relief and closure rather than disappointment, showing Ludlum's strength as a writer of thrillers and his command of the material at hand.
This novel can best be seen as a frame story, where in the present two men duel for the honor and respect of a boy, for whom one is the beloved stepfather and the other is the monstrous natural father. This story, mercifully, is not given much space in the novel, which is definitely for the best. Most of the story exists in the past, about fifteen to twenty years before the conclusion, where the story involves a duel of courageous financial manipulation between a tough-minded mother and her monstrous son (who, not coincidentally, is the monstrous father of the frame story). This story is so compelling, involving brinksmanship and the cooperation of the government in keeping things quiet to avoid a financial panic, as well as a conspiracy between wealthy European and American pro-Nazi elites, that the almost colorless nature of the forensic accountant who ties the stories together does not detract from the compelling nature of the thriller as a whole. And that is a considerable achievement, given that this book could have been a lot less enjoyable than it was had it been written by a less skillful author.
Indeed, this novel has a lot to say about the nature of evil, in how it can be fostered in privileged backgrounds and how family legacies can be deeply ambivalent, and how it is that corrupt people can nonetheless do great good. There is a great deal of moral complexity in the world of this novel, and the author does a good job at presenting the effects of evil, and how it not only corrodes one's spirit, but also occasionally one's body as well as one's relationships with others. And even if the end does come as a bit of a shock in terms of just how easily it is settled, it presents the reader with an ambivalent effect of the nature of inheritance, and how what is so highly sought after by so many and so enviously regarded by others can be a great burden as well to those who have it. This is a novel that not only succeeds as a thriller, but also has a deep moral worldview at its core, something that indicates Ludlum's attention not only to taut drama in his thrillers but, even more impressively, a sound moral basis for understanding character in a world of different blends of good and evil.
[1] See, for example:
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2011...
This novel can best be seen as a frame story, where in the present two men duel for the honor and respect of a boy, for whom one is the beloved stepfather and the other is the monstrous natural father. This story, mercifully, is not given much space in the novel, which is definitely for the best. Most of the story exists in the past, about fifteen to twenty years before the conclusion, where the story involves a duel of courageous financial manipulation between a tough-minded mother and her monstrous son (who, not coincidentally, is the monstrous father of the frame story). This story is so compelling, involving brinksmanship and the cooperation of the government in keeping things quiet to avoid a financial panic, as well as a conspiracy between wealthy European and American pro-Nazi elites, that the almost colorless nature of the forensic accountant who ties the stories together does not detract from the compelling nature of the thriller as a whole. And that is a considerable achievement, given that this book could have been a lot less enjoyable than it was had it been written by a less skillful author.
Indeed, this novel has a lot to say about the nature of evil, in how it can be fostered in privileged backgrounds and how family legacies can be deeply ambivalent, and how it is that corrupt people can nonetheless do great good. There is a great deal of moral complexity in the world of this novel, and the author does a good job at presenting the effects of evil, and how it not only corrodes one's spirit, but also occasionally one's body as well as one's relationships with others. And even if the end does come as a bit of a shock in terms of just how easily it is settled, it presents the reader with an ambivalent effect of the nature of inheritance, and how what is so highly sought after by so many and so enviously regarded by others can be a great burden as well to those who have it. This is a novel that not only succeeds as a thriller, but also has a deep moral worldview at its core, something that indicates Ludlum's attention not only to taut drama in his thrillers but, even more impressively, a sound moral basis for understanding character in a world of different blends of good and evil.
[1] See, for example:
https://edgeinducedcohesion.blog/2011...
October 31, 2018
Leído para la categoría “A book with a location in the title” de ATY 2018 challenger.
Aunque su título original no aparece un lugar mencionado, en español fue traducido como “Trece en Zurich”, personalmente me hubiera gustado que la traducción del título hubiera sido literal al original, ya que éste realmente tiene que ver con lo importante en la historia, en cambio el traducido solo corresponde a una parte que sucede (y la sinopsis la hicieron encajar al título lo que da una idea totalmente errónea a donde apunta la novela).
