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Midnight in Europe: A Novel Paperback – March 17, 2015

3.9 3.9 out of 5 stars 3,479 ratings

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NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER

Paris, 1938. As the shadow of war darkens Europe, democratic forces on the Continent struggle against fascism and communism, while in Spain the war has already begun. Alan Furst, whom Vince Flynn has called “the most talented espionage novelist of our generation,” now gives us a taut, suspenseful, romantic, and richly rendered novel of spies and secret operatives in Paris and New York, in Warsaw and Odessa, on the eve of World War II.
 
Cristián Ferrar, a brilliant and handsome Spanish émigré, is a lawyer in the Paris office of a prestigious international law firm. Ferrar is approached by the embassy of the Spanish Republic and asked to help a clandestine agency trying desperately to supply weapons to the Republic’s beleaguered army—an effort that puts his life at risk in the battle against fascism.
 
Joining Ferrar in this mission is a group of unlikely men and women: idealists and gangsters, arms traders and aristocrats and spies. From shady Paris nightclubs to white-shoe New York law firms, from brothels in Istanbul to the dockyards of Poland, Ferrar and his allies battle the secret agents of Hitler and Franco. And what allies they are: there’s Max de Lyon, a former arms merchant now hunted by the Gestapo; the Marquesa Maria Cristina, a beautiful aristocrat with a taste for danger; and the Macedonian Stavros, who grew up “fighting Bulgarian bandits. After that, being a gangster was easy.” Then there is Eileen Moore, the American woman Ferrar could never forget.
 
In
Midnight in Europe, Alan Furst paints a spellbinding portrait of a continent marching into a nightmare—and the heroes and heroines who fought back against the darkness.

Praise for Alan Furst and Midnight in Europe
 
“Furst never stops astounding me.”
—Tom Hanks
 
“Furst is the best in the business.”
—Vince Flynn
 
“Elegant, gripping . . . [Furst] remains at the top of his game.”
—The New York Times
 
“Suspenseful and sophisticated . . . No espionage author, it seems, is better at summoning the shifting moods and emotional atmosphere of Europe before the start of World War II than Alan Furst.”
—The Wall Street Journal
 
“Endlessly compelling . . . Furst delivers an observant, sexy, and thrilling tale set in the outskirts of World War II. In Furst’s hands, Paris once again comes alive with intrigue.”
—Erik Larson
 
“Too much fun to put down . . . [Furst is] a master of the atmospheric thriller.”
—The Boston Globe
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Editorial Reviews

Review

Praise for Midnight in Europe
 
“Elegant, gripping . . . [Furst] remains at the top of his game.”
—The New York Times
 
“Suspenseful and sophisticated . . . No espionage author, it seems, is better at summoning the shifting moods and emotional atmosphere of Europe before the start of World War II than Alan Furst.”
—The Wall Street Journal
 
“Endlessly compelling . . . Furst delivers an observant, sexy, and thrilling tale set in the outskirts of World War II. In Furst’s hands, Paris once again comes alive with intrigue.”
—Erik Larson
 
“Too much fun to put down . . . [Furst is] a master of the atmospheric thriller.”
—The Boston Globe

Praise for Alan Furst
 
“Furst never stops astounding me.”
—Tom Hanks

“Furst is the best in the business—the most talented espionage novelist of our generation.”
—Vince Flynn
 
“Page after page is dazzling.”
—James Patterson
 
“Furst writes profoundly realistic books. The brilliant historical flourishes seem to create—or re-create—a world . . . a heartbreaking sense of the vast Homeric epic that was World War II and the smallness of almost every life that was caught up in it.”
—The New York Times Book Review
 
“Though set in a specific place and time, Furst’s books are like Chopin’s nocturnes: timeless, transcendent, universal. One does not so much read them as fall under their spell.”
—Los Angeles Times
 
“Alan Furst’s novels swing a beam into the shadows at the edges of the great events leading to World War II. Readers come knowing he’ll deliver effortless narrative.”
—USA Today
 
“Mesmerizing . . . Mr. Furst is a master at conjuring European scenes and moods during World War II and the fraught years that preceded it.”
—The Wall Street Journal
 
“Alan Furst again shows why he is a grandmaster of the historical espionage genre. . . . It doesn’t get more action-packed and grippingly atmospheric than this.”
—The Boston Globe

About the Author

Alan Furst is widely recognized as the master of the historical spy novel. Now translated into eighteen languages, he is the author of Night Soldiers, Dark Star, The Polish Officer, The World at Night, Red Gold, Kingdom of Shadows, Blood of Victory, Dark Voyage, The Foreign Correspondent, The Spies of Warsaw, Spies of the Balkans, Mission to Paris, and Midnight in Europe.Born in New York, he lived for many years in Paris, and now lives on Long Island.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Random House Trade Paperbacks; Reprint edition (March 17, 2015)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 272 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0812981839
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0812981834
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 6.4 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.18 x 0.57 x 8 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    3.9 3.9 out of 5 stars 3,479 ratings

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Alan Furst
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Alan Furst has lived for long periods in France, especially in Paris, and has travelled as a journalist in Eastern Europe and Russia. He has written extensively for Esquire and the International Herald Tribune.

