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Courtney publication order #15
War Cry : A Courtney Family Novel
The saga of the legendary Courtney family continues in this fourteenth installment in Wilbur Smith’s bestselling series—the sequel to 2009’s Assegai—a thrilling tale of espionage, adventure, and danger, set in Africa and spanning from the Great War’s end to the dark days of World War II
As a member of the remarkable Courtney family, Leon Courtney knows how quickly fortunes can be won and lost. Over the course of more than two centuries, generations of his family have risen and fallen with the tides of history. Leon, too, has experienced his own share of triumph and pain. In the wake of his beloved wife’s death, the renowned big-game hunter is raising his young daughter, Saffron, alone in colonial Kenya.
In the 1920s, the continent of Africa is a dangerous place. As Leon attempts to navigate the murky political waters of this most exquisitely beautiful and wildest of lands, his daughter grows into an independent and headstrong young woman bound for a far different life in Britain, as a student at Oxford.
But over the course of more than two decades, spies, traitors, and adventurers will dog their every step. As the fitful years of peace lead to the outbreak of the Second World War—involving Africa once more—Leon and Saffron must fight for their survival . . . and that of their illustrious family.
Wilbur Smith masterfully captures the tensions that will spark a war across continents—and the uncertainty and hopes of a father and daughter caught in its grips—in this engrossing novel that delivers the fast-paced action and vivid history that have made him a living legend.
As a member of the remarkable Courtney family, Leon Courtney knows how quickly fortunes can be won and lost. Over the course of more than two centuries, generations of his family have risen and fallen with the tides of history. Leon, too, has experienced his own share of triumph and pain. In the wake of his beloved wife’s death, the renowned big-game hunter is raising his young daughter, Saffron, alone in colonial Kenya.
In the 1920s, the continent of Africa is a dangerous place. As Leon attempts to navigate the murky political waters of this most exquisitely beautiful and wildest of lands, his daughter grows into an independent and headstrong young woman bound for a far different life in Britain, as a student at Oxford.
But over the course of more than two decades, spies, traitors, and adventurers will dog their every step. As the fitful years of peace lead to the outbreak of the Second World War—involving Africa once more—Leon and Saffron must fight for their survival . . . and that of their illustrious family.
Wilbur Smith masterfully captures the tensions that will spark a war across continents—and the uncertainty and hopes of a father and daughter caught in its grips—in this engrossing novel that delivers the fast-paced action and vivid history that have made him a living legend.
512 pages, Hardcover
First published March 23, 2017
1008 people are currently reading
3218 people want to read
About the author
Wilbur Smith
320 books4,392 followersWilbur Smith was a prolific and bestselling South African novelist renowned for his sweeping adventure stories set against the backdrop of Africa’s dramatic landscapes and turbulent history. Born in 1933 in what was then Northern Rhodesia (now Zambia), he grew up in South Africa, where his love for storytelling was nurtured by the rich environment and tales of African history. His early years were shaped by his experiences in the wilderness, which later became a defining element in his fiction.
After studying at Rhodes University, Smith initially worked as an accountant, but his true passion lay in writing. His breakthrough came in 1964 with When the Lion Feeds, a historical adventure novel that introduced the Courtney family saga. The book’s success led to a long-running series chronicling the exploits of multiple generations of the Courtney family, spanning centuries of African and world history. Alongside this, Smith wrote the Ballantyne series, focused on colonial Africa, and the Ancient Egypt series, which delved into historical fiction with a mythical touch.
Over his six-decade career, Smith authored more than 50 novels, selling over 140 million copies worldwide. His works were characterized by meticulous research, vivid descriptions of the African wilderness, and gripping action-packed narratives. Whether set in the colonial era, the world of pharaohs, or modern-day Africa, his books often explored themes of survival, war, power, and human ambition. He collaborated with co-authors in his later years to expand his literary universe, ensuring his stories continued to reach new audiences.
Beyond writing, Smith was an avid traveler and adventurer, drawing inspiration from his own experiences hunting, sailing, and exploring remote corners of Africa. While he was passionate about wildlife and conservation, some of his views—particularly regarding big game hunting—sparked debate. Nonetheless, his deep affection for Africa was evident in his writing, which celebrated both its beauty and its historical complexities.
Smith’s influence on adventure fiction remains significant, with his books continuing to captivate readers around the world. His legacy endures through his richly woven tales of exploration, conquest, and the enduring spirit of Africa.
After studying at Rhodes University, Smith initially worked as an accountant, but his true passion lay in writing. His breakthrough came in 1964 with When the Lion Feeds, a historical adventure novel that introduced the Courtney family saga. The book’s success led to a long-running series chronicling the exploits of multiple generations of the Courtney family, spanning centuries of African and world history. Alongside this, Smith wrote the Ballantyne series, focused on colonial Africa, and the Ancient Egypt series, which delved into historical fiction with a mythical touch.
Over his six-decade career, Smith authored more than 50 novels, selling over 140 million copies worldwide. His works were characterized by meticulous research, vivid descriptions of the African wilderness, and gripping action-packed narratives. Whether set in the colonial era, the world of pharaohs, or modern-day Africa, his books often explored themes of survival, war, power, and human ambition. He collaborated with co-authors in his later years to expand his literary universe, ensuring his stories continued to reach new audiences.
Beyond writing, Smith was an avid traveler and adventurer, drawing inspiration from his own experiences hunting, sailing, and exploring remote corners of Africa. While he was passionate about wildlife and conservation, some of his views—particularly regarding big game hunting—sparked debate. Nonetheless, his deep affection for Africa was evident in his writing, which celebrated both its beauty and its historical complexities.
Smith’s influence on adventure fiction remains significant, with his books continuing to captivate readers around the world. His legacy endures through his richly woven tales of exploration, conquest, and the enduring spirit of Africa.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 288 reviews
February 23, 2017
War Cry by Wilbur Smith is a Courtney Family story set in the World War II era. The characters will make you cry and make you angry and make you sad but they will never make you bored! This is a page-turner that will keep you reading well past your bedtime! Don't miss this one!
August 22, 2018
This was a great book. I will give a full review at a later date.
Enjoy and Be Blessed.
Enjoy and Be Blessed.
September 26, 2017
This book is the nail in the coffin - Wilbur Smith needs to retire. Having read a few Courtney novels, I found this book to be a complete let down.
