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The Basque Dilemma
Did all members of the Basque separatist group ETA agree with the group's ceasefire declaration?
Highly Recommended on Smithsonian Journeys Reading List for France and Spain's Basque Region.
Europe’s longest war came to an end on October 21, 2011. On this date, the Basque separatist group Euskadi Ta Askatasuna (ETA) declared a ceasefire, ending a five-decade long campaign for an independent Basque Country in northwest Spain and southwest France. But is ETA really gone? Various factions refused to surrender their arms and openly disagreed with ETA leadership. What if some individuals decide not enough progress has occurred for the Basque people since the ceasefire? The Basque Dilemma considers this explosive possibility in a present-day investigation throughout Europe. The story has historical ties to the 1980s when the traditional ETA refuge in the northern Basque Country was infused with the activities of the French Basque separatist group, Iparretarrak (IK), and the paramilitary group, Los Grupos Antiterroristas de Liberación (GAL), including the group’s infamous assassin, the Lady in Black.
"Well-written, intriguing portrait of the Basque region." "Insightful and exciting!" "A must read."
"Unique topic, well-written, a definite page turner!" "Historical fiction based on the Basque conflict."
Highly Recommended on Smithsonian Journeys Reading List for France and Spain's Basque Region.
Europe’s longest war came to an end on October 21, 2011. On this date, the Basque separatist group Euskadi Ta Askatasuna (ETA) declared a ceasefire, ending a five-decade long campaign for an independent Basque Country in northwest Spain and southwest France. But is ETA really gone? Various factions refused to surrender their arms and openly disagreed with ETA leadership. What if some individuals decide not enough progress has occurred for the Basque people since the ceasefire? The Basque Dilemma considers this explosive possibility in a present-day investigation throughout Europe. The story has historical ties to the 1980s when the traditional ETA refuge in the northern Basque Country was infused with the activities of the French Basque separatist group, Iparretarrak (IK), and the paramilitary group, Los Grupos Antiterroristas de Liberación (GAL), including the group’s infamous assassin, the Lady in Black.
"Well-written, intriguing portrait of the Basque region." "Insightful and exciting!" "A must read."
"Unique topic, well-written, a definite page turner!" "Historical fiction based on the Basque conflict."
- GenresSpain
358 pages, Paperback
Published November 8, 2017
About the author
M. Bryce Ternet
6 books27 followersI was born in the American Midwest. While I appreciate the stable middle-America upbringing, I couldn’t wait to get out into the world. I finished high school a year early and spent my senior year as an exchange student in the French Basque Country, finding myself, learning French, and becoming entranced with Basque culture. I followed this act with college in Montana, a little more time in France (Paris mostly), then moved to Washington, DC and spent five years getting burnt-out in a high-profile federal government position which had me traveling throughout West Africa while I tacked on more trips to Europe.
Graduate school on California’s Monterey Peninsula was escape from the East Coast. Grad school turned into ten years in California, with a two-year Seattle area experiment, and meeting a future wife while hiking in Big Sur. More trips to Europe and expansion into Southeast Asia. Experiencing Idaho’s Sun Valley was next, filled with outdoor activities and searching for historical Basque sheepherder carvings in aspen trees. Now in Northern New Mexico, I spent most of my free time exploring the wild canyons and mountains of this place and searching for petroglyphs and historical ruins.
I started writing in my twenties after wanting to my entire life and find a way to continue in between family, career, and getting into the outdoors. I’ve have ten published books: A Basque Story, Diplomatic Weekends in Africa, Strohm Alley, The Yellow House on Maloney Grove, The American Middle Class Revolution, Rock Creek, The Stevenson Plan, A Novel of the Monterey Peninsula, The Basque Dilemma, The Cibola Treasure Hunt, and Sun Valley Serenade.
While at home in the historical-themed fiction and mystery/thriller genre (A Basque Story, The Stevenson Plan, The Basque Dilemma, Sun Valley Serenade), other interests include paranormal (The Yellow House on Maloney Grove, Rock Creek), coming-of-age psychological (Strohm Alley), examining contemporary society (The American Middle Class Revolution), a travelogue for former diplomatic experiences (Diplomatic Weekends in Africa), food & wine (numerous articles), and a treasure hunt novel set in the American Southwest, (The Cibola Treasure Hunt).
