Dear Kurt, I, too, get terribly frustrated waiting for new books from favorite writers! Two books by Arturo Pérez-Reverte come to mind—both of which epitomize the elegant characters and rarified worlds in which Towles so often treads, and both circle the shockwaves of the mid-20th century. In What We Become, we follow a love affair between an Argentinian thief and a composer’s trophy wife through three time periods: 1928, as their passion ignites on a transatlantic pleasure cruise, 1937, as they reconnect against the backdrop of rising fascism, and finally, 1961, as they rekindle their romance in the face of new danger. The doomed couple at the heart of the tale is beset at every turn by forces beyond their control (or even comprehension), yet their love stands defiant against the dehumanization of their era, and their elegant dance of connection shows a kinship with all the best historical tales. Pérez-Reverte’s newest novel, The Final Problem, should also please fans of Towles—especially those looking to pick up a new mystery. In this ode to classic detective fiction and old Hollywood, a retired actor best known for playing a fictional sleuth has a chance to solve a crime in real life when the Greek island he’s escaped to becomes the site of a murder while a dangerous storm cuts off all connection to the mainland. Which of the isolated community’s reclusive denizens are responsible for the killing? Or has a stranger come to town? Every character in this Golden Age tribute is an utter delight, especially the absurdly charming protagonist and his delightful mannerisms. –Molly Odintz, CrimeReads Managing Editor |
