Gabriel Allon, Daniel Silva's protagonist in an interesting series about a Mossad spy who doubles as an art restorer, returns in a fascinating tale...
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Jul 06, 2011
Zohar - ManOfLaBook.com
rated it: 
“The Confessor” by Daniel Silva is the third installment in the fictional adventures of the reluctant Israeli agent Gabriel Allon.
Working as art restorer Mario Delvecchio, Allon is called one more time into service to investigate the mysterious murder of his friend Benjamin Stern. As the investigation progresses, Allon discovers that Stern has been working on a book, that once published would cause a scandal in the Vatican and do great harm to the Roman Cath More...
Working as art restorer Mario Delvecchio, Allon is called one more time into service to investigate the mysterious murder of his friend Benjamin Stern. As the investigation progresses, Allon discovers that Stern has been working on a book, that once published would cause a scandal in the Vatican and do great harm to the Roman Cath More...
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Jun 14, 2011
Manugw
rated it: 
STRONG PLOTTING, POOR BACKGROUND RESEARCH
By the way he writes, Mr Silva is following the footsteps of acclaimed international top notch thriller writers like (i.e) Federick Forsyth.
The Confessor exhibits a polished prose, good plotting, satisfactory outline of characters, and employment of resources to grab the reader attention
The core of this story is the willingness of the new elected Pope Paul the VII to release secluded key information and documents to prove the Chur More...
By the way he writes, Mr Silva is following the footsteps of acclaimed international top notch thriller writers like (i.e) Federick Forsyth.
The Confessor exhibits a polished prose, good plotting, satisfactory outline of characters, and employment of resources to grab the reader attention
The core of this story is the willingness of the new elected Pope Paul the VII to release secluded key information and documents to prove the Chur More...
Dec 31, 2009
The Confessor, by Daniel Silva, b-plus, narrated by John Lee, produced by Books on Tape, downloaded from audible.com.
This is the third in the Gabriel Allum series. In this one, he learns that he is to go to Munich because a Jewish historian, has been murdered. Again we have a thriller with Gabriel, now partnered with another beautiful woman, another Israeli spy, and the two of them are not only supposed to find out who killed the historian, but why. After Gabriel visits a journali More...
This is the third in the Gabriel Allum series. In this one, he learns that he is to go to Munich because a Jewish historian, has been murdered. Again we have a thriller with Gabriel, now partnered with another beautiful woman, another Israeli spy, and the two of them are not only supposed to find out who killed the historian, but why. After Gabriel visits a journali More...
Oct 08, 2009
JoAnn
rated it:
This Silva work makes Dan Brown look like child's play. There is intrigue, thriller type work, secrets and a link from the Israelies and the Vatican, of all places.
This is spy work at its finest. This was a find, quite by chance. However, I plan to read all the rest of the Dan Silva's now that I have a chance to see his high level of creative writing!
This is the story of Gabriel Allon who poses as an art restorer in Italy. Since he is so skilled, he gets to work on Bernin More...
This is spy work at its finest. This was a find, quite by chance. However, I plan to read all the rest of the Dan Silva's now that I have a chance to see his high level of creative writing!
This is the story of Gabriel Allon who poses as an art restorer in Italy. Since he is so skilled, he gets to work on Bernin More...
Oct 27, 2010
Ed
rated it:
Not the best work Silva has done but a compelling story, nevertheless.
Gabriel Allon, the masterpiece restorer and Israeli spy, attempts to track down the murderer of one of his best friends, Benjamin Stern. In the process he uncovers documents that implicate members of the Vatican in the WW II Holocaust. He also uncovers a contemporary plot to take over the Catholic Church by people dedicated to restoring it to its medieval glory. He is confronted by an old foe, Eric Lange, an ass More...
