Under Occupation
Occupied Paris, 1942. Just before he dies, a man being chased by the Gestapo hands off a strange-looking document to the unsuspecting novelist Paul Ricard. It looks like a blueprint of a part for a military weapon, one that might have important information for the Allied forces. Ricard realizes he must try to get the diagram into the hands of members of the resistance network.
As Ricard finds himself drawn deeper and deeper into anti-Nazi efforts and increasingly dangerous espionage assignments, he travels to Germany and along the escape routes of underground resistance safe houses to spy on Nazi maneuvers. When he meets the mysterious and beautiful Leila, a professional spy, they begin to work together to get crucial information out of France and into the hands of the Allied forces in London.
Alan Furst
Alan Furst is a renowned American author celebrated for his contributions to the genre of historical espionage fiction, particularly during the 1990s and into the 21st century. His novels are predominantly set in Europe before and during World War II, creating a rich atmosphere that intertwines thrilling plots with historical detail. Furst's writing is characterized by a focus on complex characters, often depicting protagonists who are involved with communism or who navigate the intricacies of ideological struggles in a time of great political upheaval.
Born in 1941 in New York City, Furst’s background includes a solid education in English literature and a significant period living in France, which greatly influenced his literary style and thematic choices. His acclaimed series, beginning with *Night Soldiers* (1988), marked a shift in espionage fiction, emphasizing psychological depth and the moral dilemmas faced by individuals caught in the tumult of war.
Night Soldiers
Night Soldiers consists of fourteen books. The current recommended reading order for the series is provided below.
