I was excited from the first time I head the plans to make a standalone Felix Leiter story. With all the trepidations and pre-judgements that came with the announcement, only one thought, and one thought only, was on my mind – about damn time!

This is a two part story, the first one, as the name of the book suggests, is the story of the Nazis trying to control people’s beliefs via literature, punishment and spectacles of burning books symbolizing “wrong” ideology. The second part is the painstaking cataloging of millions of books, returning what can be returned (through notes, plates and other identifying marks).

The narrative is very absorbing and powerful, I was especially fascinated to read how decisions in the upper echelons of government impact the little person on the street who just wants a good job and a warm meal.

A very ambitious and well researched novel which tries to understand how good people simply roll over and help commit atrocities

The authors go to great length not only to tell a story, but give the reader the historical context in which the events were happening, as well as the social and political climates.

About: From Russia With Love by Ian Fleming is the 5th novel in the series featuring English spy James Bond, 007. The book was published in 1957 and is considered one of the quintessential Cold War novels.   253 pages Publisher: Fine Communications (July 1997) Language: English ISBN-10: 1567310532   My rat­ing for From Russia […]

This novel is an exciting, fast paced page turner with many themes

The author managed to combine comedy, drama, romance, mystery, religion (Judaism) and a healthy dose of NYC culture in the narrative, yet somehow stay focused on a loose p

The reader can feel the exhaustion of bot the American soldiers and German civilians. The fanaticism of the Nazi gangsters is seen through one officer who refuses to admit defeat even though it is obvious to his subscripted, enslaved soldiers that it is indeed the case.

The novel read as if the author had access to old KGB files (maybe he did) deciphering the bureaucratic code used to hide atrocities and turn it into an amazing, gripping tale. Another outstanding work from an outstanding scholar which is well worth reading.