March 12, 2017
Well I have finished reading "War cry" and all I can say is "Wow! The master seems to be back!". I found it much better written than his previous recent books. I get the feeling he had much more of a hand in writting the story and adding the final Wilbur touches like only he can. The story itself I found well written and thought out. It is basically a big introduction to Saffron Courteney and quite a long build up to what promises to be a great sequel book that will be following "War cry". I found it entertaining and it was a good page turner. Can't wait for the sequel as it ends on quite a bit of a cliff hanger! Really a good read in my opinion.
May 11, 2017
Building on his multi-generational Courtney family saga, Wilbur Smith crafts a new story that shifts focus on the Kenyan-based group, led by Leon. After the tragic death of his wife, Leon is left to raise his precocious daughter alone. Saffron Courtney's determination and refusal to let anything stand in her way shows how much of the family blood flows through her veins. Sent to study at a reputable boarding school in South Africa, Saffron learns the ropes as Leon tries to resurrect Courtney Trading, which had been paralyzed by the global downturn of the Depression. Working with his three brothers, Leon pitches an idea to turn things around, leaving at least one with a sour taste in his mouth. In an alternate storyline, the reader learns of Gerhard von Meerbach, who grows up in his brother's shadow and has yet to fully accept the new Nazi regime that has taken Germany by storm. The reader is reminded of the von Meerbach family's ties to the Courtneys, which was fleshed out fully when last Smith wrote about this wing of the family. As both Saffron and Gerhard grow older, they cross paths and soon find a connection that would stir up many emotions in their respective families, though about which both young characters are temporarily unaware. As the winds of war begin to blow across Europe, the Courtneys and von Meerbachs choose their sides, though both families have porous aspects of their familial foundations and support leads both clans to find the traitorous blood. Saffron shows that she is determined to craft an Allied victory through any means necessary, putting country before her own safety. Gerhard is also willing to show a softer side, though it might cost him his freedom and eventually his life. Using the African continent as a backdrop and some of the regional battles as a historical narrative, Smith is able to forge a story rich in delivery and yet devastating in its discussion of the War. Smith's continuation of the Courtney saga is fortified by a wonderful narrative and well-developed characters, pulling on the lush fruits of this complex family tree. Well suited for readers who are familiar with the entire Courtney series, but equally as entertaining for anyone who picks the book up to begin the magical journey.
I was happy to have secured a copy of this latest book in the series and even more impressed that its focus was in the 20th century. I have found that Smith's additions to the series are weaker the further back in history the story delves, while the closer to the central South African storyline proves most effective. Smith has been able to effectively weave the story of this large family by branching off and building on loose threads left in the narrative, without losing the impetus for the larger story. As with many of his tales, Smith has a wonderful handle on the narrative and use some strong characters to tell the story of love, history, and determination. As Smith tends to be constantly crafting his Courtney series, it would be helpful to focus on one direction (time era), permitting the reader to better understand what to expect. While this might be an editorial decision, bouncing from 17th century adventures on the high seas to this powerful Second World War tale proves to be a 'stop-start' in the reader's ability to understand the flow of the story. I find it harder to develop a bond with characters if I have to wait eight years to see them again (as in this story and the last time we met Leon, etc). Perhaps I pine too much for the 'series one and two' Courtney stories, where there was a significant build-on of the characters, always moving forward. By the time 'series three' arose, we were bouncing back in time and trying to hash out some of the ancestral aspects of the family, thereby losing the momentum that Smith had so effectively developed. Smith leaves some great storylines unfinished and there is hope that future novels might address this. I can only hope that Smith will continue to control the stories, though I have come to see that he has contributors and authors who have taken over writing for him, which lessens the impact of the larger Courtney saga. One can hope that more generations emerge, enriching the experience both for the reader and Smith personally.
Kudos, Mr. Smith for a great addition to the series. I can only hope that you have a few more ideas in mind, especially in the latter generations of Courtney family members.
Like/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
I was happy to have secured a copy of this latest book in the series and even more impressed that its focus was in the 20th century. I have found that Smith's additions to the series are weaker the further back in history the story delves, while the closer to the central South African storyline proves most effective. Smith has been able to effectively weave the story of this large family by branching off and building on loose threads left in the narrative, without losing the impetus for the larger story. As with many of his tales, Smith has a wonderful handle on the narrative and use some strong characters to tell the story of love, history, and determination. As Smith tends to be constantly crafting his Courtney series, it would be helpful to focus on one direction (time era), permitting the reader to better understand what to expect. While this might be an editorial decision, bouncing from 17th century adventures on the high seas to this powerful Second World War tale proves to be a 'stop-start' in the reader's ability to understand the flow of the story. I find it harder to develop a bond with characters if I have to wait eight years to see them again (as in this story and the last time we met Leon, etc). Perhaps I pine too much for the 'series one and two' Courtney stories, where there was a significant build-on of the characters, always moving forward. By the time 'series three' arose, we were bouncing back in time and trying to hash out some of the ancestral aspects of the family, thereby losing the momentum that Smith had so effectively developed. Smith leaves some great storylines unfinished and there is hope that future novels might address this. I can only hope that Smith will continue to control the stories, though I have come to see that he has contributors and authors who have taken over writing for him, which lessens the impact of the larger Courtney saga. One can hope that more generations emerge, enriching the experience both for the reader and Smith personally.
Kudos, Mr. Smith for a great addition to the series. I can only hope that you have a few more ideas in mind, especially in the latter generations of Courtney family members.
Like/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
April 19, 2022
The saga continued effectively with this one although there were some clunky scenes overall enjoyable.
December 1, 2018
Not quite the same as I remember from my youth, but still great to get back to the Courtneys.
March 26, 2017
I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway and was pleased to discover a new author. Much of this book is set in Kenya on the eve of the second world war and this unfamiliar background added greatly to my enjoyment.
I will certainly look out for other books in the series.
I will certainly look out for other books in the series.
February 28, 2024
Book 2 in the 'Assegai' Trilogy
A fantastic sequel to 'Assegai' Book 1
Leon Courtney is savoring life. He and his wife have just had a baby girl. His plantation in Kenya is doing well. And he found the gold bullion lost by the Germans right before WW1 began with which he uses to save his family business in Cairo. But when his beautiful wife dies suddenly, he finds himself raising his daughter, Saffron, alone. When she is of age she travels to England for a modern education. But when the signs of another world war appear, Saffron finds herself in a whole new role she had no idea would propel her into the age of Ungentlemanly Warfare.
I enjoyed 'Assegai' so much I immediately began reading 'War Cry.' This is a wonderfully written book. The authors have performed much research to keep it real. As an author myself, I appreciate attention to detail. I'm looking forward to reading 'Courtney's War', book 3. And I highly recommend this series.