Primer libro que leo del autor y resulta ser también su novela debut, el esquema utilizado para contar la historia es uno del que no soy muy fan (en el medio que sea utilizado), el cual consiste en empezar en un periodo de tiempo (aquí durante la segunda guerra mundial) y se nos presenta una situación dada y que puede poner en peligro a algunos personajes por lo cual se siente una necesidad de contar (o mencionar de una cierta forma) el pasado de algo o alguien y comenzamos con un flash back extenso para luego retomar y concluir la situación peligrosa sin tantos rodeos, y obviamente la parte más interesante del libro es el flash back, ¿por qué no soy muy fan de este recurso?, porque la primera parte y la última (que no es el flash back) para mí se termina sintiendo como de relleno, y aquí pasa lo mismo, el recurso para ingresar al flash back es una carta o diario para poner a alguien en conocimiento de su familia, y desde aquí nos adentramos a lo que realmente es el centro de la historia, casi el 90% del libro por decir un número, se nos presenta la historia desde el inicio de un hombre italiano que inmigra y gracias a sus habilidades y creatividad conforma una familia que se convierte en un gran poder económico, y de esta familia uno de los hijos se convierte en el eje de toda la trama y los intentos de varios personajes de detener sus planes.
La historia es bastante buena y dinámica, donde mezcla el espionaje con la economía y varias conspiraciones para que el villano de la historia pueda conseguir los recursos y así apoyar su ideología y partido al que pertenece, el Nazi, y como la propia familia (la matriarca) y otros poderes del país de Estados Unidos tratan de detener dicha situación. Por otra parte aunque se menciona a Hitler, el libro está enfocado al periodo pre segunda guerra mundial y fue un buen enfoque para mi.
Puntaje Final: 3.5 estrellas
Aunque su título original no aparece un lugar mencionado, en español fue traducido como “Trece en Zurich”, personalmente me hubiera gustado que la traducción del título hubiera sido literal al original, ya que éste realmente tiene que ver con lo importante en la historia, en cambio el traducido solo corresponde a una parte que sucede (y la sinopsis la hicieron encajar al título lo que da una idea totalmente errónea a donde apunta la novela).
Primer libro que leo del autor y resulta ser también su novela debut, el esquema utilizado para contar la historia es uno del que no soy muy fan (en el medio que sea utilizado), el cual consiste en empezar en un periodo de tiempo (aquí durante la segunda guerra mundial) y se nos presenta una situación dada y que puede poner en peligro a algunos personajes por lo cual se siente una necesidad de contar (o mencionar de una cierta forma) el pasado de algo o alguien y comenzamos con un flash back extenso para luego retomar y concluir la situación peligrosa sin tantos rodeos, y obviamente la parte más interesante del libro es el flash back, ¿por qué no soy muy fan de este recurso?, porque la primera parte y la última (que no es el flash back) para mí se termina sintiendo como de relleno, y aquí pasa lo mismo, el recurso para ingresar al flash back es una carta o diario para poner a alguien en conocimiento de su familia, y desde aquí nos adentramos a lo que realmente es el centro de la historia, casi el 90% del libro por decir un número, se nos presenta la historia desde el inicio de un hombre italiano que inmigra y gracias a sus habilidades y creatividad conforma una familia que se convierte en un gran poder económico, y de esta familia uno de los hijos se convierte en el eje de toda la trama y los intentos de varios personajes de detener sus planes.
La historia es bastante buena y dinámica, donde mezcla el espionaje con la economía y varias conspiraciones para que el villano de la historia pueda conseguir los recursos y así apoyar su ideología y partido al que pertenece, el Nazi, y como la propia familia (la matriarca) y otros poderes del país de Estados Unidos tratan de detener dicha situación. Por otra parte aunque se menciona a Hitler, el libro está enfocado al periodo pre segunda guerra mundial y fue un buen enfoque para mi.
Puntaje Final: 3.5 estrellas
October 1, 2014
The first novel written by the late Robert Ludlum, "The Scarlatti Inheritance" is about as classic a cat-and-mouse global thriller can be, from its World War settings, to secret identities, financial machinations, and other grand subterfuge. Any concerns I may have had about Ludlum's work being too layered and unnecessarily complex were put to rest, thankfully, as well.
I am a fan of historical fiction, and this book employs it nicely. By weaving in the Scarlatti/Scarlett family into the setting between World Wars and also developing them as a family who is self-made, "old money" once they settle into New York City, the scene is set for so much intrigue. Ulster Scarlett is vile, and painted as such quickly, while his mother makes for a great foil from the moment her backstory is told, as she is shown to be anything but meek. There is the natural villainy of having an emerging Nazi party as a backdrop that heightens the sense of dread, as well.
