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The Beirut Trilogy #2
Bride of a Bygone War
From KIRKUS REVIEWS A CIA agent working at the U.S. Embassy in Beirut fears his past has caught up to him in the riveting second volume of the Beirut trilogy. Higher-ups transfer Walter Lukash, a seasoned CIA officer, from his tour of duty in Jordan to Lebanon to act as a liaison for a fragile political party. Lukash’s orders are to inconspicuously gather intelligence in hopes of increasing the party’s cooperation with the U.S. Embassy, but that task quickly proves problematic when Lukash’s girlfriend from Jordan shows up in Beirut with ties to a wily Syrian national and an assassination plot. Conrad Prosser, the protagonist from Fleming’s (Dynamite Fishermen, 2011, etc.) previous novel, travels to war-torn Beirut at the behest of a source looking for his daughter’s missing husband—whose name happens to be an alias used by Lukash five years earlier. The winding plotlines make for a gloriously elaborate story as Fleming adeptly weaves through genres amid the suspenseful distrust among the conniving characters, window-shattering action sequences and the understated romantic tension between Lukash and Muna, the woman he left behind. The drama plays against a fiery backdrop of civil war, a setting well established in Fleming’s prior novel and aptly recreated here. This time, the inescapable violence acts as a foreboding a cease-fire breaks the night Lukash arrives in Beirut, where he sleeps in a building riddled with bullets as explosions light up the sky. The rapidly developing plot burns through pages faster than the first time Fleming took us to Beirut. An intelligent thriller teeming with vigor. PRODUCT DESCRIPTION The second book in the Beirut Trilogy, BRIDE OF A BYGONE WAR is set in the spring of 1981, following the American elections, when Lebanon hopes for fresh political winds that might end their seven-year civil war. Enter Walter Lukash, a midlevel CIA officer assigned as intelligence liaison to the Phalange militia. Lukash soon becomes a pawn in a Levantine game intended to draw the U.S. into conflict with Lebanon’s Syrian occupiers. Unfortunately, Lukash is too distracted by problems arising from having abandoned his Lebanese bride five years earlier to see the trap until it springs. Beirut, 1981. Walter Lukash, a journeyman CIA case officer, has been posted in the Middle East for eight straight years and is ready for a quiet desk job back in Washington. When he is ordered to Beirut instead for a two-month secret liaison assignment with the Phalange militia’s intelligence unit, his superiors believe they understand his reluctance to accept. What they don't know is that, five years earlier, Lukash secretly married a Lebanese woman against Agency rules and abandoned her soon after the outbreak of war. More than that, his new Irish live-in girlfriend, whom the Agency considers a security risk, has followed him to Beirut from Amman and Lukash has defied orders to break off the relationship. When the two-month assignment is extended to two years, Lukash realizes he can no longer avoid painful realities and choices. But before he can straighten things out, he is caught in a deadly three-way intrigue between the Phalange, the U.S. government and Lebanon's ruthless Syrian occupiers that threatens to unleash the full force of Syrian-backed terrorism against Americans in Beirut. BRIDE OF A BYGONE WAR captures the unique atmosphere of Civil War Beirut with a lively and intelligent style that draws the reader into deep identification with the characters and the action.
318 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 27, 2011
96 people are currently reading
571 people want to read
About the author
Preston Fleming
10 books65 followersPreston Fleming writes realist thrillers set in exceptional times and places, from Siberia during the Russian Civil War (MAID OF BAIKAL), to explosive 1980s Beirut (DYNAMITE FISHERMEN), to a near-future gulag-style labor camp in Utah (FORTY DAYS AT KAMAS). His experience as a diplomat, lawyer and corporate executive, combined with his ultra-lean writing style, lend rare authenticity to his stories. All of Preston’s six novels have received praise from KIRKUS REVIEWS and other publications. Preston is a native of Cleveland, Ohio, but left home at fourteen for boarding school and has been on the move ever since. Today he and his wife live in Utah’s Wasatch Mountains with a Belgian Sheepdog they rescued after it bit too many humans in Delaware. Connect with Preston at his website (prestonfleming.com) or on Amazon.com, GoodReads.com, LibraryThing.com, Twitter or Facebook. To learn about new releases and free book giveaways, follow Preston on Bookbub.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
August 7, 2012
The author is a great story teller who exhibits a command of the subject matter and the period. This is an excellent thriller that grew my interest, particularly after the first third of the book when the background circumstances were defined. I like stories which clearly take me away into the time and place, and this one captured the spirit. Much like some other recent historical novels, we are inside the lives of Americans who are on foreign soil in extremely dangerous circumstances.
