The Confessions of Gabriel Ash

by Lee Polevoi

The Confessions of Gabriel Ash , a literary Cold War thriller with echoes of John Le Carre and A Gentleman in Moscow , alternates between the glittery backdrop of 1980s New York and the sinister grottoes of Eastern Europe. The story UN Ambassador Gabriel Ash has to tell—in a voice that's sardonic, self-delusional, and uniquely his own—will result either in his release from captivity or the loss of his life.

324 pages, Paperback

Published May 23, 2023

Reviews

[Priya]

I was drawn in from the very first page and the back and forth between the present and the past timelines was very well done.

I was totally invested in learning about the sequence of events that led the protagonist to where we first meet him.

Definitely thrilling and enjoyable.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[The Tattered Spine]

What a great read. As a child who grew up in the 1980's the Cold War was very real. We had movies like Red Dawn which played on real fears of a Russian invasion. This book is a great thriller using these same fears.

This book appeals to many different people. If you enjoy war books this book is for you. If you enjoy thrillers, this book is for you. If you enjoy retro 80s books, this book is for you.

Pick it up and give it a try!

[Leslie]

The Confessions of Gabriel Ash takes place mainly in 1982 at the height of the Cold War. Gabriel Ash, our charming narrator, has just been recalled from his diplomatic post as the chief delegate for the Peoples Democratic Republic of Kreshnev, a fictional Soviet satellite country located somewhat near the Black Sea.

Gabriel was born in Schenectady, NY, but moved with his missionary parents to Eastern Europe at a young age. At age 12 he inadvertently saved Kreshnev's last monarch from an assassination attempt, was hailed as a young hero and awarded by being sent to England for his education. After college he took on several backwater embassy jobs for Kreshnev and was ultimately rewarded with the plum job of chief delegate to the UN.

In NY he lives a cushy bon vivant diplomat life in a pre war Beaux Art apartment, overlooking the river on the Upper East Side, enjoying fine wine, many many women, his tailored suits, a chauffeur with a Bentley, etc; all the while pretending to espouse the communist ideals he was sent to promote. As he says, "to live in the West, you must always look the part."

Alas, things go wrong - a little to much honest pillow talk, an ill advised speech rant at the UN, altogether too much publicity. He is "recalled" to Kreshnev, imprisoned in a 12th century castle and ordered to tape a confession of how he ran astray. Through his sporadic tapings of his confession, punctuated by personal commentary while the tape machine is paused, we learn his whole back story and then follow his ongoing exploits.

I found Gabriel to be a wonderfully funny narrator - self delusional while also being somewhat self aware, he is always ready with a bon mot. The author's prose is so descriptive, often inspiring chuckles or out right laughs, that I totally pictured myself in pretty much all of the locations involved in the story. His wide range of supporting characters are marvelously drawn. The comparison to A Gentleman in Moscow mentioned in the blurb perfectly sums it up. While this appears to be a standalone novel, how I would love to meet up with Gabriel again. Can't wait for the next novel by Lee Polevoi.

Thanks to Book Sirens for the advanced reader copy in return for an honest review.

[Jay Grammond]

This genre is not typical for me to read, but I have read a couple books in this area. I like the suspense and this one had that AND had a tie to WWII which is more in my wheelhouse! From the moment I started this book, I had a hard time putting it down.

It is a cold war thriller set in the 1980’s that goes back and forth between Ash’s role as Ambassador at the UN in New York City; and a certain predicament he has gotten into in Eastern Europe. I enjoyed the back and forth between the two parts of the story. I couldn’t wait to pick it up and find out what happened next. Without giving to much away, it was suspenseful right to the end!

Blue Cottage Agency Books and Pens on Green Gables #coldwarthriller #leepolevoibooks #theconfessionsofgabrielash

[Sarah Parsh]

This is not a genre I would normally read but I was quickly drawn into the story of Gabriel Ash and his antics. I really enjoyed how the story was told in past and present until we find out how the main character ended up where he was. The end of the book had me turning the page quickly as I had to know how it ended! Highly recommend!

[Kari Veicht]

A page turning thriller, The Confessions of Gabriel Ash tells the story of how this UN Ambassador to a Eastern European country in the Cold War era went from a life of luxury in 1980's New York City to becoming a prisoner. Polevoi creates a cast of characters to complement Ash's witty and often cheeky demeanor, which mimics the many opposing themes present throughout the book. Topics of communism versus capitalism, the duty of the role of Ambassador versus personal desire, and the action of spy work versus the boredom of prisoner life all make for an engaging read you can't put down with an ending worth waiting for.