Customer reviews

3.9 out of 5 stars
3,479 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book engaging and well-written. They describe the historical fiction as excellent, with rich Coudert history. The writing quality is described as wonderful and well-told. Many find the story exciting, fascinating, and entertaining. However, opinions differ on the storyline, with some finding it action-packed and suspenseful, while others feel it lacks continuity and suspense. There are mixed views on the character development, with some finding them interesting and well-developed, while others consider them less compelling than in previous works.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

349 customers mention "Readability"289 positive60 negative

Customers find the book engaging and worth reading. They appreciate the thoughtful story with a mix of intrigue, violence, suspense, and lovemaking. The author is described as an intimate storyteller who places you in the lives of the characters.

"...But to me this plays out as a period piece in 1930’s costumes. It is suspenseful but in quiet ways that strike fear in our hearts because we can..." Read more

"...Just as enjoyable as all his previous books in this series, the excellent character development allows the reader to get very attached to the..." Read more

"...Dark Star" is the finest novel I have ever read in my life. It sticks with me 20 years later...." Read more

"...The story in Midnight is lively, several threads are followed, perhaps not as fully explored as one might wish...." Read more

153 customers mention "Historical accuracy"139 positive14 negative

Customers appreciate the historical accuracy of the book. They find it an engaging historical fiction with well-developed characters and a rich Coudert history. The story is set just before World War II, well-blended with European settings and history. Readers praise the author's skill in writing spy thrillers and describe the book as another wonderful story from Alan Furst, who is considered a master of the genre.

"Another fascinating, historically accurate, beautiful tale from Alan Furst set in pre-World War II Europe...." Read more

"Here is yet another story, well told, by the master of known mysteries...." Read more

"The title and the cover are intriguing: befitting an espionage thriller by a writer reputed to be one of the best writing in this genre..." Read more

"...As for its strengths, as usual, Furst captures the ambience of Paris well...." Read more

94 customers mention "Writing quality"87 positive7 negative

Customers enjoy the writing quality of the book. They find the story well-told, with a vivid prose that draws them in. The author is described as an accomplished craftsman, and the unique, colorful storyline has a comfortable length. The hero is well-meaning, though somewhat naive, and believable.

"...This very well-written unique colorful storyline could have comfortably gone on another hundred pages-- but didn't!..." Read more

"Here is yet another story, well told, by the master of known mysteries...." Read more

"...folks would agree with me that each book, taken on its own, is very well written, interesting, rich with background material -- especially for its..." Read more

"...Fine travelogue. Mr. Furst is a grand writer, I'll readily admit that...." Read more

33 customers mention "Enthralling"26 positive7 negative

Customers find the book engaging and well-written. They describe it as exciting, fascinating, entertaining, and informative about a utopian era. The characters are enjoyable to meet, especially Count Polyani.

"...Some may see this novel as being about as exciting as watching paint dry, because the events described are not the action-filled spy thriller fare..." Read more

"Another fascinating, historically accurate, beautiful tale from Alan Furst set in pre-World War II Europe...." Read more

"...They are always exciting, well-written and well-blended with European settings and history...." Read more

"...Yet there is a sense of disjointed accounts that do not coalesce into a coherent narrative. One of the agent Castillo, is killed...." Read more

200 customers mention "Storyline"74 positive126 negative

Customers have different views on the storyline. Some find it engaging with action, suspense, and intrigue. They appreciate the author's skill at creating an atmosphere of uncertainty. However, others feel the story lacks continuity, suspense, or dramatic ending. The NKVD training and Spanish Civil War sections are also mentioned as fantastic.