Gabriel Allon, the masterpiece restorer and Israeli spy, attempts to track down the murderer of one of his best friends, Benjamin Stern. In the process he uncovers documents that implicate members of the Vatican in the WW II Holocaust. He also uncovers a contemporary plot to take over the Catholic Church by people dedicated to restoring it to its medieval glory. He is confronted by an old foe, Eric Lange, an ass More...
Nov 23, 2008
Susan
rated it: 
The action is a bit harder to follow than in some of Silva's work and many of the characters are presented in such a superficial shadowy form that it's difficult to know, much less like or care about them.
But if you're looking for an excuse to paint Catholicism with a broad brush, this is a book that will help you do it. Silva, while doing a good job with minute details of his story that takes us from modern day Europe to Rome and Germany during the Nazi persecution in WWII, unfortun More...
But if you're looking for an excuse to paint Catholicism with a broad brush, this is a book that will help you do it. Silva, while doing a good job with minute details of his story that takes us from modern day Europe to Rome and Germany during the Nazi persecution in WWII, unfortun More...
Mar 14, 2010
Jools
rated it:
So viel Mühe ich mir auch gebe, ich kann was Daniel Silva angeht einfach nicht objektiv sein, oder was schlechtes über seine Bücher sagen, weil ich dafür viel zu sehr mit Gabriel Allon symphatisiere.
Diesmal muss Allon nach Rom. Im Vatikan hat sich eine Geheimloge gegen den Papst, der vor hat sich vor versammelter Öffentlichkeit, für das Stillschweigen der katholischen Kirche während des 2. Weltkrieges zu entschuldigen, verschworen, und der Mossad Agent muss natürlich dafür sorgen, dass de More...
Diesmal muss Allon nach Rom. Im Vatikan hat sich eine Geheimloge gegen den Papst, der vor hat sich vor versammelter Öffentlichkeit, für das Stillschweigen der katholischen Kirche während des 2. Weltkrieges zu entschuldigen, verschworen, und der Mossad Agent muss natürlich dafür sorgen, dass de More...
Mar 08, 2009
David
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Daniel Silva uses the center of power of the Roman Catholic Church, a newly chosen Pope and the powerful men of the Vatican, as key elements of the plot in this realistic thriller. As familiar protagonist Gabriel Allon is restoring a painting of the Virgin by Bellini, he is summoned by the enigmatic Israeli, Ari Shamron, to investigate the murder of Gabriel's writer friend Benjamin Stern who had been gathering information about the role of the Church during WWII and the effects on the Jewish peo
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Aug 26, 2011
Jacob
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Having read the first 3 books in Silva's Gabriel Allon series, I can see that the writer follows a very specific formula. It is a winning formula - all three have been great, intelligent reads - but a formula nevertheless. The conspiracy, the guy, the girl (toned down here thankfully), the evil assassin, the twist (unique in every one). Not complaining, I liked all three books and will finish the series at some point. But being such a huge fan of his "The Unlikely Spy" novel (seriousl
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Oct 22, 2011
Marcy
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I am really enjoying reading the Gabriel Allon books by Silva. The author obviously has traveled to all the places his spies visit as he captures the essence of each city perfectly. I like the author's use of politics, history, culture, and suspense in each of his books, and especially appreciate Silva's ability to paint a fair view of more than one political view, even when describing an enemy.
The added treat of Allon being an art conservator only adds to the charm of the books, but m More...
The added treat of Allon being an art conservator only adds to the charm of the books, but m More...
Mar 20, 2011
Martin
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You should be able to pick this thriller in almost any bargain bin, or super bookstore bargain shelf. Reads like a movie, and to tell the truth has a better secret religious organization (this one is fictitious as the author points out in his afterword) then The Da Vinci Code. The locations added much to the book, and the only flaw I saw was the too wishful thinking on part of This fictious Popes view towards Judaism. Still, that is a minor flaw at best and should in no way discourage anyone fro
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Oct 25, 2010
Paul
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Daniel Silva still writes a finely-paced thriller, but this one was simultaneously over-the-top and somewhat rote. The main plot thread and the coincidences needed to resolve it strain credulity, while the mechanics of getting from point A to point B - not to mention the villain - have all been done as well or better elsewhere, and sometimes by Silva himself.
