Mission to Paris

By: Alan Furst

Narrated by: Daniel Gerroll

Length: 9 hrs and 12 mins

Publisher's summary

From the New York Times best-selling author and the "modern-day master of the genre" (Newsday) comes a gripping novel of espionage and deception in 1938 pre-war Paris.

At the center of the intrigue is Hollywood star Frederic Stahl. September 1938. On the eve of the Munich Appeasement, Stahl arrives in Paris, on loan from Warner Brothers to star in a French film. He quickly becomes entangled in the shifting political currents of pre-war Paris - French fascists, German Nazis, and his Hollywood publicists all have their fates tied to him. But members of the clandestine spy world of Paris have a deeper interest in Stahl, sensing a potential asset in a handsome, internationally renowned actor.

Ranging from the high society of glittering Paris to film set locations in far-away Damascus and Budapest, Alan Furst's new novel confirms his status as a writer whose stories unfold "like a vivid dream" (The Wall Street Journal).

©2012 Alan Furst (P)2012 Simon & Schuster

Mission to Paris starts out strong and then fizzle

Would you say that listening to this book was time well-spent? Why or why not?

Mission to Paris takes place in pre-WWII Europe. The reader is treated to wonderful descriptions of Paris and Berlin as Europe is on the brink of war. The historical events of the day are accurate and in context.

The story itself starts strong but then seems rushed to conclude.

Would you be willing to try another book from Alan Furst? Why or why not?

Yes! It was a fun read throughout although the ending was silly.

What does Daniel Gerroll bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Yes!

Could you see Mission to Paris being made into a movie or a TV series? Who should the stars be?

Yes!

painted a real picture of Paris - pre occupation -

Would you listen to Mission to Paris again? Why?

Too many other good books right now to listen to

What did you like best about this story?

the moodiness, the depictions highlighting the truely despicable behaviour of the Nazis

An unexpected spy

Like most of furst"s novels, the story takes place in Europe on the eve of world war II. The protagonist, Frederick Stahl, is an American actor of Austrian descent who finds himself in France to shoot a film. There, he unwittingly becomes a target for the nazi propaganda machine. As a result, he is thrown into a situation that will change his destiny. It's a thrilling story masterfully written with interesting characters developed as only this author can do. Furst captures pre war Paris like a Doisneau photograph.
My only criticism is the sometime slimy detail Furst puts into some of the sex scenes. I could have done without references to "moist panties" in a scene where a character pleasures herself in a dark cinema.The narrator who acted in" chariots of fire" is perfect for the telling of this tale.
Finally, I think the book"s title is confusing as there is no mission "to" Paris involved. Yet the perilous situation thrust upon our main character makes for a very exciting read.

OK but not great

Would you try another book from Alan Furst and/or Daniel Gerroll?

Probably would.

What was your reaction to the ending? (No spoilers please!)

I was disappointed. It just ended and there was much missed opportunity for the author to add something more.

What about Daniel Gerroll’s performance did you like?

Nicely done and fitting for the material.

Was Mission to Paris worth the listening time?

Yeah, I guess so. Some interesting perspective on the political atmosphere of the era.

Trite storyline and mediocre performance

The main character is totally unbelievable. The storyline is trite. Don't waste your time. There are better books.

Great writing! Great narration!

Alan Fursts books are alwys fascinating accounts of pre-WWII and the narration of this one is perfect!

Very Slow

Would you say that listening to this book was time well-spent? Why or why not?

This book has very little story to it. In fact, it really does not get started until almost halfway through.

Would you ever listen to anything by Alan Furst again?

Maybe

You lost me in Hollywood

Would you try another book from Alan Furst and/or Daniel Gerroll?

I loved Alan Furst and bought this book only because it was new and had has name on it. I'm afraid I won't buy another book by Furst until it's been vetted by others.

What could Alan Furst have done to make this a more enjoyable book for you?

Furst wrote great novels about peasants and espionage. Now he likes to tell stories about snobs and espionage. I'm just not into that.

Who would you have cast as narrator instead of Daniel Gerroll?

Yes, George Guidall. But this book was so poorly written I'm not sure his masterful narration would have made a difference.

If you could play editor, what scene or scenes would you have cut from Mission to Paris?

I can't answer that question.

Any additional comments?

Nope, that says it all.