Review: A Wonderful World War II Thriller
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 09 12, 2013
I loved Damian Stevenson's first Ian Fleming novel and was delighted to discover that the second book, "The Ian Fleming Files: Operation Parsifal," is out. Based on my previous experience with Mr. Stevenson's work, I expected a tight plot, realistic descriptions, and language reminiscent of World War II era, yet engaging for today's readers. This book delivers all that, and more.This installment of the story starts in London near the end of World War II, in January 1945. One of the first powerful images that Mr. Stevenson creates is that of St. Paul's Cathedral, seen as a "symbol of hope for a nation near the end of its rope." This one phrase alone conveys so much: defiance, long-time suffering, and the expectation of a much-needed victory.Before Mr. Stevenson thrusts us into the action, he takes some time to create a well-drawn portrait of Ian Fleming as a private person at home, in an intimate setting with Ann. Fleming is going about his daily routine but lamenting "the half-forgotten paradise that was London before the war." That opening, a sort of calm before the storm that is about to erupt on the pages of this book, made me immediately engaged and involved with the main character.