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The Detour by Andromeda Romano-Lax - 3* - My Review

In this atypical World War II story, twenty-six-year-old Ernst Vogler works in the branch of the German Reich responsible for “acquiring” great artworks throughout Europe. In 1938, he travels to Italy to ensure a statue, The Discus Thrower, is transported to Germany. Italian twin brothers assist him in transporting the sculpture through the Italian countryside. The mission gets complicated, involving betrayal, romance, and the titular “detour” where he eventually meets Rosalina, the twins’ sister. The storyline provides Ernst’s background, including his difficult relationship with his father and how he got his current job.

The setting in the Italian countryside is beautifully described. The story is more focused on artwork with Hitler in the background in the role of “art collector.” I liked the premise. Unfortunately, the protagonist, Ernst, is bland and does not seem like a real person, especially not a representative of the Reich. We do not get to know what he thinks of his role in “collecting” works of art. It is unevenly paced - very slow in the beginning and a flurry of action at the end. This book is another mixed bag for me. It falls under the category of “great idea, not so great execution.”