We are taken to the midst of the Lebanese Civil War in 1981 at the side of Conrad Prosser, junior case officer in the Beirut CIA station, and Walter Lukash, a seasoned case officer newly assigned to the Phalangist Intelligence Services in East Beirut. Walt is known to be effective in recruiting agents but a difficult character who does not follow the rules.
We learn from the Ambassador that since the November elections, the White House and the National Security Council are asking if the leaders of the Phalange Party can be coaxed(bribed) to take a more moderate position toward their Muslim countrymen.
Increased intelligence cooperation with the Phalange is clearly the starting point. Lukash has been selected by the agency to act as the US government's intelligence representative to the Phalanage and to encourage them to believe that further American support will be contingent on the letter and spirit of their cooperation.
The support will primarily come in the form of newly-delivered electronic communications equipment and weapons
that must have their usage monitored to insure they does not precipitate a Syrian response against American interests in Beirut.
Prosser knows Lukash from their Beirut work two years earlier; he knows him to have a short memory and to be a guy who cares only about what is happening to himself today.
The reader learns one fact not disclosed by Lukash to his CIA bosses that may destroy their plans: Lukash is also known in Beirut as William Conklin, an American Arab language student who abruptly flew out five years ago and deserted Muna, his beautiful new Lebanese bride from a prominent Phalange family.
Within this framework Lukash must also deal with his soul-mate Irish girlfriend, Lorraine Ellis, who has followed him from Amman with the hope of marriage and life in the U.S.
Lukash's assignment will have him cross over into East Beirut and settle in with the Phalange. It also has him working shoulder to shoulder with the Phalangist Major Elie who has long desired to marry Lukash's deserted wife. Meanwhile, Lukash nearly becomes a casualty of both Syrian and Phalangists power players.
The author's detailed descriptions of the Beirut city life and the Lebanese countryside during this period add rich flavor and strong credability to the story. We come to know the crossover points, the ad hoc roadblocks by local militias, and random actions taken by factions for power, politics, money, or personal pleasure including kidnapping and random executions. The human suffering of the Lebanese citizenry from years upon years of fighting and political collapse is made personal through the portraits of characters of different ages and social circumstances, from the former upper middle class merchant families who have lost nearly all their wealth from burned businesses during the war, to seventeen year olds who act as hooded thugs at impromptu roadblocks.
We see the factionalized Lebanese society composed of groups who seek to destroy each other based on a religion, revenge, or personal power politics of the Lebanese or the Syrian Asad family.
As one would expect if you are at the Green Line in Beirut of 1981, Lukash and Prosser are at risk in a free-for-all setting which apparently continues today. While this is a novel about history as well as love and personal growth, it is also very relevent to understanding the nature of today's Middle East region.
We are taken to the midst of the Lebanese Civil War in 1981 at the side of Conrad Prosser, junior case officer in the Beirut CIA station, and Walter Lukash, a seasoned case officer newly assigned to the Phalangist Intelligence Services in East Beirut. Walt is known to be effective in recruiting agents but a difficult character who does not follow the rules.
We learn from the Ambassador that since the November elections, the White House and the National Security Council are asking if the leaders of the Phalange Party can be coaxed(bribed) to take a more moderate position toward their Muslim countrymen.
Increased intelligence cooperation with the Phalange is clearly the starting point. Lukash has been selected by the agency to act as the US government's intelligence representative to the Phalanage and to encourage them to believe that further American support will be contingent on the letter and spirit of their cooperation.
The support will primarily come in the form of newly-delivered electronic communications equipment and weapons
that must have their usage monitored to insure they does not precipitate a Syrian response against American interests in Beirut.
Prosser knows Lukash from their Beirut work two years earlier; he knows him to have a short memory and to be a guy who cares only about what is happening to himself today.
The reader learns one fact not disclosed by Lukash to his CIA bosses that may destroy their plans: Lukash is also known in Beirut as William Conklin, an American Arab language student who abruptly flew out five years ago and deserted Muna, his beautiful new Lebanese bride from a prominent Phalange family.