Whether the Basque Country, the Monterey Peninsula, Washington state, Montana, Sun Valley, the Southwest, the Midwest, West Africa, or some other European destination, I treat locations as character themselves.
I’m inspired by authors such as Ernest Hemingway, Robert Laxalt, Daniel Quinn, Stephen King, Peter Mayle, Paul Theroux, and Arturo Perez-Reverte.
The Basque Dilemma, was recently included on a list produced by Smithsonian Journeys on a reading list for France and Spain’s Basque Region, directly underneath The Basque History of the World by Mark Kurlansky.: https://www.smithsonianjourneys.org/t...
My newest release is a horror novel with Basque American elements set in Nevada's mysterious Jarbidge Mountains.
See https://www.facebook.com/mbryceternet/ for more.
Graduate school on California’s Monterey Peninsula was escape from the East Coast. Grad school turned into ten years in California, with a two-year Seattle area experiment, and meeting a future wife while hiking in Big Sur. More trips to Europe and expansion into Southeast Asia. Experiencing Idaho’s Sun Valley was next, filled with outdoor activities and searching for historical Basque sheepherder carvings in aspen trees. Now in Northern New Mexico, I spent most of my free time exploring the wild canyons and mountains of this place and searching for petroglyphs and historical ruins.
I started writing in my twenties after wanting to my entire life and find a way to continue in between family, career, and getting into the outdoors. I’ve have ten published books: A Basque Story, Diplomatic Weekends in Africa, Strohm Alley, The Yellow House on Maloney Grove, The American Middle Class Revolution, Rock Creek, The Stevenson Plan, A Novel of the Monterey Peninsula, The Basque Dilemma, The Cibola Treasure Hunt, and Sun Valley Serenade.
While at home in the historical-themed fiction and mystery/thriller genre (A Basque Story, The Stevenson Plan, The Basque Dilemma, Sun Valley Serenade), other interests include paranormal (The Yellow House on Maloney Grove, Rock Creek), coming-of-age psychological (Strohm Alley), examining contemporary society (The American Middle Class Revolution), a travelogue for former diplomatic experiences (Diplomatic Weekends in Africa), food & wine (numerous articles), and a treasure hunt novel set in the American Southwest, (The Cibola Treasure Hunt).
Whether the Basque Country, the Monterey Peninsula, Washington state, Montana, Sun Valley, the Southwest, the Midwest, West Africa, or some other European destination, I treat locations as character themselves.
I’m inspired by authors such as Ernest Hemingway, Robert Laxalt, Daniel Quinn, Stephen King, Peter Mayle, Paul Theroux, and Arturo Perez-Reverte.
The Basque Dilemma, was recently included on a list produced by Smithsonian Journeys on a reading list for France and Spain’s Basque Region, directly underneath The Basque History of the World by Mark Kurlansky.: https://www.smithsonianjourneys.org/t...
My newest release is a horror novel with Basque American elements set in Nevada's mysterious Jarbidge Mountains.
See https://www.facebook.com/mbryceternet/ for more.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
November 7, 2022
Something of a 70's style novel, as the terrorists seem more based on Carlos the Jackal than Osama Bin Laden.
Told in a matter of fact style that may not be for everyone.
Told in a matter of fact style that may not be for everyone.
December 2, 2018
‘If you wanted to capture the world’s attention, random people needed to die. Simple as that.’
Indiana-born Idaho author M. Bryce Ternet has experienced many climes, having lived in Montana, Paris, the French Basque Country, Burgundy, Chicago, Washington state, Washington DC, and on California's Monterey Peninsula: food for many stories. His degrees are in Political Science and French and a Master's degree in International Environmental Policy. Bryce’s genres reflect his global exposure – he writes historical fiction, thrillers, paranormal stories, psychological themes, and reflections on contemporary society, travelogues as well as articles on food and wine!
