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The Child Thief
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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
Format:Kindle Edition
Expectation fulfilled was the first phrase that sprung to mind when writing this review.This is the third novel by Dan Smith and a distinct shift into the historical thriller with all its potential pitfalls. The setting Ukraine is unusual in a period little written about in my experience and all the more intriguing for it.The necessary historical exposition is neither lengthy nor does it jar the reader out of the story, but gives sufficient meaning to the main characters actions and reactions to the growing horror both personal and political.
Whilst child abduction, murder and political torture maybe the story of this book the main theme is love of family both the need, loss and memory of it that motivates all the main characters. It may therefore be surprising and to my mind a reflection of the authors talent that a book with such a macabre, disturbing tale can leave the reader genuinely uplifted. That's quite a skill and one I thoroughly recommend you read to appreciate.
Whilst child abduction, murder and political torture maybe the story of this book the main theme is love of family both the need, loss and memory of it that motivates all the main characters. It may therefore be surprising and to my mind a reflection of the authors talent that a book with such a macabre, disturbing tale can leave the reader genuinely uplifted. That's quite a skill and one I thoroughly recommend you read to appreciate.
Format:Hardcover
This, Dan Smith's third novel, is a departure from him previous two books. Usually set in hot, jungle climes, 'The Child Thief' is a historical thriller set in the Ukraine in the middle of a punishing winter.
This novel follows Luca - a war veteran - who sets out to save his niece from whoever has stolen her from their small village. Combining his determination to return his niece to her home with his skills as a sharp shooter, Luca doesn't anticipate much of a battle. However, the child thief has other plans. Set to a backdrop of political suspicion and paranoia, 'The Child Thief' is a remarkable achievement: a cross between George Orwell and 'The Road'.
The description of the landscape is beautifully detailed without being unnecessary. Smith's exposition regarding the political situation is informative without being boring. This lesser-known historical conflict has some light shed on it whilst still maintaining the pace of the primary story.
Luca's story is a demonstration of how the political and the personal merge. He is determined to bring his niece back to the village but all the while he must remain aware of the possibility that, while he is away, his village may be overrun by Soviet troops, making it impossible for any of them to return home.
'The Child Thief' is a study of guilt, family, what it is to be a hero and the psychology - and after-effects - of war.
This novel is atmospheric and taut, many scenes had me holding my breath with nerves while willing the protagonist to stay alive. This is an absolutely thrilling, heart-stopping read.
This novel follows Luca - a war veteran - who sets out to save his niece from whoever has stolen her from their small village. Combining his determination to return his niece to her home with his skills as a sharp shooter, Luca doesn't anticipate much of a battle. However, the child thief has other plans. Set to a backdrop of political suspicion and paranoia, 'The Child Thief' is a remarkable achievement: a cross between George Orwell and 'The Road'.
The description of the landscape is beautifully detailed without being unnecessary. Smith's exposition regarding the political situation is informative without being boring. This lesser-known historical conflict has some light shed on it whilst still maintaining the pace of the primary story.
Luca's story is a demonstration of how the political and the personal merge. He is determined to bring his niece back to the village but all the while he must remain aware of the possibility that, while he is away, his village may be overrun by Soviet troops, making it impossible for any of them to return home.
'The Child Thief' is a study of guilt, family, what it is to be a hero and the psychology - and after-effects - of war.
This novel is atmospheric and taut, many scenes had me holding my breath with nerves while willing the protagonist to stay alive. This is an absolutely thrilling, heart-stopping read.
Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase
This is the third novel by Dan Smith and certainly the most atmospheric. All of Smith's novels have great character development and narrative. This one is no exception, with the bonus of a particularly atmospheric historical setting in Ukraine in the depths of winter. The protagonist is a strong, principled but flawed man (echoing some of main characters in Smith's earlier stories), toughened by years of hard experience whilst serving in various armies during the tumultous history of early 20th century Ukraine. This experience, however, equips him perfectly for what he has to do -- to deliver his promise of finding and rescuing his abducted niece. The Child Thief is often a touching story with family relationships and values at heart. It asks the question of what is right and wrong, and delves into the frightening realities of human behaviour in brutalising circumstances, be it lynch mob psychology or individuals damaged by the horrors of war. It is a story that unmasks life in all it shades of grey, in contrast to the black and white monochrome setting of snow and bare trees. Sometimes good men do bad things -- and sometimes bad men can do good things.
The last part of the book is a wonderful twist which I had completely failed to expect, which demonstrates how well-crafted the story is. This is the sort of accomplished novel that not only deserves rights deals around the world, but in my opinion needs to be picked up for film rights, and soon!
The last part of the book is a wonderful twist which I had completely failed to expect, which demonstrates how well-crafted the story is. This is the sort of accomplished novel that not only deserves rights deals around the world, but in my opinion needs to be picked up for film rights, and soon!
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