Within this framework Lukash must also deal with his soul-mate Irish girlfriend, Lorraine Ellis, who has followed him from Amman with the hope of marriage and life in the U.S.
Lukash's assignment will have him cross over into East Beirut and settle in with the Phalange. It also has him working shoulder to shoulder with the Phalangist Major Elie who has long desired to marry Lukash's deserted wife. Meanwhile, Lukash nearly becomes a casualty of both Syrian and Phalangists power players.
The author's detailed descriptions of the Beirut city life and the Lebanese countryside during this period add rich flavor and strong credability to the story. We come to know the crossover points, the ad hoc roadblocks by local militias, and random actions taken by factions for power, politics, money, or personal pleasure including kidnapping and random executions. The human suffering of the Lebanese citizenry from years upon years of fighting and political collapse is made personal through the portraits of characters of different ages and social circumstances, from the former upper middle class merchant families who have lost nearly all their wealth from burned businesses during the war, to seventeen year olds who act as hooded thugs at impromptu roadblocks.
We see the factionalized Lebanese society composed of groups who seek to destroy each other based on a religion, revenge, or personal power politics of the Lebanese or the Syrian Asad family.
As one would expect if you are at the Green Line in Beirut of 1981, Lukash and Prosser are at risk in a free-for-all setting which apparently continues today. While this is a novel about history as well as love and personal growth, it is also very relevent to understanding the nature of today's Middle East region.
December 28, 2011
Fleming can certainly write. This book is a fascinating study of a "spy" for America. Like all good spy stories there is a lot of human contact and experiences as well as the danger that accompanies all of the activities. The main character seems to forget the danger most of the time even though he is very aware that anything is possible. Good characters, good plot, good reading. I enjoyed it.
J. Robert Ewbank author "John Wesley, Natural Man, and the 'Isms'"
J. Robert Ewbank author "John Wesley, Natural Man, and the 'Isms'"
September 21, 2012
My first reaction to Bride of a Bygone War was how different it was from its companion novel, Dynamite Fishermen, and from Fleming’s Kamas novels. While the setting of Bride remains war-torn Beirut during the early 1980s, the mood is palpably different from that of Dynamite Fishermen and the story is told in a very different way. The more novels Fleming writes, the more surprises I expect he will deliver and the more interesting they will likely be. This is most assuredly no one-trick pony.
But back to Bride: while delivering the goods as a spy novel, I thought it transcended the spy thriller genre by also portraying how the corrosiveness of spying led the story’s protagonist to make choices that later turned his personal and professional life upside down. While the main plot of Bride revolves around Walter Lukash’s assignment as liaison officer between the CIA and the Lebanese Christian Phalange militia, a pair of subplots focus on his personal relationships, one with his Irish girlfriend and one with the Lebanese wife he deserted five years earlier. And while the main plot raises threats from the Phalange, Syrian occupation forces and CIA Headquarters, the subplots test Lukash’s character.
Since synopses of Bride are available elsewhere, I’ll end this review with what I found most significant about Bride and why I recommend it. Above all, this is a marvelously rich story of a man who struggles with issues of professional and personal integrity while undergoing a coming-of-age transition from reckless bachelor to responsible adult. Second, since Lukash is a spy and the setting is Beirut, the book offers heapsof suspense and violent action, none of which is clichéd or formulaic. Third, Fleming’s natural and concrete writing style is highly effective at bringing to life the sights, sounds, smells and tastes of Beirut at a time of brutish civil conflict but without resorting to sensationalism. And Fleming obviously writes from first-hand knowledge; his references to Middle East politics, history and culture are authoritative and insightful but show a light touch and are never overdone.
In sum, Bride of a Bygone War is a gem of a spy novel: intelligent, literate, sensual, and rich with the kind of romance and foreign intrigue that kept a spy fan like me turning the pages until the surprising and highly satisfying end.
But back to Bride: while delivering the goods as a spy novel, I thought it transcended the spy thriller genre by also portraying how the corrosiveness of spying led the story’s protagonist to make choices that later turned his personal and professional life upside down. While the main plot of Bride revolves around Walter Lukash’s assignment as liaison officer between the CIA and the Lebanese Christian Phalange militia, a pair of subplots focus on his personal relationships, one with his Irish girlfriend and one with the Lebanese wife he deserted five years earlier. And while the main plot raises threats from the Phalange, Syrian occupation forces and CIA Headquarters, the subplots test Lukash’s character.