As this book was written in the early 1970's, I love that - once again - the Internet is not a trope that can used in any capacity to further the story. Transactions and interactions between characters all happen the old-fashioned way: in person, over the phone, via telegram, etc. It's a small thing, but it adds to the urgency of any problem, I find, because nothing is instantaneous. So, in that sense, I am giving credit to Ludlum for not using something he couldn't have in the first place, but insofar as this book is historical fiction, it could have been written forty years later and still work just as well.
I really credit the writing style Ludlum uses in this novel, and I am very curious to see how it evolves in other books of his that are perhaps have more of a modern setting. There is a true postwar feel to a lot of the text and vernacular written for the characters that seems appropriate, and as a reader, I felt like this book could have just as easily been written in the 1950's. It speaks to an authenticity a lesser author would not employ.
Before we ever got "The Osterman Weekend" or were introduced to Jason Bourne, there was "The
Scarlatti Inheritance" from a world-renowned author, and I quite enjoyed the straightforwardness of this story. It was very easy to digest. Because of that fact, I'm eager to pick up another of Robert Ludlum's books soon.
I am a fan of historical fiction, and this book employs it nicely. By weaving in the Scarlatti/Scarlett family into the setting between World Wars and also developing them as a family who is self-made, "old money" once they settle into New York City, the scene is set for so much intrigue. Ulster Scarlett is vile, and painted as such quickly, while his mother makes for a great foil from the moment her backstory is told, as she is shown to be anything but meek. There is the natural villainy of having an emerging Nazi party as a backdrop that heightens the sense of dread, as well.
As this book was written in the early 1970's, I love that - once again - the Internet is not a trope that can used in any capacity to further the story. Transactions and interactions between characters all happen the old-fashioned way: in person, over the phone, via telegram, etc. It's a small thing, but it adds to the urgency of any problem, I find, because nothing is instantaneous. So, in that sense, I am giving credit to Ludlum for not using something he couldn't have in the first place, but insofar as this book is historical fiction, it could have been written forty years later and still work just as well.
I really credit the writing style Ludlum uses in this novel, and I am very curious to see how it evolves in other books of his that are perhaps have more of a modern setting. There is a true postwar feel to a lot of the text and vernacular written for the characters that seems appropriate, and as a reader, I felt like this book could have just as easily been written in the 1950's. It speaks to an authenticity a lesser author would not employ.
Before we ever got "The Osterman Weekend" or were introduced to Jason Bourne, there was "The
Scarlatti Inheritance" from a world-renowned author, and I quite enjoyed the straightforwardness of this story. It was very easy to digest. Because of that fact, I'm eager to pick up another of Robert Ludlum's books soon.
June 4, 2020
The book started off very slow for me and I had put it away a few times before reading on. The economics/biz part of the story you had to really pay attention otherwise you wouldn't understand along the way. It picked up speed in the good second part of the book and I only liked it better then. So overall the book was just so so for me.
March 19, 2021
Mešetarenja nasljednika imućne obitelji u osvit velikih ideja
✒PRIČA
Nakon što mu je otac, talijanski imigrant, stvorio gorostasno financijsko carstvo u SAD-u, Ulster Stewart Scarlatti odrasta u manijakalnu osobu čija nadmenost i ambicija traži jasni ideološki okvir. Pronalazi ga tijekom rata na neočekivanom mjestu, usred Njemačke, a jedina koga ga može spriječiti u urotničkom planu financiranja novog poretka je njegova majka i američki računovođa, agent Mathew Canfield.
✒ STIL PISANJA
O Ludlumu se mnogo toga govorilo, čitalo i kupovalo (i dalje su njegovi romani među 10tak najprodavanijih u povijesti), no meni je ovaj njegov prvijenac, zapravo i prvi pravi susret s njegovom književnošću. Pomalo razočaravajući rezultat na početku je dobro skriven intrigantnom pričom i nesagledivim postupicima glavnog lika koji u jednom trenu, usred bojišta Prvog svjetskog rata, okreće pušku prema vlastitim vojnicima i kreće u nevjerojatan urotnički plan s ciljem preuzimanja svjetske prevlasti. Unatoč tom odličnom foršpanu, Nasljedstvo Scarlattija u realizaciji je skup gotovo nabacanih likova kojega je ponekad u prvom dijelu teško i pohvatati. Kasnije, kada se priča razvije i započnu akcijski slijedovi, dolazimo do glavne ideje o ćemu se tu zapravo radi. Međutim, čak ni kratko gostovanje i nekoliko rečenica s liderom tada opskurnih njemačkih revolucionara Adolfom Hitlerom, ne ublažuje ishlapjeli dojam konstruirane fabule koja obiluje dosadnjikavim načinima raspodijele dionica, udjela u poduzećima i ostalih financijskih izvještaja koji su predugački i koji zapravo nisu ništa posebno promijenili na očekivanom kraju. Dobar triler čija je realizacija osrednja, pa je #preporuka za one koji su trenutno između velikih romana i koji traže malo trilera da im brže prođe vrijeme ili boravak na moru.
