maggiemoore's review against another edition
3.0
3 stars is generous - and only because I liked a lot of the first 80% of the book. The ending, however, was a disaster. So many characters (referred to with so many versions of their name it was ridiculous), so many plotlines, and all wrapped up haphazardly in the last dozen or so pages. "Revelations" during the conclusion were so out of the blue it was nearly comedic. Decent read but expect to be let down at the finish.
diannel_04's review against another edition
3.0
I have only two small quibbles with the book. First, you can not just pull up Google Earth and expect to see real time images. Second, after everything said and done throughout the book the ending (okay, the last page) is completely unrealistic.
Other than that it was a quick read and an enjoyable story.
Other than that it was a quick read and an enjoyable story.
lizabethstucker's review against another edition
3.0
A thriller that jumps back and forth in time and place, set primarily in modern day Russia. It explores why Hitler failed to invade England, focusing instead on the Soviet Union.
Larissa Mendelova Klimt is a geohistorian. As someone with access to the Russian State Military Archives and its treasure trove of World War II Nazi material as well as the devices to watch and listen to recordings of the time, she is approached by a man with a bag full of wax cylinders. The group he represents believe by the recordings by Noel Coward could lead to a valuable book once possessed by Adolf Hitler. Lara is also "requested" to translate and interview the President of the United States on Russian TV.
This is the first time that I've seen Trump portrayed in fiction, but I doubt that it will be the last time. I don't believe his name is ever mentioned, at least I don't remember seeing it. Silver is definitely not a fan, but is accurate as far as I can see on his portrayal.
I love thrillers, especially Cold War ones, but with Putin in charge of Russia and trying to return to the Soviet days, it is just like the old days again. There is some fine writing here. Can I also say that it was rather refreshing to see a Russian point of view, a Russian hero? Hey, there are good guys and bad guys on both sides. A good read, if a little slow in spots. 3.5 out of 5.
Larissa Mendelova Klimt is a geohistorian. As someone with access to the Russian State Military Archives and its treasure trove of World War II Nazi material as well as the devices to watch and listen to recordings of the time, she is approached by a man with a bag full of wax cylinders. The group he represents believe by the recordings by Noel Coward could lead to a valuable book once possessed by Adolf Hitler. Lara is also "requested" to translate and interview the President of the United States on Russian TV.
This is the first time that I've seen Trump portrayed in fiction, but I doubt that it will be the last time. I don't believe his name is ever mentioned, at least I don't remember seeing it. Silver is definitely not a fan, but is accurate as far as I can see on his portrayal.
I love thrillers, especially Cold War ones, but with Putin in charge of Russia and trying to return to the Soviet days, it is just like the old days again. There is some fine writing here. Can I also say that it was rather refreshing to see a Russian point of view, a Russian hero? Hey, there are good guys and bad guys on both sides. A good read, if a little slow in spots. 3.5 out of 5.
juniveve's review against another edition
3.0
I want to thank Netgally and the publisher for the ability to preview this book. This book has a full gambit of history, politics, espionage, and subterfuge. The "players" go from Ian Fleming, Churchill, John Kennedy, Hitler and barely disguised Trump.. The professor Lara is roped into a scheme to discredit America and their involvement with the switch of Hitler 'letting up ' on England and focusing instead on Russia..
I will admit that the author really linked the past and present well and in a believable way. He had me until about midway through the book. I found myself re-reading because it just was not holding my interest the later half of the book was a struggle to get through. 3 stars but only because of the historical context.
I will admit that the author really linked the past and present well and in a believable way. He had me until about midway through the book. I found myself re-reading because it just was not holding my interest the later half of the book was a struggle to get through. 3 stars but only because of the historical context.
booknotes_athina's review against another edition
4.0
*Advance copy received from NetGalley*
I can say that I read this book in just one day. It is a very good and full of surprises thriller, that keeps you in suspense about the events. I liked a lot its theme and the plot in a degree that I didn't expect it. It combines successfully elements from a political thriller but also from historical fiction. The author combines very well all the events and stories of the book without leaving any gaps. It is well-written and it's a very good read.
