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

Didn't quite gel

This book may be more like a summer read for the aficionado of Spy novels; I wouldn't know, because I rarely read them, mostly because I too often get lost in the intrigue. I tired reading "Tinker, Tailor..." and hated it; spent the entire read in a state of totally confusion. Even the movie confused me. So I tend to avoid spy novels.

That said, I kind of enjoyed this one...

I too was struck my the "Noir" style; and how very "Cary Grant" it was.

I thought there were some flaws in the logic at times. Seems to me that if you unplug phones that monitor conversations you are clearly alerting the monitors, and are begging for trouble.

On the whole I found the book enjoyable; I didn't have to work to keep up with the intrigue, or keep trying to sort out the characters and what they were about.

I enjoyed the feel of the place and the period. Yes, I agree, there were times when I thought it was a bit trite, and a cliched, but the cliches didn't dominate my experience.

Daniel Gerroll certainly brings it home; or to 1930's Paris. Strong, nuanced, quietly sophisticated and richly elegant in his interpretation with beautiful accents that sound native.

But, in the end, it didn't quite gel for me and I came away disappointed.

The Best Alan Furst novel

I read the reviews of this novel and wondered whether or not I would like it. What finally made me choose to buy it was the reference to Cary Grant. In my view this is better than a Cary Grant feature. I like Cary Grant yet this is better than any feature film of Cary Grant. I only wish he had been able to do this work on film. This is a feel good to be an American book and I love it! I think the best characteristics of being an American are noted here in this story. I enjoyed this book. It made me feel so grateful to be an American living in America!

A Good Read

This was the first book by Alan Furst that I have read and I will certainly read more. He has clearly well researched life in Paris in the late thirties and the atmosphere he creates is very authentic. The pace is leisurely in the beginning but the tension builds as the story progresses and the conclusion is unexpected but believable.

It had a lot of promise...

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

This book was big on atmosphere, short on story. It was fun to read, but the plot was almost nonexistent.

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

I was disappointed.

Which scene was your favorite?

I liked the scenes with the Nazis...super creepy.

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

No, too little plot

A Dream Historical Novel

I've only lately discovered Alan Furst and I'm kicking myself for coming so late to the party! This man can really write great historically based international novels. I've read two of his books now and this one just now finished was just wonderfully researched and written. It's like discovering a book version of the film Casablanca.......just a gem. As far as I can see Fursts books are based mostly on the years just prior to WWII in various countries in Europe. The characters are very real and authentic sounding, the narrtor performance is dazzlingly great with these European espionage and diplomacy novels. I happen to really love and resonate with history and these really fill my bill. Outstanding reads, all.

One of Furst’s Best

I love Daniel Gerroll’s performances. Very good story about another understated hero of Furst’s pre-war Europe.

Excellent

The characters are beautifully developed. The pre-WW2 era resonated with current political history.
I plan to look at the author's other novels.

Subtle, or Slow?

[Darwin8 pretty much nailed it with his review.]
The atmosphere and mood of 1930's Paris is expertly set up by Furst (almost noir-like, if noir were a decade earlier), making it a voyeuristic pleasure to follow Frederich as he winds through the streets of pre-war Paris, attending clandestine "meetings" and social events. Instead of rock-em-sock-em action, Furst relies almost solely on tension, cleverly tightening the plot, loosening up the facades, twisting the connections and motives. And while there wasn't much action, the over all tension was palpable, and the hook-ups between debonair Frederich and the femme-fatales were tres sexy.

A predictable basic plot and cast of cliched characters, adds to the slow overall feel, but the novel actually moves at a fairly good pace and contains some interesting history. Still, it felt lackluster and plodding at times, and lost my attention. The smooth easy-on-the-ears voice of Daniel Gerroll, his ability to create such mood, and perfectly interpret the characters, made the listen enjoyable enough to finish. One of those that you pick up in paperback, read, then stack horizontally on a lower library shelf.

Wasn't nearly as good as William Boyd's novels.

What did you like best about Mission to Paris? What did you like least?

I liked the subject matter, but I was hoping for something more dynamic, like Restless by William Boyd.

Would you recommend Mission to Paris to your friends? Why or why not?

Not really - story was just not that compelling.

What aspect of Daniel Gerroll’s performance would you have changed?

N/A

Do you think Mission to Paris needs a follow-up book? Why or why not?

no.

Any additional comments?

Even though I listened not long ago, the story has faded from my mind. Not a keeper.

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!