Since synopses of Bride are available elsewhere, I’ll end this review with what I found most significant about Bride and why I recommend it. Above all, this is a marvelously rich story of a man who struggles with issues of professional and personal integrity while undergoing a coming-of-age transition from reckless bachelor to responsible adult. Second, since Lukash is a spy and the setting is Beirut, the book offers heapsof suspense and violent action, none of which is clichéd or formulaic. Third, Fleming’s natural and concrete writing style is highly effective at bringing to life the sights, sounds, smells and tastes of Beirut at a time of brutish civil conflict but without resorting to sensationalism. And Fleming obviously writes from first-hand knowledge; his references to Middle East politics, history and culture are authoritative and insightful but show a light touch and are never overdone.
In sum, Bride of a Bygone War is a gem of a spy novel: intelligent, literate, sensual, and rich with the kind of romance and foreign intrigue that kept a spy fan like me turning the pages until the surprising and highly satisfying end.
November 15, 2014
I received this ebook from the author in exchange for an honest review.
I read the Kamas Trilogy bt this author so I was excited to read another of his books. Bride of a Bygone War did not disappoint. The story starts out a bit slowly for me. The author had to develop a batch of State Department and CIA types in the confines of the rather dismal world of diplomats. After a bit the story grew on me with the descriptions of the harsh conditions in Beirut and Lebanon. As the story progressed, the culture and history of Lebanon began to show through. So much in fact, that I took a break from reading the story to read about Lebanon in the 1970;s to 1990. It is an interesting history shared by three almost equal (in numbers) religions.
This is an intriguing thriller with a large cast of interesting characters. The author has an obvious history of the diplomatic corps inner workings and the part of the Middle East enveloping Lebanon. A very enthralling story that should captivate all who read this book.
I read the Kamas Trilogy bt this author so I was excited to read another of his books. Bride of a Bygone War did not disappoint. The story starts out a bit slowly for me. The author had to develop a batch of State Department and CIA types in the confines of the rather dismal world of diplomats. After a bit the story grew on me with the descriptions of the harsh conditions in Beirut and Lebanon. As the story progressed, the culture and history of Lebanon began to show through. So much in fact, that I took a break from reading the story to read about Lebanon in the 1970;s to 1990. It is an interesting history shared by three almost equal (in numbers) religions.
This is an intriguing thriller with a large cast of interesting characters. The author has an obvious history of the diplomatic corps inner workings and the part of the Middle East enveloping Lebanon. A very enthralling story that should captivate all who read this book.
August 3, 2016
Walter Lukash is caught in two worlds but doesn't see a way out of his situation either. Walter's girlfriend who happens to be married is chasing after him because she's a clingy bitch. Walter secretly married against policy now has to face the consequences of that choice as well. Walter is suppose to prevent The US from getting involved in another war. Walter's contacts have other ideas about his mandate. Can Walter get out of the crossfire? Will the girlfriend or wife find Walter? Your answers await you in Bride of a Bygone War.
Preston Fleming has created a wonderful world that centers around historical facts. He brings them to life by showing how the intelligence world really works not just the Hollywood version of the events, places, and people. Fleming never seems to fail at making historical facts into a captivation story. I look forward to more of this author in the future.
Preston Fleming has created a wonderful world that centers around historical facts. He brings them to life by showing how the intelligence world really works not just the Hollywood version of the events, places, and people. Fleming never seems to fail at making historical facts into a captivation story. I look forward to more of this author in the future.
October 1, 2018
Interesting read
Not a boring page, easy to read. I liked the characters, they weren't overly predictable. I could believe the story could happen.
Not a boring page, easy to read. I liked the characters, they weren't overly predictable. I could believe the story could happen.
July 5, 2018
Middle East Betrayal
Suspence romance drama keep the reader on tenterhooks till the end the writers knowledge of that part of the World adds to understanding the plot and themes better
Suspence romance drama keep the reader on tenterhooks till the end the writers knowledge of that part of the World adds to understanding the plot and themes better
November 29, 2018
This was a captivating book. I was entranced and felt like I myself was in the story, which I feel is the way good books make you feel.