Worth reading for fans of the Gabriel Allon series, but not a book that will be remembered in the same breath as the first two More...
Worth reading for fans of the Gabriel Allon series, but not a book that will be remembered in the same breath as the first two More...
Aug 03, 2011
Rdonn
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This was a whale of an adventure/spy story with many twists and turns. I was aware of the non-role Pope Pius played in the rescue of Jewish people in WWII, one of the themes. The "hero", Gabriel Allon, is an interesting character, who is perfectly capable of killing in cold blood. His antithesis, the Leopard is a paid assassin, but also with interesting twists in his background. Most sympathetic character is the new Pope, beset by murderous forces in the Vatican. It was a page tur
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Jul 13, 2011
Carol
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I continue to love the protagonist, Gabriel Allon, a Mossad agent. Allon searches for the killer of his friend, Benjamin and gets caught in Vatican intrigue which centers on the the public silence of Pope Pius XII in the face of annihilation of Europe's Jews and the sanctuary and aid given by other Catholic church officials to Eichmann and other prominent Nazi murderers.
The current Pope in this fictional story wants to address these issues, but a secret, powerful order within the Vatican f More...
The current Pope in this fictional story wants to address these issues, but a secret, powerful order within the Vatican f More...
Jan 02, 2012
Mike
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This was the third book I have read in the Gabriel Allon series and it was easily my favorite. The story was a page-turner and kept me wanting to find out what was coming next. This particular story involves the Catholic Church and its relationship with Germany during the Holocaust period in WWII. Rather than just portray the Church as full of bad guys, Silva did a good job of creating characters both good and bad throughout the novel.
I am now hooked on this series and look forwar More...
I am now hooked on this series and look forwar More...
Mar 23, 2011
Bob
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Gabriel Allon is in Venice Italy restoring an alter piece when he learns that his step brother has been murdered in Germany. He sets out to find out who and why and finds out that his step brother was writing a book about the Catholic Church and the Jews during WWII. In perusing his investigation he tangles with a secret society within the Curia of the Vatican that is intent on keeping the Church’s activities secret. Murders, chases and an attempt on the Pope’s live keep the reader awaiting wh
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Jul 29, 2011
Everyone is out to force the Catholic church to admit their role in the holocaust. The players are the people that surround the pope and on the opposing team Jews from across the world. John Paul II has passed on and been replaced by a priest of the people who wants to reveal the truth. The death of Bejamn Stern who is investigating the churches true role the ensuing investigation brings death and distruction to all concerned.. The end will not be as expected. Kind of predistable.
Sep 20, 2010
Amy
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Mar 20, 2011
Shelley
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This is the third in the Gabriel Allum series. In this one, he learns that he is to go to Munich because a Jewish historian, has been murdered. Again we have a thriller with Gabriel, now partnered with another beautiful woman, another Israeli spy, and the two of them are not only supposed to find out who killed the historian, but why. After Gabriel visits a journalist who was known to have visited with the historian, the journalist is also murdered. Each of these books seems to deal with betraya
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May 06, 2010
London
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This book provided a stroll down the dark corridors of Vatican history during the Second World War and after. It is difficult to tell where fact leaves off and fiction begins. The plot and the evidence is so plausible. You learn a lot of recent history, but is it truth or misinformation. To a conspiracy theorist, the entire book is believable, except for the ending. It is almost a fairy tale ending. and they all lived happily ever after, in a dog eat dog world.
Sep 05, 2011
Richard P.
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Yet another Silva book for me...Gabriel Allon is still at it...art restorer/assassin...this time involving the complicity of the Catholic Church and Pope Pius XII seemingly against the Jews during WWII. It's fiction with certain facts rearing their ugly heads throughout...it's surprising how one cheers for the assassin and there are numerous twists and unexpected turns until the final page and even then you're left wondering....