🌠 ŠTO NAKON ČITANJA
Na sljedećem poslovnom sastanku osigurati mjesto najbliže izlaznim vratima.
✒PRIČA
Nakon što mu je otac, talijanski imigrant, stvorio gorostasno financijsko carstvo u SAD-u, Ulster Stewart Scarlatti odrasta u manijakalnu osobu čija nadmenost i ambicija traži jasni ideološki okvir. Pronalazi ga tijekom rata na neočekivanom mjestu, usred Njemačke, a jedina koga ga može spriječiti u urotničkom planu financiranja novog poretka je njegova majka i američki računovođa, agent Mathew Canfield.
✒ STIL PISANJA
O Ludlumu se mnogo toga govorilo, čitalo i kupovalo (i dalje su njegovi romani među 10tak najprodavanijih u povijesti), no meni je ovaj njegov prvijenac, zapravo i prvi pravi susret s njegovom književnošću. Pomalo razočaravajući rezultat na početku je dobro skriven intrigantnom pričom i nesagledivim postupicima glavnog lika koji u jednom trenu, usred bojišta Prvog svjetskog rata, okreće pušku prema vlastitim vojnicima i kreće u nevjerojatan urotnički plan s ciljem preuzimanja svjetske prevlasti. Unatoč tom odličnom foršpanu, Nasljedstvo Scarlattija u realizaciji je skup gotovo nabacanih likova kojega je ponekad u prvom dijelu teško i pohvatati. Kasnije, kada se priča razvije i započnu akcijski slijedovi, dolazimo do glavne ideje o ćemu se tu zapravo radi. Međutim, čak ni kratko gostovanje i nekoliko rečenica s liderom tada opskurnih njemačkih revolucionara Adolfom Hitlerom, ne ublažuje ishlapjeli dojam konstruirane fabule koja obiluje dosadnjikavim načinima raspodijele dionica, udjela u poduzećima i ostalih financijskih izvještaja koji su predugački i koji zapravo nisu ništa posebno promijenili na očekivanom kraju. Dobar triler čija je realizacija osrednja, pa je #preporuka za one koji su trenutno između velikih romana i koji traže malo trilera da im brže prođe vrijeme ili boravak na moru.
🌠 ŠTO NAKON ČITANJA
Na sljedećem poslovnom sastanku osigurati mjesto najbliže izlaznim vratima.
October 25, 2008
The Scarlatti Inheritance was not as good as I had thought before reading it. I have never really liked Robert's Ludlum's writing style but found a copy of his first work (I think) and decided to read it because I wasn't up to challenging Umberto Eco's confusing but brilliant writing just then. This book is alright in every regard: the characters are not horrible but not especially memorable, the action is good during some parts of the book but is notably lacking in other sections, the dialogue is really quite standard and boring, the setting is a bit varied but not enough. The mental imagery is not overly existent. Overall, a less then decent pulp paperback read and which I'll give to someone when I'm finished.
December 2, 2021
I did not like this book at all. I forced myself to keep reading it because I generally enjoy Ludlum’s books, and this is his first one. The story jumped all over the place, it had too many characters, and too many disconnects and unanswered questions. About 3/4 of the way through, there were a couple of interesting chapters involving Matthew and Elizabeth, but that was it. I don’t think a lot of the incidents were well explained and the end was completely unfulfilling.
June 13, 2011
I got my hand on the orginal 1st edition, 1st book of Robert Ludlum....I read it about 30 years ago...I hardly remember it and after my last book I was ready to read a good one....
I still enjoyed it 30 years later and am glad I re-read it, it was like reading it for the first time the twists and turns were great
I still enjoyed it 30 years later and am glad I re-read it, it was like reading it for the first time the twists and turns were great
Displaying 1 - 30 of 256 reviews