Keep on reading!
A fantastic sequel to 'Assegai' Book 1
Leon Courtney is savoring life. He and his wife have just had a baby girl. His plantation in Kenya is doing well. And he found the gold bullion lost by the Germans right before WW1 began with which he uses to save his family business in Cairo. But when his beautiful wife dies suddenly, he finds himself raising his daughter, Saffron, alone. When she is of age she travels to England for a modern education. But when the signs of another world war appear, Saffron finds herself in a whole new role she had no idea would propel her into the age of Ungentlemanly Warfare.
I enjoyed 'Assegai' so much I immediately began reading 'War Cry.' This is a wonderfully written book. The authors have performed much research to keep it real. As an author myself, I appreciate attention to detail. I'm looking forward to reading 'Courtney's War', book 3. And I highly recommend this series.
Keep on reading!
August 16, 2017
Have been a fan of Wilbur smith for many years was really pleased to win a copy of this book in a Gooodreads giveaway, the book set in a beautiful part of the world at a time where things are on the change, some for the better but most for the worse, the story moves along fairly slowly I would say, like 300 pages in and ones thinking is it worth reading any more or not but I did carry on too the end and was I pleased to get to the end I sure was, for me a total let down this is no classic Wilbur smith at his best but a poor second class book he my well have been forced to pump out to please his publishers
September 13, 2017
A mildly entertaining audible listen while traveling with my husband.
July 25, 2017
First, I must mention that I won this novel in GoodReads giveaways in exchange for an honest review.
I had not read any of Wilbur Smith's earlier novels. But at no time did I feel lost or unable to understand the characters' motivations or their story.
I will not describe what was going on in this book; several other reviewers did it very well. Let me just tell that this is an interesting family saga and an excellent historical novel. Mr. Smith mastered his subject and knew how to bring his story and his characters to life.
I was not embarrassed by his two MCs' amorous and even a little erotic intrigue, quite the opposite. This added to the realism of the narrative.
This novel made me want to know more about the other Courtney family members. And if I look in the future for another historical novel full of suspense, I will think of Wilbur Smith’s series.
I had not read any of Wilbur Smith's earlier novels. But at no time did I feel lost or unable to understand the characters' motivations or their story.
I will not describe what was going on in this book; several other reviewers did it very well. Let me just tell that this is an interesting family saga and an excellent historical novel. Mr. Smith mastered his subject and knew how to bring his story and his characters to life.
I was not embarrassed by his two MCs' amorous and even a little erotic intrigue, quite the opposite. This added to the realism of the narrative.
This novel made me want to know more about the other Courtney family members. And if I look in the future for another historical novel full of suspense, I will think of Wilbur Smith’s series.
March 15, 2019
This was an enjoyable adventure book with a lot of great historical info on the 1930's and WWII as a backdrop. Sometimes the characters can be a little too annoyingly perfect, but they are well drawn and their adventures hold one's interest.
February 10, 2020
Έχουν περάσει περί τα 30 χρόνια, από τότε που για πρώτη φορά «συνάντησα» τον Wilbur Smith. Η γνωριμία μας έγινε μέσω ενός χιλιοδιαβασμένου και στραπατσαρισμένου Bell, με τίτλο "Το γεράκι της ερήμου", που μου χάρισε ο πατέρας μου, με ιδιόχειρη αφιέρωσή του. Με δεδομένο ότι ο μπαμπάς μου δεν ήταν ιδιαίτερα εκδηλωτικός άνθρωπος, η αφιέρωση αυτή σημαίνει πάρα πολλά για μένα. Ωστόσο, δεν είναι μόνο η αφιέρωση που έχω να θυμάμαι, αλλά και το βιβλίο αυτό καθ’ αυτό. Μια υπέροχη περιπέτεια, που ακόμα και σήμερα έχω στο μυαλό κάθε μικρή ή μεγάλη της λεπτομέρεια...
Η αμέσως επόμενη επαφή μου, με τον εξαιρετικό αυτό συγγραφέα, ήταν η σειρά των βιβλίων με τον ευφυέστατο σκλάβο Τάϊτα ("Ο έβδομος πάπυρος", "Ο Θεός Ποταμός" κτλ). Όσοι τα έχετε διαβάσ��ι, είμαι σίγουρη ότι έχετε την άποψη ότι μιλάμε για άλλο επίπεδο συγγραφής. Τεκμηριωμένη έρευνα, ιστορία και πλοκή που δεν μπάζουν από πουθενά, αληθοφανείς ήρωες, ανατροπές, εξέλιξη, διανόηση κτλ, κτλ, κτλ.
Τριάντα χρόνια μετά, εξακολουθώ και διαβάζω τον αγαπημένο συγγραφέα, με αμείωτο ενδιαφέρον πάντα. Κι οι αρχές του 2020 με βρήκαν να διαβάζω το νέο του βιβλίο, με τίτλο "Κραυγή πολέμου". Ακόμα μια συγκλονιστική περιπέτεια, η οποία λαμβάνει χώρα στις αχανείς κι άγριες εκτάσεις της Κένυα. Πρόκειται για το επόμενο επεισόδιο της ιστορίας της «δυναστείας» των Κόρτνεϊ και μας συστήνει το νεότερο μέλος της, τη Σάφρον Κόρτνεϊ.
Λίγα λόγια για την ιστορία: Η Σάφρον λοιπόν, είναι ένα κορίτσι που μεγάλωσε σε ένα υπέροχο κτήμα στην Κένυα, μέχρι τη στιγμή που βρήκε την οικογένειά της μεγάλο κακό. Η τραγωδία αυτή, σε συνδυασμό με το ασίγαστο πνεύμα και την εκρηκτική της προσωπικότητα, τη φέρνουν στην Αγγλία, παραμονές του Β’ Παγκοσμίου Πολέμου. Ούσα στην Γηραιά Αλβιώνα η Σάφρον θα γνωριστεί με τον ιδεαλιστή και πολέμιο του Ναζισμού Γκέρχαρτ φον Μέερμπαχ. Ωστόσο, καθώς ο προπολεμικός πυρετός ανεβαίνει μέρα με τη μέρα, οι δυο νέοι ανακαλύπτουν μια σύνδεση η οποία θα συνταράξει και θα διχάσει τις οικογένειές τους. Σύντομα όμως, θα διαπιστώσουν ότι, αυτά που τους ενώνουν είναι περισσότερα από αυτά που τους χωρίζουν.