May 18, 2019
Great characters
My second novel read from this author and I am looking forward to reading more intrigue from him very soon.
My second novel read from this author and I am looking forward to reading more intrigue from him very soon.
May 13, 2021
A CIA tale from 1980 Beiruit - plenty of intrigue
January 19, 2016
Bride of a Bygone War is the second novel in an espionage trilogy set in civil war Beirut. The first part in the series, Dynamite Fishermen, was a thrilling account of life as a secret agent in one of the more complex and volatile societies, clearly written by someone who has seen it all from the inside.
The second part in the series sees CIA agent Walter Lukash return to Beirut on temporary assignment, quickly transformed into a full two-year posting, to liaise with the Phalangist movement, one of the many armed groups in the Lebanese civil war. He is none too excited about this, as this brings him right under the nose of a local lady he could not avoid marrying five years ago, days before leaving the country without any trace. Unsure if he is still alive, his Lebanese wife is looking at a way of having the marriage annulled, so she can reconnect with a friend from her youth, who happens to be Lukash's counterpart within the Phalange militia.
Also popping up is an Irish woman with whom he was hoping to settle in the US for a quiet desk job at headquarters. This girlfriend is, however, very present in diplomatic and secret service circles and is considered as a major risk with zero chances of having a required security clearance.
Lukash find himself in the midst of things when he's wanted by his Lebanese in-laws for disappearing shortly after his wedding, by the American embassy for not clearing his relationships with both wife and girlfriend, and by the Phalangists who want to set him up with the Syrian army.
Real life can see some complicated situations, surely even more so for secret agents operating in a civil war, but it all feels a bit too much. None of the too many sub-plots was fully developed and managed to dominate the story. Bride of a Bygone War is a good read and a finely told novel about an exciting period, but I felt disappointment when comparing this to the first part in the series.
The second part in the series sees CIA agent Walter Lukash return to Beirut on temporary assignment, quickly transformed into a full two-year posting, to liaise with the Phalangist movement, one of the many armed groups in the Lebanese civil war. He is none too excited about this, as this brings him right under the nose of a local lady he could not avoid marrying five years ago, days before leaving the country without any trace. Unsure if he is still alive, his Lebanese wife is looking at a way of having the marriage annulled, so she can reconnect with a friend from her youth, who happens to be Lukash's counterpart within the Phalange militia.
Also popping up is an Irish woman with whom he was hoping to settle in the US for a quiet desk job at headquarters. This girlfriend is, however, very present in diplomatic and secret service circles and is considered as a major risk with zero chances of having a required security clearance.
Lukash find himself in the midst of things when he's wanted by his Lebanese in-laws for disappearing shortly after his wedding, by the American embassy for not clearing his relationships with both wife and girlfriend, and by the Phalangists who want to set him up with the Syrian army.
Real life can see some complicated situations, surely even more so for secret agents operating in a civil war, but it all feels a bit too much. None of the too many sub-plots was fully developed and managed to dominate the story. Bride of a Bygone War is a good read and a finely told novel about an exciting period, but I felt disappointment when comparing this to the first part in the series.
December 23, 2014
Exodus 20:7 (KJV) Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain; for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain. I have become incensed by modern day authors and them continually using God's name in their books. I agreed to review this book but this will be my last one. I have turned my eyes before but this is the last time. Because of this I will no longer read past this and will not read anymore again. I am tired of those who disrespect my God and Creator. Authors think when they use “god(s)” in lower case they are refering to the “gods” of mythologies. Nobody buys that.
If I judged this book on its merit I would have given this five stars. I found myself having to read slowly so I could envelope myself in this environment in Lebanon. The author has taken his experiences and instilled them in his book. I could hardly wait to start reading again once I put it down. He has related to us in his own words the reality of the horrible war that continues in the Middle East. His book was detailed enough that anyone should get an in-depth feel of the multiple missions of all the factions in that region. A real primer on the terrorism that still goes on today.
If I judged this book on its merit I would have given this five stars. I found myself having to read slowly so I could envelope myself in this environment in Lebanon. The author has taken his experiences and instilled them in his book. I could hardly wait to start reading again once I put it down. He has related to us in his own words the reality of the horrible war that continues in the Middle East. His book was detailed enough that anyone should get an in-depth feel of the multiple missions of all the factions in that region. A real primer on the terrorism that still goes on today.