[Tina McKeever]

Gabriel Ash, must find his way out of imprisonment! This story of UN Ambassador Gabriel has a story to tell that will either result in his release from captivity or the loss of his life. Pick up a copy to read and see where his journey takes him.
@leepolevoiauthor @bluecottageagency @booksandpensongreengables
#coldwarthriller #leepolevoibooks
#theconfessionsofgabrielash

[Sue Ready]

An international tale of dark secrets, espionage, and corrupt world governments sets the stage for Lee Polevoi's newest spy thriller “The Confessions of Gabriel Ash.” The story takes place during the time of the cold war with Russia set in a 1982 time frame. Gabriel Ash is an ambassador to a small fictional European country, Keshnev, with strong Russian ties. He finds himself conflicted between ties to his homeland versus the life he’s built in America often disregarding known consequences. Ash is now confined in a castle-turned prison cell with a tape recorder, microphone, and blank tape somewhere in Eastern Europe trying to figure out his captors' next move, how he can escape and stay ahead of them. The storyline is in two parts that take the reader back and forth between the events that led up to Ash's imprisonment, his spectacular fall from grace, and how revenge and redemption will ultimately play out as Ash is forced to confront a lifetime based upon deception and lies. At times I did find Ash's moral compass a bit off-center.

Ash's narrative throughout the story is a series of confessions that are being recorded. Retelling his life's story with all the predicaments he has been embroiled in is told in a voice that ranges from skepticism to mockery and cynical humor. As a reader, often I felt like I was in the middle of a James Bond movie wondering how Ash would manage to get himself out of predicaments that were seemingly insurmountable. The narrative device telling the story from the character's point of view worked well in many scenes. The realities of espionage and world government corruption provided the storyline with lots of tension, suspense, action, and even a bit of romance. Themes of communism versus capitalism and differing perspectives from characters are some focal points of the narrative.

Lee Polevoi is a gifted storyteller. Sentences are carefully crafted with power-packed words that move the storyline along from the deceptive luxurious life of New York with its sights, sounds and smells to the harsh mountainous settings of Keshnev’s Lesser Alps and neighboring villages during the Cold War era. The cast of characters is well-developed, solidifying each of their roles and connections to one another giving readers insight into their motivations. The book is definitely a page-turner with an unexpected ending.

[Jorge Garcia]

"The Confessions of Gabriel Ash" takes readers on a thrilling journey through the world of Cold War espionage. With its gripping storyline filled with secrets, spies, and corruption, the novel captures the imagination from beginning to end. Set against the backdrop of 1980s New York and the foreboding atmosphere of Eastern Europe, the story follows UN Ambassador Gabriel Ash as he confronts his captors, his life hanging in the balance. Lee Polevoi skillfully weaves a tale of intrigue and peril, keeping readers on the edge of their seats, yearning for more.

Gabriel Ash, the novel's protagonist, is a captivating character with a mix of humor, sarcasm, and flawed humanity that adds depth and relatability. Through his unique voice and occasional distasteful traits, readers gain insight into his internal struggles and witness the consequences of his actions. From his diplomatic life in New York to his entanglements in the treacherous world of espionage, Gabriel Ash remains a mesmerizing and relatable figure, making us cheer for him through every twist and turn.

Polevoi's writing style is truly admirable, seamlessly blending danger, action, intrigue, and comedy. The author's vivid descriptions transport us between the opulent streets of New York and the decaying landscapes of Eastern Europe, capturing the essence of both settings. With meticulous attention to detail, Polevoi creates a palpable sense of tension, immersing readers in Gabriel's predicaments. The fusion of genres and exploration of powerful themes add depth and richness to the story, making it an engrossing page-turner that refuses to be put down.

In conclusion, "The Confessions of Gabriel Ash" is a mesmerizing and suspenseful thriller that skillfully combines elements of suspense, romance, and political intrigue. Lee Polevoi's storytelling prowess shines through, effortlessly balancing wit, tension, and unexpected twists that leave readers craving for more. This novel is a must-read for fans of espionage and Cold War narratives, showcasing the author's exceptional writing skills and ability to create an immersive and unforgettable reading experience.

[Carlie]

The Confessions of Gabriel Ash is a compelling story for a number of reasons: the mystery that readers get to piece together along the way, the complex and realistic country of Keshnev, the lies and deceit at the center of it all, but what really captured my attention was the man for whom the book was named.

Gabriel Ash is a charming, witty, UN diplomat who is comfortable with the luxuries the title of ambassador affords him, and I did not know if I was meant to root for him. Most stories make it fairly evident who the "good" and "bad" guys are. It makes it easier for readers to care for or despise the right characters and to know whose side we are meant to be on, but Polevoi challenges us as readers. He does not give us someone easy to digest. He gives us someone complex and confusing. A man who can be difficult to handle or even tolerate, who believes himself to be important and above reproach. Someone who doesn't always treat people very well, and, at the same time, cares deeply for those he loves even if that love comes out harsh and in angry bursts at times. Someone who dove headfirst into danger, who had the instinct to protect and hold those he loves close. Gabriel is called a hero, another title to add to his collection, but I do not know that I ever saw him as one. He is just a person. Someone who makes mistakes, a lot of them, and someone who learns and grows and tries to do better. It made him relatable, likable. He is also someone who tells one heck of a story.

