Espionage Aficionados discussion

I read most if not all of Alan Furst's WW2-set (many in Paris) novels a while back and really enjoyed them. They often feature a one-time amateur spy coaxed by a pro into an operation, sort of in an Eric Ambled vein. Has anyone else read him?

I have read several of his books. They were decent, but I much prefer Ambler. Furst can be a bit tedious to get through at times.

Yes, sometimes he overdoes the details.

Love Alan's books especially the details. Eric's as well and just wish he'd left us more of them.

Of course! All of them. An IV of ennui.

And, IMHO, “Kingdom of Shadows” was his peak. The last two have bordered on terrible.

For me Furst's details validate his stories.

Ambler's stories a so well developed. For me they read like historical accounts.

Brian,

I might be the only one—but I just don’t like Ambler! His writing is too detached and foggy.

—NOfP

John wrote: "For me Furst's details validate his stories."

I especially love what he does with Paris in that era. And the recurring detail of the mirror in the restaurant is a great inside joke. Furst does have fun with his fiction.

Yes, the mirror!

NoOfP, I get what you're saying about "detached and foggy". With Ambler, and Le Carre, I have to go back and reread at key points for that reason. But, in a sense, it puts me in the position of the related character, which can make me get up and make sure the doors are locked!

Have any of Furst's books been made into movies or TV series?

The Spies of Warsaw, starring David Tennant. Quality production but Furst fans thought something was missing. Probably not the best book of his to film.