July 30, 2013
Interesting story and plot. This is the story Walter Lukash, working for the CIA during the tumultuous 70’s and 80’s in Beirut, Lebanon. I have always been interested in this country and era because, at the time, I worked with someone from there, and we had many interesting discussions in our free time. Walter juggles his professional and personal life amidst the worst possible situations and actions. This is the story of a mid-level operative, not some swash buckling hero racing from one danger to another. However, it is a good, sold story, with good character and situation/setting development. There definitely are not nearly enough books about the ordinary heroes, who work to help our national security efforts and, in their own way, contribute keeping America safe for everyone. Thus, I welcomed this book. I found it more interesting than some of the fast-paced but often routine spy stories around. It definitely fits the pace of a slower read, though there is still a lot of excitement and adventure within. I received this from the author to read and review.
November 21, 2014
I received an advance review copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. After reading Dynamite Fisherman I was very happy to receive this book. This is the second book by Preston Fleming about the war in Lebanon and it follows many of the same characters from Dynamite Fisherman. The main character has been sent back to Lebanon but this time he isn’t using an alias. Leading a secret life is dangerous and seems to make establishing and maintaining relationships in the personal lives of these agents very difficult. The author seems very knowledgeable of the culture of the people of Lebanon and the religious and political dynamics of the area. I found this book to be an intriguing spy thriller about American agents with very real and human character traits trying to figure out what is going on from information furnished by the locals. A very interesting and exciting book. I will be reading more books by Preston Fleming.
May 16, 2013
Preston Fleming’s second book on the Lebanese Civil War is as interesting and intriguing as the first. In writing about American agents involved in the day to day handling and searching for information to keep their government up to speed on what is going on in a dangerous part of the world Fleming is able to make the agents interesting and real. There is no James Bond thrills or action, just ordinary Americans facing an almost impossible task of figuring out what is going on and using information from locals who hopefully will not lead them in the wrong direction or into a dangerous situation. I believe it gives a very good look at what the day to day work that the agents do and the problems that they face.
A very interesting and exciting read. Hopefully there will be more to follow.
A very interesting and exciting read. Hopefully there will be more to follow.
January 10, 2013
This was a book of spies and intrigue in the Middle East (Syria, Lebanon). It was a good story , but the bride (Muna) was a side character. I found myself wondering what her importance was to the plot. I expected her to be more involved in the story. Yes, her family wanted revenge for Conklin/Lakash abandoning her, but that was also a subplot. Muna was unimportant to the story and I did find her to be an unrealistic character. (Husband disappeared for 5 years, showed up on doorstep and was welcomed back, then she appeared at airport to help him disappear again.) Her character could have been developed more as well as those of few of the others in the book and it would have been a great spy thriller.I received this book as an Early Reviewer and did find it interesting.
September 19, 2012
A very interesting book about two CIA agents, Conrad Prosser and Walter Lukash stationed in Beirut in the late '70's to early '80's. It is a story of war, deceit, friendship, loss and love. Mr. Fleming has written a very descriptive
account of what it is like in Beirut during war time.
The story is mostly about Walter Lukash and his assignment. He was re-assigned to Beirut after leaving there 5 years before. When he was there the first time he was operating under an alias. This time he is using his real name and hoping that no one will recognize him. His assignment is to recruit spies for our government.
This book keeps your interest and I recommend it
account of what it is like in Beirut during war time.
The story is mostly about Walter Lukash and his assignment. He was re-assigned to Beirut after leaving there 5 years before. When he was there the first time he was operating under an alias. This time he is using his real name and hoping that no one will recognize him. His assignment is to recruit spies for our government.
This book keeps your interest and I recommend it
June 2, 2013
Wow, what an enthralling plot! I couldn't put it away. It kept me breathless and I was urged to go on until the very last page. Right from the start I was dipped into the explosive world of the Middle East around the time of the 80s. Beirut wasn't anymore the Paris from the East. The war has divided the city into west and east with a lot of checkpoints, military forces and several intelligence services which play each other off against each other. In the middle of this setting a CIA agent is not only trying to do the best for his intelligence service but also to solve his former love live and saving his currently one.
I can strongly recommend this story.
(4 1/2 stars)
I can strongly recommend this story.