His character made me love this book, and I think that everyone should read his confessions. Everyone should follow along and piece together the mystery of his life and see what they make of the infamous Ambassador Gabriel Ash.

[Stace]

Firstly, thank you to the author and the publishers for letting me have a copy of The Confessions of Gabriel Ash prior to publication.

The story starts slowly with Gabriel Ash held in a small, mysterious prison in Keshnev; a fictitious country in Eastern Europe. He is asked to record his activities leading up to his arrest. This section of the book switchers between Gabriel’s day to day life in prison, his recordings and reminiscences of his past life.

Through this narrative we slowly get to know Gabriel who is quite a fascinating character; born in the USA, raised in England then in Keshnev where his parents were Christian missionaries until they disappeared during the Nazi occupation. Using his background and guile he works his way up the Keshnev diplomatic corps to be their Ambassador to the United Nations in New York.

Much of the relevant action in New York takes place in 1982 during the invasion of the Falkland Islands (Malvinas) and his semi-estranged daughter, Tess, becomes involved.

Leo Polevoi uses the Falklands conflict and others to question the ability, or lack of it, of the United Nations to avoid, or at least mitigate, conflicts between countries; something that would certainly be helpful with the current war in Ukraine.

As the story moves on we finally learn of Gabriel’s crimes and of his attempts to escape. I really enjoyed the denouement which Polevoi set during a festival where his descriptive skills captured the atmosphere superbly.

As far as I can tell The Confessions of Gabriel Ash is Polevoi’s second published novel. He can certainly tell a good story and I look forward to more from him. I have awarded four stars.

[Anthony]

The Review

This was a captivating and gripping thriller. The harsh Eastern European settings and the vibrant yet misleading glamor of New York not only elevated the narrative but showcased the fact that so much of our understanding of the world is based so much on perspective. The conflict between protagonist Gabriel Ash and his ties to his homeland with the life he’s built in America and the consequences that follow are rife with intrigue and tension that plays well into the Cold War Era setting.

For me, the heart of this narrative came with the fusion of genres with the powerful themes the author explores. The almost comic approach to the protagonist’s mindset and interactions with characters blended well with the dark and haunting realities of spy work and corruption within world governments, and the atmosphere of the novel provided enough room for romance, action, and suspense to reign supreme in a natural way. The themes of Communism versus Capitalism, perspective, and individuality all played major roles in the story and allowed the setting and tension to play out greatly as the story progressed.

The Verdict

Powerful, heart-pounding, and engaging, author Lee Polevoi’s “The Confessions of Gabriel Ash” is a must-read Cold War spy and political thriller you won’t be able to put down. The unique method of storytelling as a narrative device told from the character’s point of view worked so well in several of the scenes in this book and allowed the reader to analyze and work out the mystery behind the protagonist’s life and his struggles for themselves.

[Robert]

It took me a while to get into the life and times of Gabriel Ash, but that's not a criticism per se. It's just that the espionage novels I typically read usually have a more true-to-life setting, whether that's the Second World War of Alan Furst, David Downing and Alex Gerlis, or more contemporary fare like Charles Cumming.

In 1982, the titular Ash is the ambassador to the United Nations of an Eastern European satellite of the USSR, Keshnev - and while the geography of Keshnev does correspond to real places, you won't find it any atlas. I know because I looked! Once I'd got over that initial hurdle, I settled into the book and really started to enjoy it.

By the end I was rather attached to Ambassador Ash, in spite of the fact that he's a lascivious old sot. Even though he's mostly unredeemed at the end, there's plenty to enjoy here. It's pretty funny, too - my favourite being Franz the cockroach, a joke that's all the better for not pandering to the reader by explaining it.

If I had a criticism it's that the character of Anca didn't feel sufficiently well drawn that her major role in the ending felt merited. She just felt like another in a long line of conquests for Gabriel.

I was given a digital copy of this book by the publisher Running Wild Press via BookSirens in return for an honest unbiased review.

[C.D. Clark]

I enjoyed reading “The Confesssions of Gabriel Ash”, by Lee Polevoi. A great thriller novel! It takes place during the cold war era with Russia and is set in 1982. Gabriel Ash is an Ambassador to Keshnev, a small country with strong Russian ties. Through many faults of his doing, Ash is now confined in a castle turned prison somewhere in Eastern Europe.
It’s not something I would read on a normal basis, but the title sounded interesting. The opening line was intriguing and the setting was perfect, cold and gray. Mr. Polevoi knows how to paint the background so well it’s easy to imagine the stench of garbage and exhaust fumes in New York City to the bone-chilling air in the mountains of Keshnev’s Lesser Alps. The tension builds nicely as the story moves on and has a satisfying ending. Great book for those who enjoy reading political thrillers, historical-based novels, and the underbelly of world society’s power hungry mongrels.