"...While much of the book is very detailed and engrossing, the book ends very suddenly with minimal information given to the reader who is kind of left..." Read more

"...Nevertheless, the NKVD training and Spanish Civil War sections were fantastic...." Read more

"...gets into Poland, the Baltic and Black Seas, but surprisingly little Spain for a story that revolves around the Franco civil war...." Read more

"...This episode just ends impotently, as the pursuing boat hangs its head in apparent defeat and heads for a port. Next chapter. No, next paragraph...." Read more

121 customers mention "Character development"74 positive47 negative

Customers have mixed opinions about the character development. Some find the characters interesting and well-developed, with believable heroes. They describe the hero as likable and upright. However, others feel the characters lack depth and are less compelling than in previous books by Alan Furst.

"...enjoyable as all his previous books in this series, the excellent character development allows the reader to get very attached to the protagonist...." Read more

"...The characters are boring, the plot is tepid, and Mr. Furst resorts to soft porn scenes to try to get reader interest in this clear failure...." Read more

"...before the Second World War engulfed Europe, has peopled the novel with dozens of characters - some you'd like to meet others you'd best stay away..." Read more

"...The hero is educated and well meaning, even a little naive about some things, although not about sex...." Read more

72 customers mention "Research quality"31 positive41 negative

Customers have different views on the research quality. Some find it interesting and well-researched, providing good insights and gritty details about life in that era. Others feel the book is formulaic and ordinary, lacking thrills and depth.

"...Even the sex scenes are boring, as well as gratuitous and wholly unnecessary...." Read more

"...While much of the book is very detailed and engrossing, the book ends very suddenly with minimal information given to the reader who is kind of left..." Read more

"...It was an enjoyable reading experience, albeit slightly formulaic and lackluster when Furst’s earlier works are considered." Read more

"...His story of civilians dragged into war and finding their purpose in life is well done...." Read more

31 customers mention "Pacing"15 positive16 negative

Customers have different views on the pacing of the book. Some found it fast-paced and enjoyable, while others felt it dragged or was too rushed.

"...In fact, it is boring, through and through. It's the slowest, least exciting "thriller" you'll ever read...." Read more

"...A prequel to the inevitable and ultimate world war. Fast paced and intriguing. Always an enjoyable read!" Read more

"...Overall, a decent entry in the Furst canon even if one or two parts feel a little rushed." Read more

"...The novel moves with the same speed and suspense as in his prior works. Enjoyable and pleasant read." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on November 24, 2014
    Midnight in Europe by Alan Furst is a story of how ordinary people did extraordinary things when Europe was headed into the darkness of fascism and communism just before Hitler really began to power his way through Eastern and then Western Europe.
    Some may see this novel as being about as exciting as watching paint dry, because the events described are not the action-filled spy thriller fare we are used to. But to me this plays out as a period piece in 1930’s costumes. It is suspenseful but in quiet ways that strike fear in our hearts because we can imagine circumstances in which we might be called upon to test our mettle and our dedication to a cause in similar ways.

    Cristiàn Ferrar is our unlikely hero. He works for the Parisian branch of an American law firm that represents the interests of wealthy Europeans. He is just approaching middle age, just on the edge of losing his attractiveness to the types of ladies he has enjoyed in the past. He is an upper class Spaniard watching his country as it is taken over by fascists led by General Franco.
    Here we come at the encroaching threat of Hitler sort of sideways as Ferrar is enlisted by a diplomat (Molino) at the Spanish Embassy in Paris to take the place of Castillo, a museum curator, executed while trying to broker an arms deal. The forces of the Republic in Spain are starved for weapons which are provided to Franco’s forces by the Germans and Italians (under Mussolini). Europe is flirting with the communist/fascist movement as an opportunity to supposedly upend the aristocracy and distribute power and wealth more equally.

    Watching the glitches and near misses of this arms deal provides the tension in this novel but even more important, shows us those moments when Hitler is extending his regime and Russia under Stalin has become a frightening place where the slightest action can precipitate execution or imprisonment.

    We can see that these men, our heroes, are just regular people pushing past their fears. We can also see that their efforts are like building a short dam just before a monstrous deluge. This small heroism cannot stem the tide that is rising over Europe. But it also reminds us that ordinary people all over Europe will keep performing these small acts of defiance which will eventually help to undermine the tsunami that is Hitler’s Germany. Hitler will out-bully all the minor fascists rising throughout Europe and will plunge Europe into that “midnight” mentioned in the novel’s title. Fortunately we are already aware as we read that these daring people, the people who love liberty and loathe a mad master, will prevail.

    This is one small story of Europe on the edge of that Hitler madness, just a peek behind the curtain before the full horror plays out on the European stage. If our way of life in America were at stake would we be part of the small army of ordinary people who dared to resist?

