Heart-breaking, chilling and utterly engrossing

This is the fifth Steinhauer novel I've read (so far) and his best to date. Though if you're seeking light fare or a pleasant tale with a storybook ending, you might wait until you're ready for this novel. I'm continuously drawn to novels of this era if they're well written, and particularly with this book, Steinhauer is a masterful storyteller, drawing rich characters. I caught myself scowling many times as I went through the main character's trials- getting totally caught up in the story. It's a rare novelist- and a rare novel- that can get me so engrossed.

I only wish that stories of this era, and the madness they stemmed from and the madness they inflicted, with the worst failings of humankind on display, were a thing of the past. But as long as power can intoxicate its wielders, it always has the potential to perverse and subjugate. Or maybe I'm just writing this too soon after the reading and it's all too fresh in my mind.

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5 people found this helpful

Intriguing

this book 2 in series from author and i enjoyed listening to it and will listen to the rest of series

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very good very different

I think it is way past time for us to get some good writing out of the Eastern Block. They certainly have the sorrowful background for some soulful mysteries. This is a good start.

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8 people found this helpful

A great mystery book that keeps waiting for the next chapter

Truly enjoyed this book and loved his humor that made me laugh but sadden that he had committed murder.

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my 3rd Steinhauer

This is my 3rd listen to Steinhauer and I have to say I've enjoyed them all. He weaves a good story giving what seems to be a god depiction of life in the eastern bloc under communism. That life must have realy sucked for lots of people.

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2 people found this helpful

interesting - but rather unlikable main character

I really enjoyed Olen Steinhauer's The Tourist. In contrast, The Confession is engaging but the central character is not particularly likable although the eastern bloc background is interesting - in particular the role of the US ultimately deserting the cause of the resistance in Hungary. Pretty grim reading.

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1 person found this helpful

What struck me most was the acceptance of the grim political dishonesty of the regime by the people. Hope no longer existed.

The inhuman cruelty systematically orchestrated by the regime and gleefully implemented by its servants was shocking.

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The behind the scenes view of communist life style was my attraction

I agree with the previous review…kinky sex spoiled it. I know this author has some good story lines then seems to get lost.

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very disappointing

Would you try another book from Olen Steinhauer and/or Robertson Dean?

no

Would you ever listen to anything by Olen Steinhauer again?

no

Any additional comments?

I found the book to be cliche-ridden and the historical setting superficial---in spite of the fuss there was no organic relationship between these characters and the
Hungarian uprising. They spoke and acted as if they had come straight from an American cop show. The whole thing was formulaic and fairly low brow. I wish I could get my credit back.

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1 person found this helpful

Kinky sex spoiled it!!!

Couldn't finish listening to all the masochistic scenes with weak characters stumbling in and out!

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