Jan 07, 2012
Michele
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absorbing, fascinating, intense...great plot, well drawn characters...and a searing indictment of the vatican's role in not only the holocaust but the escape of thousands of nazi war criminals responsible for one of the most heinous genocides in modern history from europe. I wonder how many roman catholics know of this? and why they have remained silent...does anti semitism still reigh in roman catholicism?
Dec 12, 2011
Virginia
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Once again Daniel Silva delivers. On this installment of the Gabriel Allon series Silva places Allon, an Israeli Mossad operative, against the powers that be in the Vatican. Secret socities, hired killers and the convoluted mysteries surrounding the Catholic church's position, and silently sanctioned killing of Jews during WW II, provide a plot no history buff or political thriller aficionado should bypass.
May 09, 2011
Sherry
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I love Daniel Silva's books. This one was no different. I haven't read 'The Rembrant Affair' yet but it's on my Nook to read soon. He has a new book coming out in July, 'Portrait of a Spy'. That will also be on my to read list.
The character of Gabriel Allon is very real to as are the other continuing characters. The stories have a possibility of happening, at least in my mind. I hope he continues to write many more books about Allon.
The character of Gabriel Allon is very real to as are the other continuing characters. The stories have a possibility of happening, at least in my mind. I hope he continues to write many more books about Allon.
Dec 31, 2009
Ryan
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Yawn. Very repetitive of the first two Gabriel Allon books. If the next one is not better, I may not finish the series. This one is about Vatican intrigue, the Catholic Church is a huge super secret organization and was complicit by silence in the Holocaust, especially Pope Pius XII. Perhaps my prejudice on behalf of the Church jades my view of the book. So, I’ll try the next one just to make sure.
Jun 14, 2009
Carol
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This was a great read! Gabriel Allon is a spy for the country of Israel. He also is an art restorer and is one of the best. In this novel, he is assigned to unravel the murder of a friend who was a former Israeli spy. The trail leads to the Vatican. This book could have been written by Dan Brown of the Da Vinci Code. The book starts out good and only builds with each chapter - a hard to put down sort of novel.
Aug 18, 2011
Laura
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Benjamin Stein is dead and Gabriel Allon art restorer and covert agent for Israel is called in to find the killer. What follows is a suspenseful cat and mouse thriller that at it's heart is the relationship between the Vatican and Nazi Germany. Allon uncovers a secret society in the Vatican called Crux Vera (fictitious) the keeper of the war secrets. With each of Silva's novels, while works of fiction, you always want to seek more historical perspective.
Dec 31, 2008
Mic
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Sometimes you should check the cover of the books you get out of the library. Ths one has a sticker that says: "As good as DAN BROWN or your money back."
Indeed, it's quite like Dan Brown, complete with ludicrous overwriting, the pointing out of the incredibly obvious, etc.
If you were dumb enough to like "The Da Vinci Code", no doubt you'll love this.
Indeed, it's quite like Dan Brown, complete with ludicrous overwriting, the pointing out of the incredibly obvious, etc.
If you were dumb enough to like "The Da Vinci Code", no doubt you'll love this.
Sep 26, 2011
Caroline
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As I have mentioned before, I am a fan of Daniel Silva and this one did not let me down. This is one of the Gabriel Allon series (#3). There is a familiar theme that runs through this series----there is always a famous piece of art involved, the usual spy intrigue, and some pretty good historical fiction. In this case the story takes place mostly in Rome and Venice and takes on the hiearchy of the Vatican especially its involvement in WWII. Pretty interesting and confirms why I am an ex-Catho
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Nov 25, 2011
Kristen
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One of my favourites in the Gabriel Allon series. The plot moves quickly and there's lots of great action, but Silva also does an excellent job of presenting a moral and historical issue to the reader. It's this focus on issues of historical or current political significance that makes me continue to read his books as soon as they're released.