Το "Κραυγή πολέμου" είναι μια καταιγιστική κατασκοπευτική/πολεμική περιπέτεια, η οποία εξυφαίνεται στα χρόνια μεταξύ των δύο Παγκοσμίων Πολέμων. Φυσικά, όπως σε όλα του τα βιβλία, ο συγγραφέας ενσωμάτωσε και το ερωτικό στοιχείο, ίσως λιγάκι περισσότερο από τις προηγούμενες φορές, χωρίς όμως να το κουράσει ή να γίνει βαρετό. Αντίθετα, πρόσθεσε μια πικάντικη νότα, που εξισορρόπησε την ιστορία του. Όσον αφορά στην αφήγηση και τις περιγραφές, για ακόμη μια φορά ο Σμιθ ξεπέρασε τον εαυτό του. Θεωρώ ότι είναι από τους λίγους συγγραφείς που έχουν τόσο μεγάλο ταλέντο στη δημιουργία εικόνας μέσα από τις λέξεις. Ιδίως όταν περιγράφει τόπους από την αγαπημένη του ήπειρο, την Αφρική, εκεί δίνει ρεσιτάλ. Ο αναγνώστης άνετα μπορεί να διακρίνει τους τόνους του πράσινου στις φυλλωσιές ή να ξεχωρίσει το μπεζ της άμμου από το μπεζ του άνυδρου εδάφους. Καταφέρνει να μας ταξιδέψει με τον τρόπο που μόνο αυτός ξέρει, από τις παρθένες εκτάσεις της εξωτικής Κένυας, μέχρι τα υγρά λιθόστρωτα δρομάκια του Λονδίνου.
Σε σχέση δε με τα προηγούμενα της σειράς δε, φαίνεται ότι ο συγγραφέας ασχολήθηκε πολύ πιο βαθιά. Η ιστορία που δημιούργησε η φαντασία του, είναι πολύ καλογραμμένη, με εμπεριστατωμένη κι ενδελεχή έρευνα και μελέτη, πράγμα που λίγο μου έλειψε στα δύο προηγούμενα. Κάτι πολύ θετικό επίσης είναι ότι, ακόμα κι αν κάποιος δεν έχει διαβάσει τα προηγούμενα βιβλία του "Έπους των Κόρτνεϊ", δεν θα δυσκολευτεί καθόλου να παρακολουθήσει την ιστορία αυτή. Κι αυτό γιατί ο συγγραφέας έχει προσθέσει μέσα στο κείμενό του, στοιχεία που τη συνδέουν όμορφα, γεμίζοντας τα όποια κενά μπορεί να δημιουργηθούν στην πορεία της ανάγνωσης.
Οι χαρακτήρες που ζωγράφισε με την πένα του ο Σμιθ είναι τόσο δυναμικοί, εύπλαστοι κι αληθοφανείς, που θα έλεγες ότι διαβάζει τα απομνημονεύματα της οικογένειας κι όχι μια φανταστική ιστορία. Οι προσωπικότητες των ηρώων βοηθούν πάρα πολύ τον αναγνώστη να ταυτιστεί μαζί τους. Άλλες φορές θα θυμώσεις, άλλες φορές θα στενοχωρηθείς, άλλες θα γελάσεις και κάποιες άλλες θα δακρύσεις. Το σίγουρο όμως είναι ότι δεν πρόκειται να βαρεθείς ποτέ.
Για να ολοκληρώσω, το "Κραυγή πολέμου" ήταν για μένα η απόλυτα συναρπαστική και διασκεδαστική περιπέτεια. Ο ορισμός του page turner. Ξενύχτησα δυο βραδιές για πάρτη του αλλά το άξιζε! Αναμένω με αγωνία τη συνέχεια... γιατί -απ’ ότι φαίνεται- υπάρχει και θα είναι συγκλονιστική.
Και μια παράκληση προς τις εκδόσεις Bell: Λίγο πιο μεγάλα γράμματα βρε παιδιά, λυπηθείτε μας!!!
Η αμέσως επόμενη επαφή μου, με τον εξαιρετικό αυτό συγγραφέα, ήταν η σειρά των βιβλίων με τον ευφυέστατο σκλάβο Τάϊτα ("Ο έβδομος πάπυρος", "Ο Θεός Ποταμός" κτλ). Όσοι τα έχετε διαβάσ��ι, είμαι σίγουρη ότι έχετε την άποψη ότι μιλάμε για άλλο επίπεδο συγγραφής. Τεκμηριωμένη έρευνα, ιστορία και πλοκή που δεν μπάζουν από πουθενά, αληθοφανείς ήρωες, ανατροπές, εξέλιξη, διανόηση κτλ, κτλ, κτλ.
Τριάντα χρόνια μετά, εξακολουθώ και διαβάζω τον αγαπημένο συγγραφέα, με αμείωτο ενδιαφέρον πάντα. Κι οι αρχές του 2020 με βρήκαν να διαβάζω το νέο του βιβλίο, με τίτλο "Κραυγή πολέμου". Ακόμα μια συγκλονιστική περιπέτεια, η οποία λαμβάνει χώρα στις αχανείς κι άγριες εκτάσεις της Κένυα. Πρόκειται για το επόμενο επεισόδιο της ιστορίας της «δυναστείας» των Κόρτνεϊ και μας συστήνει το νεότερο μέλος της, τη Σάφρον Κόρτνεϊ.
Λίγα λόγια για την ιστορία: Η Σάφρον λοιπόν, είναι ένα κορίτσι που μεγάλωσε σε ένα υπέροχο κτήμα στην Κένυα, μέχρι τη στιγμή που βρήκε την οικογένειά της μεγάλο κακό. Η τραγωδία αυτή, σε συνδυασμό με το ασίγαστο πνεύμα και την εκρηκτική της προσωπικότητα, τη φέρνουν στην Αγγλία, παραμονές του Β’ Παγκοσμίου Πολέμου. Ούσα στην Γηραιά Αλβιώνα η Σάφρον θα γνωριστεί με τον ιδεαλιστή και πολέμιο του Ναζισμού Γκέρχαρτ φον Μέερμπαχ. Ωστόσο, καθώς ο προπολεμικός πυρετός ανεβαίνει μέρα με τη μέρα, οι δυο νέοι ανακαλύπτουν μια σύνδεση η οποία θα συνταράξει και θα διχάσει τις οικογένειές τους. Σύντομα όμως, θα διαπιστώσουν ότι, αυτά που τους ενώνουν είναι περισσότερα από αυτά που τους χωρίζουν.
