Thomas F. (hardtack) - , reviewed on 6/27/2021 + 2701 more book reviews

While I am a fan of Furst, I don't like some of his novels. The ones which feature communist protagonists are often depressing, in that you can't trust anyone or anything and you wonder if that person's life is worth living.

However, I enjoyed this one, which, unlike many of his others, ended rather abruptly. In fact, I was surprised when I finished reading one of the final chapters and turned the page expecting to find another, but it wasn't there.

And it helps if you already know what happened in the Katyn Forest.

The Polish role throughout World War II is really one of the greatest, and heart-breaking, stories of that period. For example, while many know the Allies' use of the Enigma code shortened the war by many years, few know it was the Poles who reversed-engineered the Enigma machine in 1932. Upon the fall of Poland in 1939, they flew the machine and associated experts to France, who later made it to England when France fell.

I also suggest you read "A Question of Honor" by Lynne Olson and Stanley Cloud. Afterwards, you may have a different view of American and British political leaders of that time.

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