    A poignant and famous quote sums up this image of a continent being plunged into darkness. Just behind the title page Alan Furst quotes what Sir Edward Grey, the British Foreign Secretary said on 3 August 1914, the eve of the First World War, a statement that was even more prophetic as a description of the Second, “The lamps are going out all over Europe. We will not seem them again in our time.” But we did, although barely.
  • Reviewed in the United States on August 25, 2014
    Another fascinating, historically accurate, beautiful tale from Alan Furst set in pre-World War II Europe. Just as enjoyable as all his previous books in this series, the excellent character development allows the reader to get very attached to the protagonist. While much of the book is very detailed and engrossing, the book ends very suddenly with minimal information given to the reader who is kind of left hanging --almost as if the writer grew tired of the book and just wanted to end it quickly! I would have given it a 5 star rating except for the sudden and vague conclusion leaving the reader wondering as to whatever really happened to the protagonist, his family, his friends and associates and their complicated political and military affiliations as the War was about to begin! This very well-written unique colorful storyline could have comfortably gone on another hundred pages-- but didn't!
    I still definitely recommend it for all Alan Furst fans who enjoy pre- WWII "noir" historical fiction--great read until the last few pages!
    2 people found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on September 1, 2014
    I was about the biggest Alan Furst fan on earth before anyone had really ever heard of him.

    "Night Soldiers" was far too sprawling and the threads connecting the setpieces rather strained at the "suspension of disbelief" bounds.

    Nevertheless, the NKVD training and Spanish Civil War sections were fantastic. I will even absolve him of the anachronism of a Stalin I tank being unloaded on the docks of Valencia or wherever roughly 6 years before said model had been first produced.

    "Dark Star" is the finest novel I have ever read in my life. It sticks with me 20 years later. Andre Szara is really the only fully-realised character Furst has ever written.

    The first Casson book (by this point the titles are starting to run together) was pretty good too. Felt like maybe 1/3 of a "Dark Star." Still solid/above average/good on my scale.

    At this point in time one pictures an editor or whatnot saying to Alan: "you know, I'm looking at your sales on Casson I and if you could just bottle and repeat this every two years you'll have a nice life for yourself."

    And thus has come everything after.

    Dark-haired (except the one bloke who was blonde), worldly fellow with interesting job. Gets enmeshed in some vaguely espionage-ish thing by a secret service. Goes on mission. Goes back to his life. Along the way meets the woman of near contemporaneous age and interestingness - WHO COULD BE THE ONE. This woman often has exactly the same look about her. Then there is another mission. Some tetchy moments along the way but it comes off. Then your protagonist and the woman run off together to live happily ever after feeding grapes to one another on a veranda or some such.

    There. In one paragraph. Every Furst book. And I'm halfway through this (has taken a day) and this one shapes up the same way as well.

    Well bugger me for being a sucker, but I will still buy and read them.

    But Alan. If you are reading this. You're not, but if you are. YOU ARE CAPABLE OF SO MUCH MORE. C'mon, mate! Getting late into the career now. You probably have all the money your grandchildren will ever need. How about a magnum opus? Go out leaving them wanting more! Throw down the mic, walk off stage, and off to feed grapes to your very own... whoever. I know you have it in you!
    7 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

  • Very satisfied
    5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent content - structure of the book easy to follow and comprehend.
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on September 13, 2024
    Clearly written
    Nice blend of historical events and fiction
    Subsdivisions of the book well sequenced
    Characters clearly delineated
  • June Malmer
    5.0 out of 5 stars all good
    Reviewed in Germany on June 16, 2023
    No need to pay EU TVA for ordered books
  • Jeff Wood
    5.0 out of 5 stars Superb, as usual
    Reviewed in Italy on July 10, 2016
    It remains truly remarkable how convincing are Mr Furst's evocations of Europe, and the times of which he writes.

    I admire too his ability to create entirely credible characters, major and minor, and thoroughly gripping plots.

    Once again I was grieved to finish a Furst novel. Fortunately I have more to read and re-read.
  • EsKay
    5.0 out of 5 stars Another masterpiece
    Reviewed in Canada on June 11, 2014
    I wait with great impatience for every book Alan Furst writes, then devour it and reconcile myself to a new wait. This is an excellent book, brilliantly written and carefully crafted. As with every one of his previous books it leaves me anxious for more! If you haven't read his books yet I urge you to do so, you're in for an amazing experience.
  • Richard Rice
    2.0 out of 5 stars Midnight in europe
    Reviewed in Spain on August 21, 2014
    One of the worse books that I have ever read. In my opinion it was poorly written and did not hold my attention