(4 1/2 stars)
November 6, 2016
Love inside the CIA and the rubble that is the Middle East
(Remove the word "inside" from the headline for a clearer statement about this book.)
Fleming tells a story of international intrigue after the early years of 'the events' in Lebanon which turned Beirut from 'Paris of the Middle East' into the first hell-hole of modern times directly attributable to Islamic adventurism. The story of.an agent's love life amidst this setting takes the reader along path as cluttered with emotion as the streets of Beirut are with debris.
(Remove the word "inside" from the headline for a clearer statement about this book.)
Fleming tells a story of international intrigue after the early years of 'the events' in Lebanon which turned Beirut from 'Paris of the Middle East' into the first hell-hole of modern times directly attributable to Islamic adventurism. The story of.an agent's love life amidst this setting takes the reader along path as cluttered with emotion as the streets of Beirut are with debris.
August 6, 2014
[Preston Fleming] has quickly become one of my favorite authors. With [Bride of a Bygone War] he hits another home run. The continuing action and intrigue of Beirut in the 1980's is conveyed in a fast paced yet humanistic manner.
Any fan of spy thrillers or the action adventure genre definitely needs to check [Mr. Fleming] out. I will be awaiting the third installment of the [Beirut Trilogy] and any more works by this exciting author.
Any fan of spy thrillers or the action adventure genre definitely needs to check [Mr. Fleming] out. I will be awaiting the third installment of the [Beirut Trilogy] and any more works by this exciting author.
February 23, 2015
It took me nearly half the book to really get all of the characters straight in my head. This was a time I remembered vividly in my mind, so it was very interesting. The writing was good, the story fast moving, and the ending was not a letdown. Though not exactly what I was expecting of a spy novel, it was an interesting read.
August 25, 2015
Good but a little dated
Not the fault of the author's he appears to have driven it in the late seventies/early eighties when Lebanon was a disaster. Not much has changed. I lived and worked in Saudia Arabia at the time so I was intimately aware of the situation in the ME. Unfortunately it has only gotten worse.
Not the fault of the author's he appears to have driven it in the late seventies/early eighties when Lebanon was a disaster. Not much has changed. I lived and worked in Saudia Arabia at the time so I was intimately aware of the situation in the ME. Unfortunately it has only gotten worse.
May 17, 2016
Another look at Beirut and the tumultuous '80s. CIA field agent Walter Lukash plays a hopscotch game of trying to fulfill his latest undercover assignment and keep his job, while keeping his love life -- past and present -- from jeopardizing it all. A well done tell-it-like-it-really-was spy thriller and excellent follow-up of "Dynamite Fishermen."
November 4, 2014
Not quite my genre but a pretty good read. well defined characters and good story line. reccomended for any one looking for a new type of novel that will get your attention quite different to say the least.
November 22, 2014
You have to be interested in the political and civil battles of the Middle East in the 1970's to enjoy this book in which case this book is intriguing and involving. The setting and characters are believable and an elusive thread of forbidden romance runs through the story. A good read.
February 17, 2015
Only good if you've lived in Beirut. Mostly confusing and not worth the read. Whole book was really pointless. Think it was just a vehicle for the author to show us how much he knows about the geography and politics of Lebanon. If that's what you're into--go for it.
May 2, 2015
Mr. Fleming captures your imagination in Bride of a Bygone War. The writing is compelling and written with knowledge and research behind the story. Although slow in the beginning the pace does pick up.
June 27, 2015
Fleming offers us a in-depth look in to the conflict within Lebanon with Christian and other faiths abd details the cold-war playing out there with Lebanon and Syria and how the US backed regime fares.
August 8, 2015
Convoluted, sometimes annoying
Readable, with sneaky, skulking spies throughout. Disappointed in the disappearance/death of some characters without any further explanation or aftermath. Despite my quibbles, the author gave a good account of love in a dangerous time.
Readable, with sneaky, skulking spies throughout. Disappointed in the disappearance/death of some characters without any further explanation or aftermath. Despite my quibbles, the author gave a good account of love in a dangerous time.
August 23, 2015
Great story of the complications of mid east
Well written tale about the complicated situation in Lebanon. Fleming's experience in the area comes through in the details of the story.
Well written tale about the complicated situation in Lebanon. Fleming's experience in the area comes through in the details of the story.
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