Το "Κραυγή πολέμου" είναι μια καταιγιστική κατασκοπευτική/πολεμική περιπέτεια, η οποία εξυφαίνεται στα χρόνια μεταξύ των δύο Παγκοσμίων Πολέμων. Φυσικά, όπως σε όλα του τα βιβλία, ο συγγραφέας ενσωμάτωσε και το ερωτικό στοιχείο, ίσως λιγάκι περισσότερο από τις προηγούμενες φορές, χωρίς όμως να το κουράσει ή να γίνει βαρετό. Αντίθετα, πρόσθεσε μια πικάντικη νότα, που εξισορρόπησε την ιστορία του. Όσον αφορά στην αφήγηση και τις περιγραφές, για ακόμη μια φορά ο Σμιθ ξεπέρασε τον εαυτό του. Θεωρώ ότι είναι από τους λίγους συγγραφείς που έχουν τόσο μεγάλο ταλέντο στη δημιουργία εικόνας μέσα από τις λέξεις. Ιδίως όταν περιγράφει τόπους από την αγαπημένη του ήπειρο, την Αφρική, εκεί δίνει ρεσιτάλ. Ο αναγνώστης άνετα μπορεί να διακρίνει τους τόνους του πράσινου στις φυλλωσιές ή να ξεχωρίσει το μπεζ της άμμου από το μπεζ του άνυδρου εδάφους. Καταφέρνει να μας ταξιδέψει με τον τρόπο που μόνο αυτός ξέρει, από τις παρθένες εκτάσεις της εξωτικής Κένυας, μέχρι τα υγρά λιθόστρωτα δρομάκια του Λονδίνου.
Σε σχέση δε με τα προηγούμενα της σειράς δε, φαίνεται ότι ο συγγραφέας ασχολήθηκε πολύ πιο βαθιά. Η ιστορία που δημιούργησε η φαντασία του, είναι πολύ καλογραμμένη, με εμπεριστατωμένη κι ενδελεχή έρευνα και μελέτη, πράγμα που λίγο μου έλειψε στα δύο προηγούμενα. Κάτι πολύ θετικό επίσης είναι ότι, ακόμα κι αν κάποιος δεν έχει διαβάσει τα προηγούμενα βιβλία του "Έπους των Κόρτνεϊ", δεν θα δυσκολευτεί καθόλου να παρακολουθήσει την ιστορία αυτή. Κι αυτό γιατί ο συγγραφέας έχει προσθέσει μέσα στο κείμενό του, στοιχεία που τη συνδέουν όμορφα, γεμίζοντας τα όποια κενά μπορεί να δημιουργηθούν στην πορεία της ανάγνωσης.
Οι χαρακτήρες που ζωγράφισε με την πένα του ο Σμιθ είναι τόσο δυναμικοί, εύπλαστοι κι αληθοφανείς, που θα έλεγες ότι διαβάζει τα απομνημονεύματα της οικογένειας κι όχι μια φανταστική ιστορία. Οι προσωπικότητες των ηρώων βοηθούν πάρα πολύ τον αναγνώστη να ταυτιστεί μαζί τους. Άλλες φορές θα θυμώσεις, άλλες φορές θα στενοχωρηθείς, άλλες θα γελάσεις και κάποιες άλλες θα δακρύσεις. Το σίγουρο όμως είναι ότι δεν πρόκειται να βαρεθείς ποτέ.
Για να ολοκληρώσω, το "Κραυγή πολέμου" ήταν για μένα η απόλυτα συναρπαστική και διασκεδαστική περιπέτεια. Ο ορισμός του page turner. Ξενύχτησα δυο βραδιές για πάρτη του αλλά το άξιζε! Αναμένω με αγωνία τη συνέχεια... γιατί -απ’ ότι φαίνεται- υπάρχει και θα είναι συγκλονιστική.
Και μια παράκληση προς τις εκδόσεις Bell: Λίγο πιο μεγάλα γράμματα βρε παιδιά, λυπηθείτε μας!!!
October 8, 2018
"Grito de guerra" es una continuación directa de lo que fue "Assegai" (en español, "El destino del cazador"). Los protagonistas de esta novela son los hijos de quienes fueran héroes y villanos en aquella novela de hace casi diez años, siguiendo una vez más la saga de la infalible familia Courtney.
En esta ocasión, el trasfondo de la acción nos mete de lleno en el clima de intranquila paz de entreguerra, previo a la irrupción de la 2da Guerra Mundial, y en los primeros años del conflicto bélico.
A lo largo de la novela, que abarca una gran amplitud temporal, veremos crecer a la hija de León Courtney, Saffron, hasta convertirse en una joven intrépida y muy capaz que desafía los convencionalismos de su época. No podrá faltar el amor y el romanticismo, siempre presente en una novela de Wilbur Smith, aunque para mi gusto, en esta ocasión se presenta demasiado edulcorado y haciendo uso desmedido del poco creíble recurso de "amor a primera vista".
La contrafigura masculina es un joven alemán, un arquitecto pura bondad, pero cuya familia está asociada al creciente régimen nazi de su país.
De esta forma, británica de una lado y alemán del otro, a punto de explotar la II GM, se teje una trama al estilo Montescos y Capuletos.
Es entretenida, aunque lejos de las mejores producciones de Wilbur.
Lo peor tal vez sea la falta de un desenlace. Porque poco se resuelve, y muchísimo queda por desarrollar: y es que siempre se piensa más en el mercado, y quienes deseen saber cómo termina todo esto, deberán leer la aun no publicada en espeañol, "Courtney's War" (2018).
En esta ocasión, el trasfondo de la acción nos mete de lleno en el clima de intranquila paz de entreguerra, previo a la irrupción de la 2da Guerra Mundial, y en los primeros años del conflicto bélico.
A lo largo de la novela, que abarca una gran amplitud temporal, veremos crecer a la hija de León Courtney, Saffron, hasta convertirse en una joven intrépida y muy capaz que desafía los convencionalismos de su época. No podrá faltar el amor y el romanticismo, siempre presente en una novela de Wilbur Smith, aunque para mi gusto, en esta ocasión se presenta demasiado edulcorado y haciendo uso desmedido del poco creíble recurso de "amor a primera vista".
La contrafigura masculina es un joven alemán, un arquitecto pura bondad, pero cuya familia está asociada al creciente régimen nazi de su país.