[Diane Mezzanotte]

Wow, was this ever a good read! A fast-paced thriller that alternates between the once-glittery lifestyle of an Eastern European UN Ambassador in Manhattan and his subsequent imprisonment back in his home country. How he got there, and the rest of the jn-between story, is revealed slowly as the story unfolds.

The narrator, Gabriel Ash, is not entirely likable and yet is somehow also a sympathetic character for whom the reader wants to see a happy ending. The perils that befall him are fairly realistic, especially for the timeframe — the 1980s Cold War era, just prior to the start of the slow implosion of Warsaw Pact dictatorships. This would make a good movie.

I read an advanced reader’s copy provided by Book Sirens. Another editing sweep is needed, particular in the back end of the book, where there were a lot of repeated phrases, out-of-order words, and some typos. When this is ready for full publication, I hope it gets its deserved publicity and widespread readership.

[Bob]

I am grateful to Book Sirens and the publishers for an opportunity to read and review a pre-publication copy of this book.
Something of a pastiche this was an enjoyable book. An unlikely premise: an American son of Christian missionaries, representing a minor Iron Curtain country as Ambassador to the United Nations, greatly enjoying the lifestyle in New York - a million miles from that of his country.
After a disastrous series of events he is recalled to his country where he learns the truth about the death of his parents at the hands of the communist regime, which is characterised as Stalinist tyranny, ruling over poverty and misery; and sets out to seek vengeance.
The narrative moves cleverly between Ash’s taped ‘confessions’ to an expected tribunal and the story of his later movements. The pace accelerates to an exciting conclusion.
The book is well written but, as a draft, does need proof reading to weed out a number of errors.

[Maxine]

Lee Polevoi's Cold War thriller had me hooked from first page to last. Polevoi is adept at setting the mood, in this case, the hurly-burly atmosphere of New York City in the early 1980s, as well as the cold, gray world of Eastern Europe during the height of East-West tensions. Gabriel Ash, the title character, is a UN ambassador who undergoes a spectacular fall from grace and must account for his sins to his home government of Keshnev, a fictional country deep behind the Iron Curtain. As the novel moves from NY to Eastern Europe, secrets are divulged and Gabriel's humanity is sorely tested. The Confessions of Gabriel Ash is a brisk, entertaining, and often very witty novel. Highly recommended!

[Claudete Takahashi]

The Confessions of Gabriel Ash is the first book I've read by Lee Polevoi and I was positively surprised. It focuses on the life of an ambassador representing a communist country in the United Nations. He questions his feelings towards the communist regime and the UN's role in maintaining peace and well-being in the world and puts himself under terrible stress. He will also eventually discover the truth regarding his parents' demise and will find a way out of the difficult circumstances he finds himself in when back to his country of origin. A good plot and a good story.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Jackie Ponce]

Thank you to Lee Polevoi as well as Blue Cottage Agency Books for the opportunity to read this wonderful novel. The Confessions of Gabriel Ash is a beautiful, witty, novel told by the POV of Gabriel Ash himself set in the 1980s and Cold War. Although it is a thriller there are many laugh out loud scenes as well as romance. Kind of reminded me of Indiana Jones. Gabriel Ash is a character you’re bound to fall in love with and enjoy his adventures. Would definitely love to read more by Lee Polevoi. Congratulations on such a great book.

[Clark Smith]

Gabriel Ash is an incredible character, American by birth, but caught up in the communism of eastern Europe at the height of the Cold War. An irascible, cynical and irreverent scoundrel, he comes to life as a believable person in the ridiculous political atmosphere of that time.

The story is laugh out loud hilarious, while opening a realistic window into the United Nations politics of the Cold War. I hope to see this character again when the story is made into a feature film.

[Tom Larkin]

I greatly enjoyed this gripping thriller of Cold War espionage and corruption in the 1980s. Gabriel's misadventures in his two worlds create suspense and action throughout the book. Polevoi engages the reader from the very start in this very well-written page turner. Don't miss this book.

[Anne]

Full disclosure: I know the author and even gave feedback on an early draft of this novel. That version was good, but this final version is great. If you love Cold War thrillers featuring a flawed, sadly delusional protagonist that's still likable (unlike some other characters in this tightly wound spy tale), then you'll enjoy this one.

[Janell Madison]

I loved the way the author went back and forth between past and present using a tape recorder for the story to be told! So clever!