Ridpath's latest novel, The Diplomat's Wife, is an excellent multi-period novel which explores human connection under extraordinary circumstances, being set in the lead up to the Second World War, and in late 1970s Europe towards the end of the Cold War.
In the late 1970s, Emma and her grandson set out on a voyage through Europe, for reasons unknown to Phil, her grandson. She offers to pay him to drive her around Europe and accompany her on her journey to revisit her past, but the true reason of the trip is not clear to Phil. It appears she has an ulterior motive. This is intricately weaved throughout with a document of Emma's past, prior to the Second World War. We get to see her involvement with spies and other undesirable characters, and the danger she puts herself in in order to do what she sees as right for her country and her people.
This is an excellent historical thriller full of interesting characters, with a great storyline throughout. My only criticism is that the ending to the pre-World War Two section felt a bit rushed. Other than that, I really enjoyed this novel. I would highly recommend! Thank you for the review copy.
In the late 1970s, Emma and her grandson set out on a voyage through Europe, for reasons unknown to Phil, her grandson. She offers to pay him to drive her around Europe and accompany her on her journey to revisit her past, but the true reason of the trip is not clear to Phil. It appears she has an ulterior motive. This is intricately weaved throughout with a document of Emma's past, prior to the Second World War. We get to see her involvement with spies and other undesirable characters, and the danger she puts herself in in order to do what she sees as right for her country and her people.
This is an excellent historical thriller full of interesting characters, with a great storyline throughout. My only criticism is that the ending to the pre-World War Two section felt a bit rushed. Other than that, I really enjoyed this novel. I would highly recommend! Thank you for the review copy.