De esta forma, británica de una lado y alemán del otro, a punto de explotar la II GM, se teje una trama al estilo Montescos y Capuletos.
Es entretenida, aunque lejos de las mejores producciones de Wilbur.
Lo peor tal vez sea la falta de un desenlace. Porque poco se resuelve, y muchísimo queda por desarrollar: y es que siempre se piensa más en el mercado, y quienes deseen saber cómo termina todo esto, deberán leer la aun no publicada en espeañol, "Courtney's War" (2018).
January 14, 2020
Η αλήθεια είναι ότι ποτέ δεν είχα διαβάζει ούτε ένα βιβλίο του Wilbur Smith και ήμουν πολύ επιφυλακτική.
Όταν όμως ξεκίνησα να το διαβάζω με συνεπήρε. Τα έχει όλα. Περιπέτεια, έρωτα, πολιτική ίντριγκα και όλα αυτά κάτω από την σκιά ενός πολέμου και συγκεκριμένα πριν οι Ναζί κηρύξουν έναν από τους μεγαλύτερους πολέμους της ιστορίας.
Το βιβλίο αυτό εκτός το ότι με ενθουσίασε, πραγματικά το λάτρεψα.
Είναι ένα βιβλίο που θα το πρότεινα ανεπιφύλακτα.
Όταν όμως ξεκίνησα να το διαβάζω με συνεπήρε. Τα έχει όλα. Περιπέτεια, έρωτα, πολιτική ίντριγκα και όλα αυτά κάτω από την σκιά ενός πολέμου και συγκεκριμένα πριν οι Ναζί κηρύξουν έναν από τους μεγαλύτερους πολέμους της ιστορίας.
Το βιβλίο αυτό εκτός το ότι με ενθουσίασε, πραγματικά το λάτρεψα.
Είναι ένα βιβλίο που θα το πρότεινα ανεπιφύλακτα.
December 7, 2025
Classic Smith book - lots of adventure, the good guys are the best, the bad guys are the worst, and everyone good is amazing looking. Good escapist fun - I didn't love the relationship decision of the main character in this one even though you could see it coming for many pages. And as always - Smith's treatment of women is absolutely sexist most of the time.
April 12, 2017
Great novel. There may be a little too much sex in this novel especially when you expect adventure and action. Smith plays his characters like a chess game and then slowly move them into checkmate for the finally. Strong characters and really a entertaining read if you need something easy to read.
December 25, 2018
I really enjoy Wilbur Smith's Courtney series and this was no exception. Great characters, great writing and an engaging plot.
March 28, 2020
good old wilbur smith ...no wonder he has been a successful writer
September 28, 2022
Wonderfully Wilbur Smith.
If you know nothing about the Courtney family, no worries, you'll get into the rhythm just as quickly as you'll turn each page.
If you know nothing about the Courtney family, no worries, you'll get into the rhythm just as quickly as you'll turn each page.
June 30, 2024
Well I didn't see that coming.....
March 23, 2017
I received this book as a giveaway and had not read any previous books in the series. It was a very engaging read as I have always enjoyed historical fiction. The author use the political atmosphere in the world leading up to WWII as the backdrop as 2 families on opposite sides of the conflict navigate the perils of life in this time. The characters are interesting and compelling, it leaves you wanting to read the next installment!
April 17, 2017
After a long time, Wilbur Smith seems to be back in his elements. The towering allure of African life and its landscapes, the trails and tribulations of the Masai and Courtneys all come to life once again... Though in the middle it stretches a bit and takes on some frivolous undertones, it does come back to an intriguing finale and the promise of more to come. This is the journey of Leon and his daughter Saffron Courtney from pre World War II times to its peak. Now can't wait for its sequel!
May 17, 2023
I really enjoyed this one. Excellent story
October 14, 2017
Reading a Wilbur Smith is kind of like eating at an up-market chain restaurant. You pretty much know exactly what you're going to get. You know the quality is going to be good. You're going to enjoy your meal, but you're not going to blown away, or surprised. Or, in fact, remember much of the experience after about a week.
War Cry does, unusually, for Mr Smith, move a little slowly. In fact, it's only just starting to gain steam when you hit the rather abrupt end (clearly the start of a new Courtneys series, or perhaps a story which will cover a couple of novels). So the overall experience does leave you feeling a bit cheated, but as always with Wilbur Smith the writing is good enough that you're never really bored.
His politics do seep in here and there, and they used to annoy me. But now it's just amusing: he doesn't seem to realise that his arch capitalists are MAGICAL, and that the world turns in their favour not because they are brilliant and audacious capitalists, but because they are MAGICAL. Blessed with other-worldly genes which enable them to be brilliant shots, at home on the backs of horses which are trouble for everyone else, while of course being effortless Oxford scholars. So snappy dialogue where the old socialists are proven wrong by the brilliant capitalists simply come off as hokey and clunking.
That's okay, however, because it's fun to watch the superhuman Courtneys exploit everything the world has dropped at their feet. And of course realising it's not racist, because the insinuation that the Courtneys are better than their native friends is not quite true . . . the insinuation is that the Courtneys are better than EVERYONE. Bless.
At any rate, it's good to see Wilbur Smith is still exploring the Courtney Clan after close to sixty years (even if he is calling on a bit of help these days). Looking forward to the next instalment.
War Cry does, unusually, for Mr Smith, move a little slowly. In fact, it's only just starting to gain steam when you hit the rather abrupt end (clearly the start of a new Courtneys series, or perhaps a story which will cover a couple of novels). So the overall experience does leave you feeling a bit cheated, but as always with Wilbur Smith the writing is good enough that you're never really bored.
His politics do seep in here and there, and they used to annoy me. But now it's just amusing: he doesn't seem to realise that his arch capitalists are MAGICAL, and that the world turns in their favour not because they are brilliant and audacious capitalists, but because they are MAGICAL. Blessed with other-worldly genes which enable them to be brilliant shots, at home on the backs of horses which are trouble for everyone else, while of course being effortless Oxford scholars. So snappy dialogue where the old socialists are proven wrong by the brilliant capitalists simply come off as hokey and clunking.
That's okay, however, because it's fun to watch the superhuman Courtneys exploit everything the world has dropped at their feet. And of course realising it's not racist, because the insinuation that the Courtneys are better than their native friends is not quite true . . . the insinuation is that the Courtneys are better than EVERYONE. Bless.
At any rate, it's good to see Wilbur Smith is still exploring the Courtney Clan after close to sixty years (even if he is calling on a bit of help these days). Looking forward to the next instalment.
