In 'The Other Side of Silence,' Philip Kerr weaves a tantalizing tale that merges crime, politics, and the haunting echoes of history. Set in post-World War II Europe, the story follows the enigmatic Bernie Gunther, who is drawn into a web of danger after a mysterious figure from the past resurfaces. As Gunther navigates through a landscape riddled with secrets and betrayal, he confronts his own demons and the ghosts of a war that refuse to die. With a masterful blend of suspense and moral ambiguity, Kerr explores themes of guilt and redemption. Can one truly escape the shadows of their past, or are they destined to haunt us forever?
By Philip Kerr
Published: 2017
""In a world of shadows and echoes, the truth is often the hardest thing to hear.""
When Bernie Gunther takes on a blackmail case and gets involved in the affairs of British spies, the former detective risks exposing his own dark past in this thrilling novel hailed by The New York Times Book Review as “one of Kerr’s best.” Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, 1956. Having gone into hiding in the French Riviera, Bernie Gunther is working as a concierge at the Grand-Hôtel under a false name. His days and nights consist of maneuvering drunks to their rooms, shooing away prostitutes in search of trade, and answering the mindless questions posed by the absurdly rich guests—needless to say, he’s miserable. Now, the man who was once a homicide detective and unwilling SS officer in Hitler’s Third Reich is simply the person you turn to for touring tips or if you need a bridge partner. As it just so happens, a rich and famous writer needs someone to fill the fourth seat in a regular game at the Villa Mauresque. But Somerset Maugham wants Bernie to help him get out of a game far more dangerous than bridge. Maugham is being blackmailed—perhaps because of his unorthodox lifestyle, or perhaps because, once upon a time, Maugham worked for the British Secret Service...
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“"In a world of shadows and echoes, the truth is often the hardest thing to hear."”
The Other Side of Silence
By Philip Kerr
Discover a world of knowledge through our extensive collection of book summaries.
Philip Kerr was a renowned British author, best known for his gripping and atmospheric historical crime novels, particularly the Bernie Gunther series, which includes titles like 'March Violets,' 'The Pale Criminal,' and 'A Quiet Flame.' His work often explores themes of morality and the human condition against the backdrop of Nazi Germany and post-war Europe. Kerr's writing style is characterized by its sharp dialogue, intricate plots, and deep psychological insight, drawing readers into the complexities of his characters' lives and the historical contexts they navigate.
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