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  • Night Soldiers

  • By: Alan Furst
  • Narrated by: George Guidall
  • Length: 18 hrs and 18 mins
  • 4.6 out of 5 stars (27 ratings)

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Night Soldiers cover art

Night Soldiers

By: Alan Furst
Narrated by: George Guidall
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$16.45/month after 30 days. Cancel anytime.

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Publisher's Summary

New York Times bestselling author Alan Furst is widely recognized as master of the historical spy novel. Furst’s works are vivid evocations of long-forgotten heroes and feature plots that unfold to the inexorable cadence of history. Night Soldiers is a simultaneously thrilling and illuminating tale of espionage set in 1934.

In Vidin, Bulgaria, where the flow of the river Danube has always brought thieves and conquerors, Khristo Stoianev witnesses his younger brother kicked to death by fascist militia. These are simple men of a backwater town, costumed in fresh uniforms emblazoned with a flaming cross insignia. But behind their barbaric actions stands the swastika.

From the terror-plagued Balkans, Khristo, a virgin in the ways of the outside world, is drawn east, toward Moscow and a new life as a Soviet spy.

©1988 Alan Furst (P)2004 Recorded Books

Critic Reviews

"Furst shows a remarkable talent in his fifth novel, integrating details about the cultures of Spain, France and Eastern Europe with a fascinating story." (Publishers Weekly)
"Night Soldiers has everything the best thrillers offer, excitement, intrigue, romance, plus grown-up writing, characters that matter, and a crisp, carefully researched portrait of the period in which our own postwar world was shaped." (USA Today)
"Intelligent, ambitious, absorbing....The history is deftly incorporated; the viewpoint civilized; the characters and the settings picturesque; the adventures exciting; the writing pungent." (The New York Times)

What listeners say about Night Soldiers

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

a fascinating journey

For me, the story at first was interesting but not particularly exciting. However the narrator does so well that I didn't at any time feel I wanted to quit. Then, as the plots develop, the book, provides all the excitement and humour I was hoping for. As well, the storyline is deliciously unpredictable.

I particularly enjoyed the historical background being set from the eastern European viewpoint.

When I reached the end, I wanted more! This for me is a sure sign that I enjoyed it. If you enjoy espionage themed novels, you most likely will also.

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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In a Class of its Own!

Would you consider the audio edition of Night Soldiers to be better than the print version?

This was my first encounter with Allan Furst's work, but I knew and trusted George Guidall to make the most of it. Was I in for a treat!

What did you like best about this story?

Furst's research is impeccable; not a false note or anachronism anywhere. Plotting is skillfull, surprising and totally involving.

What does George Guidall bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you had only read the book?

I did not read or listen to Night Soldiers - I lived it! I binge-listened, gripped both by great writing and Guidall's masterly acting, for that is what he does. Guidall brings the characters to life in all their variety; women, girls, youths and mature men all find a voice in his superb narration.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes! Yes! Yes!

Any additional comments?

If you are looking for a recreation of the thirties and the growing threat of Nazi tyranny, with men and women brave enough to melt your heart, then this is the book-and the series for you!

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Intricate

An excellent story of connect lives without direction from Eastern European states to through Russian Secret Services to the future

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Excellent

Loved it. Travelled all across Europe with Christo. From chilling USSR through all the phases of WW2. A pan-slavic hero, loyal to friendship and mindful of where his allegiance rests. Great snapshot of history immersed in action-filled spy story adventure.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Elegant and eloquent spy story

Such a lovely literary sensibility to the writing here. Furst shifts from poetic to brutal with grace. Excellent narration too, makes the whole thing. This is your thing if you dig the renko arkardy novels.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Great read

I found the early parts in the USSR a little slow, once we got to Spain the story livened up.

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