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Μπορώ να πω ότι το καταβρόχθισα. Πρόκειται για ένα πολύ καλό και γεμάτο εκπλήξεις θρίλερ, που σε κρατάει σε αγωνία για τις εξελίξεις. Μου άρεσε τόσο πολύ το θέμα του και η πλοκή του που δεν το περίμενα. Συνδυάζει τόσο στοιχεία ενός πολιτικού θρίλερ αλλά και ενός ιστορικού μυθιστορήματος. Ο συγγραφέας συνδυάζει με πολύ καλό τρόπο τα διάφορα γεγονότα και ιστορίες του βιβλίου χωρίς να σου αφήνει κενά. Είναι καλογραμμένο και διαβάζεται πολύ ευχάριστα.
more on the blog: http://booknotesbyathina.blogspot.ro/2017/10/the-bookworm-by-mitch-silver-review.html
I can say that I read this book in just one day. It is a very good and full of surprises thriller, that keeps you in suspense about the events. I liked a lot its theme and the plot in a degree that I didn't expect it. It combines successfully elements from a political thriller but also from historical fiction. The author combines very well all the events and stories of the book without leaving any gaps. It is well-written and it's a very good read.
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Μπορώ να πω ότι το καταβρόχθισα. Πρόκειται για ένα πολύ καλό και γεμάτο εκπλήξεις θρίλερ, που σε κρατάει σε αγωνία για τις εξελίξεις. Μου άρεσε τόσο πολύ το θέμα του και η πλοκή του που δεν το περίμενα. Συνδυάζει τόσο στοιχεία ενός πολιτικού θρίλερ αλλά και ενός ιστορικού μυθιστορήματος. Ο συγγραφέας συνδυάζει με πολύ καλό τρόπο τα διάφορα γεγονότα και ιστορίες του βιβλίου χωρίς να σου αφήνει κενά. Είναι καλογραμμένο και διαβάζεται πολύ ευχάριστα.
more on the blog: http://booknotesbyathina.blogspot.ro/2017/10/the-bookworm-by-mitch-silver-review.html
carolsnotebook's review against another edition
3.0
The Bookworm by Mitch Silver is a gripping thriller and enjoyable for the most part. There’s so much going on though that it gets a bit overwhelming. Lara, the bookworm, is a Russian history professor who get caught in the middle of a couple of conspiracies.
First, we have the WW 2 hoax that manages to draw Hitler’s attention away from England toward Russia, stalling the invasion long enough that it never happens. Lara is given the Dictaphone cylinders to listen to by someone who is a little suspicious.
Then we have the Alaskan oil field that is merely a prop in a “deal” between the Russian and American presidents, with no actual drilling going on. Lev, Lara’s brother, discovers the charade, takes photos and barely escapes with his life.
Somehow this all ties together in a well-pace novel with chase scenes, chess games, and a couple of dead bodies. The problem for me though is that it could have been fabulous, but it didn’t quite make it. It ended up a little confusing and it was tough to see who was working with/for whom. It is fun, though, and I liked how the author weaved real historical events and people into his narrative.
First, we have the WW 2 hoax that manages to draw Hitler’s attention away from England toward Russia, stalling the invasion long enough that it never happens. Lara is given the Dictaphone cylinders to listen to by someone who is a little suspicious.
Then we have the Alaskan oil field that is merely a prop in a “deal” between the Russian and American presidents, with no actual drilling going on. Lev, Lara’s brother, discovers the charade, takes photos and barely escapes with his life.
Somehow this all ties together in a well-pace novel with chase scenes, chess games, and a couple of dead bodies. The problem for me though is that it could have been fabulous, but it didn’t quite make it. It ended up a little confusing and it was tough to see who was working with/for whom. It is fun, though, and I liked how the author weaved real historical events and people into his narrative.
bookwyrmbella's review against another edition
3.0
This ended up being more of a political thriller than a historical fiction as I was expecting. At first it seemed like it was going to be an intriguing story that involved a prophacy, a missing bible with a mix of time from WWII and present day. However, the main story ended up having more to do with current day politics and less about history. There was also a subplot that involved the current US president and oil procurement that seemed unnecessary to the main plot. I also don’t agree with the choice that Lara, the main character, makes at the end of the book. It seemed like she was working towards more personal growth than that to then take a step back at the end. I would not be likely to continue reading more books if this became a series. I would reccommend this for someone who enjoys reading political thrillers especially in regards to Russian politics and government.
* I received an eARC from Netgalley. All opinions are my own.
* I received an eARC from Netgalley. All opinions are my own.
elisabethmnc's review against another edition
Made it about 30 pages before giving up on the mediocre writing, male gaze, iffy history, and worst of all, Donald Trump sex scene. *vomits*