Secret Protocols

by Peter Vansittart

Set in wartime Estonia, this was the last novel by Peter Vansittart, one of the greatest historical novelists of the 20th century. Erich's odyssey begins when his Estonian childhood is ended by the outbreak of World War II. He arrives in 1945 Paris, where his life seems full of promise. But a love affair drives him to England to work for the Estonian government-in-exile. His imagined island of monarchs, Churchill, and gentlemen evaporates into one of scornful youth, insular adults, and an underground of spies, political crooks, and fanatics. Sojourns in Europe further underline that war and corruption are not extinct and that, in his own life, the most profound shocks are those of friendship and love. Beneath the drift towards a united Europe, Erich realizes that treaties do not always end war, that solemn rites cannot guarantee love, and that the inevitable can fail to happen.

280 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2005

About the author

Peter Vansittart was a master of the historical novel and a writer of outstanding talent. He wrote more than 40 books, which also encompassed anthologies, works on literature and social history.

Reviews

[Argo Järve · Rating 3 out of 5]

Inglismaa üks suurimaid ajalooliste romaanide autoreid on olnud Peter Vansittart ja see on tema elu viimane romaan. Eesti noormehe keerdkäikudest II Maailmasõja ajal, kui ta lahkub Saksamaa põgenikelaagri kaudu ja jõuab Pariisi, seal juba heaolu nautinud ja tundes end hästi, variseb tema maailm kokku tänu luhtaläinud armusuhtele ja ta lahkub Londonisse. Seal pettub ta oma ettekujutlustest Inglismaast kui härrasmeeste saarest. Pidevalt Euroopas elukohti vahetades jõuab ta tagasi Eestimaale. Eestis puhuvad teised tuuled, on Balti keti aeg......