A review by keepingyouonread
Eli's Promise by Ronald H. Balson
3.0
Eli’s Promise is a triple timeline book following Eli Rosen and a fixer, Maximilian. In Nazi occupied Poland, Eli is forced to work with Maximilian for his family’s protection. Later at a resettlement camp, Eli learns that Maximilian is selling US Visas. In 1960s America, Eli is tracking a sleazy political operative.
What worked for me: The beginning chapters as the Nazi’s takeover Poland are heartbreaking. Eli’s wife wants to flee but Eli thinks it’s better to stay and lie low. I’ve read a lot of WW2 historical fiction, so I know how quickly things disintegrated in invaded countries but it’s hard to read every time. Max is the perfect slimy villain, taking advantage of people in their time of need.
What didn’t work for me: I usually find with multiple POV or timeline books, I prefer one story over the other and this was true for this book, the 1940s was vastly more interesting and heartbreaking than the 1960 storyline. Because of the break in timeline, I also don’t know how Eli got to the US or started working for the government. I’m also confused as to what crimes the congressman and friends were doing - I think skimming money from war contracts but I’m not 100%. I also wanted to know more about how Max kept landing on his feet.
Who should read it: fans of Balson’s past novels and historical fiction fans who want more suspense than romance.
What worked for me: The beginning chapters as the Nazi’s takeover Poland are heartbreaking. Eli’s wife wants to flee but Eli thinks it’s better to stay and lie low. I’ve read a lot of WW2 historical fiction, so I know how quickly things disintegrated in invaded countries but it’s hard to read every time. Max is the perfect slimy villain, taking advantage of people in their time of need.
What didn’t work for me: I usually find with multiple POV or timeline books, I prefer one story over the other and this was true for this book, the 1940s was vastly more interesting and heartbreaking than the 1960 storyline. Because of the break in timeline, I also don’t know how Eli got to the US or started working for the government. I’m also confused as to what crimes the congressman and friends were doing - I think skimming money from war contracts but I’m not 100%. I also wanted to know more about how Max kept landing on his feet.
Who should read it: fans of Balson’s past novels and historical fiction fans who want more suspense than romance.