Welshrogue

A professional ghost writer is called in to replace another from his profession who had mysteriously died. The subject, the former Prime Minister of Britain, but with a tight deadline and accustations appearing in the papers, will the book ever be finished?

For a book that was published in 2007, the style is more from the 60′s than the 00′s. I don’t mean this in a derogatory way, rather the manner of the text puts me in mind of books published forty years ago. Its comfortable to read, and while it perhaps a style not seen often, is more than welcome. The plot is a nice and twisty one with the final twist becoming obvious to me about a page before the reveal. It’s characters are all interesting and believable without becoming over the top. The Ghost is a book that can be enjoyed at either an accelerated pace, as I did, or as a slow and lazy read although I defy anyone to keep a slow pace as the book winds its way toward its climax.

This is the third book from Robert Harris that I have read and the third that I have really enjoyed. I am sure to be re-reading this book in the future!

An expert on Russian History is attending a conference in Moscow when he hears rumors of a document linked to Stalin. As he delves deeper into the story, he is unprepared for the discovery that lies at the end of the trail.

Archangel is a very Russian tale, with the surroundings of the country merging with the attitudes of its people. It deals with the changes that Russia is facing as it becomes more open and public. It also gives the reader background on how it was a few years ago before the changes began.

The main character, Kelso, while not being particularly heroic or adventurous carries the story with ease as he struggles to discover whats going on. Other characters are varied from bland and forgettable to someone who reminded me of Renko from Gorky Park.

The tale tells of a brutal way of life in Russia, either in Moscow or in Archangel. After reading the book, you feel as if you have been there and understand the harshness of it all. A very enjoyable book!