Title: Istanbul Passage
Author: Joseph Kanon
First published May 29, 2012
432 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9781439156438 (ISBN10: 1439156433)
Rating: 3.63
Overview
In the aftermath of World War II, Istanbul becomes a hub for refugees and spies from both sides of the conflict. American businessman Leon Bauer finds himself caught up in this murky world of espionage, doing odd jobs and courier runs for the Allied war effort.
But when he is given one final assignment, a routine job that quickly goes wrong, Bauer is plunged into a web of betrayal and moral ambiguity. Set against the backdrop of a city on the brink of change, Istanbul Passage is a gripping tale of compromise and survival in a world where nothing is as it seems.
Joseph Kanon, bestselling author of Stardust and The Good German, delivers a masterful work of historical fiction that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end.
Editoral Review
Istanbul Passage by Joseph Kanon is a gripping historical thriller that takes readers on a journey through post-WWII Turkey, weaving together suspense, espionage, and political intrigue. Kanon, known for his bestselling spy novels such as The Good German and Defectors, delivers yet another hard-hitting page-turner that will leave readers on the edge of their seats.
Set in Istanbul in 1945, Istanbul Passage follows American businessman and former intelligence officer Leon Bauer as he is enlisted by the US government to help smuggle a Romanian defector out of Turkey. As Bauer delves deeper into the mission, he soon realizes that he has unwittingly become involved in a web of secrets and lies that could threaten his own life, as well as the safety of those he cares about.
Kanon paints a vivid and complex picture of Turkey, a country in turmoil after the war, where various factions were vying for power and control. Against this backdrop, we follow the story of Bauer, a man who is haunted by his past and struggling to stay true to his own ideals amid the murky world of espionage.
Along the way, we are introduced to a cast of equally intriguing characters, including Bauer’s wife, Anna, who is battling her own demons, and a mysterious Italian woman with a hidden agenda. One of the strengths of Istanbul Passage is Kanon’s ability to seamlessly blend historical detail with a fast-paced plot that keeps readers hooked from start to finish.
As Bauer navigates the dangerous waters of Istanbul, facing both personal and political challenges along the way, we are given a glimpse into the world of post-WWII espionage and the complexities of international relations. Kanon also does an excellent job of balancing the action and suspense with nuanced character development.
Bauer is a compelling protagonist, flawed yet sympathetic, and we feel invested in his journey as he confronts his own past and grapples with the choices he must make in the present. The other characters are equally well-drawn and add depth and complexity to the story.
While Istanbul Passage is predominantly a thriller, Kanon also manages to touch on broader themes of morality, loyalty, and the search for identity. Bauer’s struggle to reconcile his own values with the demands of the mission he has been tasked with is a universal dilemma that will resonate with many readers.
If Istanbul Passage has any limitations, it is perhaps that the plot occasionally feels too convoluted, with too many twists and turns that can be hard to keep track of. However, this is a minor complaint that does not detract from the overall quality of the novel.
In conclusion, Istanbul Passage is a masterful work of historical fiction that will appeal to fans of espionage thrillers and anyone interested in the post-WWII era. Kanon’s writing is engaging and evocative, and his characters are multi-dimensional and relatable.
Overall, this is a book that will keep readers on the edge of their seats until the very end. The Washington Post gives it a rating of 4.5 out of 5, recommending it to anyone looking for a gripping and thought-provoking read.