November 15, 2023
"Io so due cose, Gerhard. So che ero orgoglioso di servire il mio Paese, il nostro Paese, e so che odio Hitler e tutto ciò che rappresenta. Ma, anche se a Hitler piace molto fingere che il partito nazista e la Germania siano una cosa sola - il che, fra l'altro, è uno dei tanti motivi per cui lo disprezzo -, si sbaglia. La Germania esisterà ancora quando lui e i suoi malvagi scagnozzi non ci saranno più, e l'unica cosa che chiedo a Dio è di concedermi di sopravvivere abbastanza a lungo per poter vedere quel giorno e vedermi restituire il mio Paese".
Ennesimo capolavoro di Wilbur Smith incentrato sulla saga dei Courteney… adesso scritto (molto probabilmente per la sua età ormai avanzata) a quattro mani con David Churchill. Come sempre succede nelle opere dello scrittore sudafricano, l'avventura ed i bellissimi paesaggi del continente nero la fanno da padrone, ma questa volta conosceremo anche gli orrori della Seconda guerra mondiale.
Nel volume n. 16 della saga dei Courteney (e terzo del ciclo dei "Courteney-Ballantyne"), protagonista assoluta è la giovanissima Saffron Courteney: dopo essere cresciuta pacificamente in Kenia a contatto con la natura e con le tribù locali, si ritrova catapultata al centro dell'azione della guerra ma avrà lo stesso il tempo di conoscere l'Amore con la A maiuscola, l'onore, il coraggio e, purtroppo, anche il tradimento (soprattutto in seno alla sua stessa famiglia) e, come detto prima, gli orrori del secondo conflitto mondiale. E tutto lascia presagire che "Grido di guerra" avrà un seguito…
[https://lastanzadiantonio.blogspot.co...]
Ennesimo capolavoro di Wilbur Smith incentrato sulla saga dei Courteney… adesso scritto (molto probabilmente per la sua età ormai avanzata) a quattro mani con David Churchill. Come sempre succede nelle opere dello scrittore sudafricano, l'avventura ed i bellissimi paesaggi del continente nero la fanno da padrone, ma questa volta conosceremo anche gli orrori della Seconda guerra mondiale.
Nel volume n. 16 della saga dei Courteney (e terzo del ciclo dei "Courteney-Ballantyne"), protagonista assoluta è la giovanissima Saffron Courteney: dopo essere cresciuta pacificamente in Kenia a contatto con la natura e con le tribù locali, si ritrova catapultata al centro dell'azione della guerra ma avrà lo stesso il tempo di conoscere l'Amore con la A maiuscola, l'onore, il coraggio e, purtroppo, anche il tradimento (soprattutto in seno alla sua stessa famiglia) e, come detto prima, gli orrori del secondo conflitto mondiale. E tutto lascia presagire che "Grido di guerra" avrà un seguito…
[https://lastanzadiantonio.blogspot.co...]
May 26, 2017
As a member of the Courtney family Leon knows how quickly fortunes can be won or lost.
Over the course of two centuries his family has risen and fallen with the tides of history.
Leon too has experienced his own share of triumph and pain. In the wake of his beloved
wife's death he is raising his young daughter Saffron alone in colonial Kenya. In the 1920's
the continent of Africa is a dangerous place as Leon attempts to navigate the murky waters
of this beautiful land. His daughter grows into an independent and headstrong young woman
bound for a different life in Britain as a student at Oxford. Over the course of two decades
spies, traitors and adventurers will dog their every step. As the fitful years of peace lead to
the outbreak of the Second World War involving Africa once more Leon and Saffron must
fight for their survival and that of their family. This is book 15 in he Courtney series and it's
a historical novel which I usually don't read and ended like it's to be continued which I also
don't care for but this one's a pretty decent story and I gave it a 4.
Over the course of two centuries his family has risen and fallen with the tides of history.
Leon too has experienced his own share of triumph and pain. In the wake of his beloved
wife's death he is raising his young daughter Saffron alone in colonial Kenya. In the 1920's
the continent of Africa is a dangerous place as Leon attempts to navigate the murky waters
of this beautiful land. His daughter grows into an independent and headstrong young woman
bound for a different life in Britain as a student at Oxford. Over the course of two decades
spies, traitors and adventurers will dog their every step. As the fitful years of peace lead to
the outbreak of the Second World War involving Africa once more Leon and Saffron must
fight for their survival and that of their family. This is book 15 in he Courtney series and it's
a historical novel which I usually don't read and ended like it's to be continued which I also
don't care for but this one's a pretty decent story and I gave it a 4.
May 9, 2017
Always enjoy reading about the Courtney family in the Smith novels. Saffron Courtney is the daughter of Leon Courtney head of the family. They are enormously rich, live in Africa and have immense power to influence events. Saffron goes to school in England before the second world war and grows into a superb athlete and a great student. She makes friends of a German girl who she visits from time to time in Germany. On one of her trips there she meets Gerhard von Meerbach, a very handsome man and they fall in love. They both try to serve their countries during the war and this leads to hardship for them both. I wanted to give this book more stars but I felt it did not have the fire in its writing as the other Courtney novels had and this was disappointing. You were always waiting for something else but it didn't show up. There will be a sequel to this book as this one did not end very satisfactorily I felt.
April 25, 2020
Piętnasty tom sagi rodu Courtneyów jest wielowątkową powieścią, w której dość dużo elementów można skrytykować, nawet ośmieszyć, ale której lektura jest po prostu wciągająca, sprawia przyjemność.
Saffron i jej ojciec Leon tworzą kenijską odnogę rodziny, są właścicielami majątku Lusima i udziałowcami rodowej firmy Courtney Trading, zarządzanej z Kairu, gdzie mieszka matka Leona i jego trzej bracia. Utrzymują ciepłe rodzinne relacje z dalszymi krewnymi, w Afryce Południowej, Anglii i Szkocji.
Losy Saffron, a przedtem jej zmarłej matki Evy, związane są z niemieckim rodem von Meerbachów, właścicielami koncernu na usługach nazistów, Meerbach Motor Works. Konrad, obecny hrabia Meerbach, asystent Reinharda Heydricha, zalicza w swej nazistowskiej karierze także wizytę w Warszawie, gdzie obserwuje i komentuje zamykanie Żydów w getcie. Jego młodszy brat, Gerhard, jest architektem w pracowni Alberta Speera i lotnikiem Luftwaffe. Poznaje Saffron w Szwajcarii. Podczas jego ostatniej akcji opisanej w książce ogląda ze swojego samolotu masakrę w Babim Jarze.
