A little off-putting to have pages of characters to refer back to at the outset. At times I felt there were too many faces/voices popping up in the book. On most pages there were references to smoking and drinking, a reminder that the average person in that era possibly ate less than we do, but had other vices. I read this book in small chunks, not really devouring the text as it did meander at times. It is quite atmospheric and evocative, but I found the main character not relatable (leaving alone the spying/violence etc). I have read other accounts where I felt more empathy with the spy.
I did enjoy the setting, a more glamorous age and life in the sun for some, carrying on whatever else may have been happening in the world.
I did enjoy the setting, a more glamorous age and life in the sun for some, carrying on whatever else may have been happening in the world.