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There are currently 25 member reviews
for The Continental Affair
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Bonne O. (Hartwell, GA)
DESTINATION INSTANBUL
I was about halfway into this complicated story when I began agreeing with the prime character, Henri, that "none of it makes any sort of sense." Two totally different people attached by a single incident are traveling in parallel across Europe to Istanbul. Each in their own way is trying to resolve the events of their past. However, upon arriving in Istanbul the story explodes with excitement, clarity and conclusions. The final escapade involving the labyrinth of the Grand Bazaar is so richly described, I felt like I was there.
Where the story is ambiguous in the beginning, the travel locations, Paris and Belgrade fill in with appealing sights and cuisine. The use of French and Arabic is used frequently but sometimes there is no passable translation. Reading on a Kindle might be an advantage to attaining a translation. I believe this book will appeal to readers that enjoy international destinations that they would not likely be able to visit.
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Jackie H. (Naples, FL)
THE CONTINENTAL AFFAIR
I enjoyed reading THE CONTINENTAL AFFAIR. It is a fast read because the author keeps you engaged through the skillful use of the past and present and the development of the characters and their relationship.
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Cynthia V. (New York, NY)
Cinematic Story
I found this novel to be well-written, quite readable and interesting. The moving locations and descriptions of various European and Middle Eastern cities were certainly vividly rendered.The story of two lonely people who were running away from sorrow and regret and trying to find purpose in some kind of future was gripping. The effect is cinematic and engrossing. Although the writing is fluid, I felt the characters always remained at a distance and, as a result, I didn't feel invested in the story. I was entertained but will not likely think about it after finishing it.
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Susan H. (Lincoln, CA)
The Continental Affair
I read Tangerine, by the same author, a few years ago and thoroughly enjoyed it. However, I found The Continental Affair quite confusing. The story jumped back and forth for both of the main characters. The character development was good. They both appeared unhappy with some baggage. I had to go back and reread several times to remind me what was happening. I did enjoy the narrative about Paris. The description of food and drink was right on.
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John A. (Ashland, OR)
A Disappointing Ride
Henri, a former Algerian gendarme who is now working for relatives in southern Spain, tails Louise, who is running from her past in London and whoever expected the money that she accidentally came into possession of while visiting the Alhambra.
The story that includes a train ride across Europe had great potential, but the relationship between Henri and Louise developed at a glacial pace and fell short of expectations. There were interesting episodes interspersed amongst the overall slowly moving story, but this was not a book that one just couldn't put down. The train ride and the book were disappointing.
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Barbara B. (Evansville, IN)
Henri and Louise
We have Henri and we have Louise, two European adults who never knew one another until Louise mistakenly picked up a bunch of shady money intended for Henri. Why did neither character want to let go of the money? That's the theme and psychological backbone of this novel. The author writes a measured story about these two characters as Henri stalks Louise for a two-week period throughout European cities.
It disappoints me that I am giving this book a mediocre rating. It probably deserves more, but I became annoyed with Henri for not having the guts to get his money back. Also, I became weary with the same story, where Louise and Henri were so dissatisfied with their lives. Maybe a movie might make the slow stroll become a more suspenseful pace.
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Linda F. (Salisbury, PA)
Average at Best
While the premise of this book sparked my interest I found it to be an uphill slog for the most part. The writing at the very beginning and end was sharp and concise. The entire middle of the book was spent with the main characters excessively sharing their overwrought thought processes. It was tiring and repetitive. The main characters were not fully developed. I never felt invested in them. The female character was better developed than the male character. The author did a very good job of describing the various settings, the food, the notable sites, and the overall feel of the places she takes the reader. A few of the additions of other characters just seemed to be thrown into the plot and did not hold a lot of interest for me. The few surprises were expected. I could see that with some changes this book could become an entertaining movie though.
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