Moim zdaniem do najciekawszych należą, jak zwykle u Wilbura Smitha, epizody rozgrywające się w scenerii afrykańskiej, na przykład te z udziałem zaprzyjaźnionych Masajów, na czele z ich wodzem Manyoro. Pierwsza wojna światowa obecna jest w powieści tylko we wspomnieniach. Jednak niektóre jej wydarzenia, dość szczegółowo opisane, głęboko odcisnęły się na losach bohaterów. Wsród nich bitwa o Gallipoli, która niejako wykreowała osobowość czarnej owcy wśród Courtneyów, młodszego brata Leona, Francisa. Okres rodzącego się faszyzmu i pierwszych lat drugiej wojny światowej potraktowany jest niezwykle wybiórczo, żeby nie powiedzieć powierzchownie, nawet jak na standardy typowej powieści historical fiction. Ale są epizody, postaci i wątki poboczne, które były dla mnie, przeciętnego czytelnika bez pogłębionej historycznej wiedzy, bardzo interesujące. Na przykład, sylwetka twórcy brytyjskiego faszyzmu Oswalda Mosleya, rola popierającego Hitlera Hassana al-Banny, założyciela Bractwa Muzułmańskiego, czy wreszcie tzw. Operation Lustre, czyli grecki fragment operacji bałkańskiej.
Dramatyczne okoliczności i konsekwencje Operation Lustre stanowią zresztą zarzewie jednej z paru intryg o charakterze sensacyjno-szpiegowskim opisanych w powieści. Ich wiarygodność nie odbiega za bardzo od podobnych zagadek w innych dziełach tego typu beletrystyki. Podobnie jest z wątkami romansowymi, ubarwionymi pewną dozą erotyzmu.
Nie byłoby wciągającej powieści bez ciekawych bohaterów. Saffron jest dziewczyną, jaką niejedna jej rówieśniczka chciałaby być, ale pewnie większość z nich uznałaby, że jej odwaga oraz inne przymioty ciała, ducha i umysłu to czysty produkt literackiej idealizacji. Znacznie bardziej psychologicznie i społecznie wiarygodny wydaje się być Gerhard, idealista, który zanim się obejrzał został trybikiem zbrodniczego mechanizmu. Podobnie jest z wieloma postaciami dalszego planu, wśród których są ideały, prawdziwe szwarccharaktery i ludzie, o których trudno powiedzieć, czy należą do dobrej czy złej kategorii.
Jest taka scena w pracowni architektonicznej, gdy Gerhard patrząc z bliska w oczy Hitlera ulega jego magnetyzmowi. Bulwersująca, czy może bardzo prawdziwa?
Saffron i jej ojciec Leon tworzą kenijską odnogę rodziny, są właścicielami majątku Lusima i udziałowcami rodowej firmy Courtney Trading, zarządzanej z Kairu, gdzie mieszka matka Leona i jego trzej bracia. Utrzymują ciepłe rodzinne relacje z dalszymi krewnymi, w Afryce Południowej, Anglii i Szkocji.
Losy Saffron, a przedtem jej zmarłej matki Evy, związane są z niemieckim rodem von Meerbachów, właścicielami koncernu na usługach nazistów, Meerbach Motor Works. Konrad, obecny hrabia Meerbach, asystent Reinharda Heydricha, zalicza w swej nazistowskiej karierze także wizytę w Warszawie, gdzie obserwuje i komentuje zamykanie Żydów w getcie. Jego młodszy brat, Gerhard, jest architektem w pracowni Alberta Speera i lotnikiem Luftwaffe. Poznaje Saffron w Szwajcarii. Podczas jego ostatniej akcji opisanej w książce ogląda ze swojego samolotu masakrę w Babim Jarze.
Moim zdaniem do najciekawszych należą, jak zwykle u Wilbura Smitha, epizody rozgrywające się w scenerii afrykańskiej, na przykład te z udziałem zaprzyjaźnionych Masajów, na czele z ich wodzem Manyoro. Pierwsza wojna światowa obecna jest w powieści tylko we wspomnieniach. Jednak niektóre jej wydarzenia, dość szczegółowo opisane, głęboko odcisnęły się na losach bohaterów. Wsród nich bitwa o Gallipoli, która niejako wykreowała osobowość czarnej owcy wśród Courtneyów, młodszego brata Leona, Francisa. Okres rodzącego się faszyzmu i pierwszych lat drugiej wojny światowej potraktowany jest niezwykle wybiórczo, żeby nie powiedzieć powierzchownie, nawet jak na standardy typowej powieści historical fiction. Ale są epizody, postaci i wątki poboczne, które były dla mnie, przeciętnego czytelnika bez pogłębionej historycznej wiedzy, bardzo interesujące. Na przykład, sylwetka twórcy brytyjskiego faszyzmu Oswalda Mosleya, rola popierającego Hitlera Hassana al-Banny, założyciela Bractwa Muzułmańskiego, czy wreszcie tzw. Operation Lustre, czyli grecki fragment operacji bałkańskiej.
Dramatyczne okoliczności i konsekwencje Operation Lustre stanowią zresztą zarzewie jednej z paru intryg o charakterze sensacyjno-szpiegowskim opisanych w powieści. Ich wiarygodność nie odbiega za bardzo od podobnych zagadek w innych dziełach tego typu beletrystyki. Podobnie jest z wątkami romansowymi, ubarwionymi pewną dozą erotyzmu.
Nie byłoby wciągającej powieści bez ciekawych bohaterów. Saffron jest dziewczyną, jaką niejedna jej rówieśniczka chciałaby być, ale pewnie większość z nich uznałaby, że jej odwaga oraz inne przymioty ciała, ducha i umysłu to czysty produkt literackiej idealizacji. Znacznie bardziej psychologicznie i społecznie wiarygodny wydaje się być Gerhard, idealista, który zanim się obejrzał został trybikiem zbrodniczego mechanizmu. Podobnie jest z wieloma postaciami dalszego planu, wśród których są ideały, prawdziwe szwarccharaktery i ludzie, o których trudno powiedzieć, czy należą do dobrej czy złej kategorii.
Jest taka scena w pracowni architektonicznej, gdy Gerhard patrząc z bliska w oczy Hitlera ulega jego magnetyzmowi. Bulwersująca, czy może bardzo prawdziwa?
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