What do readers think of The Continental Affair by Christine Mangan? Write your own review.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

As a language and literature teacher, this story, from the outset, was appealing, especially the travelogue component. Moving us from one European, Asian, African city to another, Ms. Mangan presented colorful sights, sounds and landmarks, including a few language expressions I will hold on to for my own travels.

The main characters, cold Louise and suspicious Henri, both escaping traumatic pasts, were not likable. moving from hotel to bus to train to ferry in predicable as the chased and the chaser. For me, the mystery component in this novel, although described in beautiful prose, came in like a whimper and went out the same way. The minor characters in this tale were not believable and seemed contrived. All parts of the plot throughout were predictable.

I enjoyed the literary technique Ms Mangan used to present her characters and their stories. Hopefully these two lonely and sad misfits find peace somewhere in the world. The reader could not help but root for them.

I plan to read Tangerine also by Ms. Mangon, hoping to experience another surprising and unique story.

This book held little appeal for me with the exception of the author's wonderful descriptions of the cities that were included in the storyline. The characters (especially Louise) were not
likable, the format confusing, and the ending predictable. I would not recommend this book
for book groups.

The Continental Affair written by Christine Mangan surprised me in several ways. I was extremely confused by the story’s timeline. For each forward chapter there was another that took the story backwards. For most of the book, I felt like I was missing something. I honestly suspected that Henri and Louise were reliving a past life. I guess I have a very good imagination and I engaged it to envision a completely different story. Due to this, I was a bit disappointed in the actual tale.

The author did write exquisitely about the many cities and countries that the characters visited. It was clearly well researched. I wanted more than a travel log.

Henri and Louise each held their own secrets many of which were predictable.

Overall, I enjoyed the book and would recommend it even though I think it could have been so much better.