In THE BASQUE DILEMMA his focus is both history and fiction as novel approach. Bryce’s background serves him well for this ‘assignment’, both because of his political science training and the fact that he lived in the Basque Country. For those unfamiliar with his subject matter, the synopsis clarifies: ‘Europe’s longest war came to an end on October 21, 2011. On this date, the Basque separatist group Euskadi Ta Askatasuna (ETA) declared a ceasefire, ending a five-decade long campaign for an independent Basque Country in northwest Spain and southwest France. But is ETA really gone? Various factions refused to surrender their arms and openly disagreed with ETA leadership. What if some individuals decide not enough progress has occurred for the Basque people since the ceasefire? The Basque Dilemma considers this explosive possibility in a present-day investigation throughout Europe. The story has historical ties to the 1980s when the traditional ETA refuge in the northern Basque Country was infused with the activities of the French Basque separatist group, Iparretarrak (IK), and the paramilitary group, Los Grupos Antiterroristas de Liberación (GAL), including the group’s infamous assassin, the Lady in Black. ‘
With such fine credentials and sensitivity it is a pleasure to discover that Bryce couples his experiences with a keen talent for writing. He opens this compelling book with the following – ‘SUSPECTED TERRORIST ATTACK AT MONTPARNASSE TOWER - PARIS, FRANCE: An explosion occurred at 4:00 PM GMT at the Montparnasse Tower. The blast struck the Tower’s 59th floor roof viewing platform; a popular place for tourists to take in views of the surrounding city. Over thirty people have been declared deceased. More are reported to be injured. Among known killed and maimed are individuals from France, England, Spain, Germany, Russia, India, China, and the United States. Unconfirmed sources claim numerous bombs were detonated on the viewing platform. The Tower has been evacuated while French security forces search the building for additional explosives. A French official, speaking on the condition of anonymity, stated the French Government is treating the incident as a terrorist attack. No group has yet claimed responsibility. However, preliminary assumptions are that the Islamic State, also known as ISIS, orchestrated the attack, based on similar recent events in Western Europe. Roadblocks have been established throughout Paris as authorities search for suspects. France’s security level has been raised to high alert. The French President has called the attack an act of cowardly barbarism and declared a national emergency. French officials are reportedly urging the President to temporary close the country’s borders. Top ranking officials throughout Europe have condemned the attack. The U.S. President has expressed condolences to Parisians, the French people, and the friends and family of those killed or injured.’
In bringing the ongoing controversy into the present Bryce creates credible figures and an ‘at scene’ journalistic approach while never forgetting that this is a novel. Violent, raw and at all times riveting, it is evident we are in the presence of an important American writer who manages to lock us into his fine story and while being placed in the suspense mode, allows us to appreciate quality prose. Highly Recommended.
Indiana-born Idaho author M. Bryce Ternet has experienced many climes, having lived in Montana, Paris, the French Basque Country, Burgundy, Chicago, Washington state, Washington DC, and on California's Monterey Peninsula: food for many stories. His degrees are in Political Science and French and a Master's degree in International Environmental Policy. Bryce’s genres reflect his global exposure – he writes historical fiction, thrillers, paranormal stories, psychological themes, and reflections on contemporary society, travelogues as well as articles on food and wine!
In THE BASQUE DILEMMA his focus is both history and fiction as novel approach. Bryce’s background serves him well for this ‘assignment’, both because of his political science training and the fact that he lived in the Basque Country. For those unfamiliar with his subject matter, the synopsis clarifies: ‘Europe’s longest war came to an end on October 21, 2011. On this date, the Basque separatist group Euskadi Ta Askatasuna (ETA) declared a ceasefire, ending a five-decade long campaign for an independent Basque Country in northwest Spain and southwest France. But is ETA really gone? Various factions refused to surrender their arms and openly disagreed with ETA leadership. What if some individuals decide not enough progress has occurred for the Basque people since the ceasefire? The Basque Dilemma considers this explosive possibility in a present-day investigation throughout Europe. The story has historical ties to the 1980s when the traditional ETA refuge in the northern Basque Country was infused with the activities of the French Basque separatist group, Iparretarrak (IK), and the paramilitary group, Los Grupos Antiterroristas de Liberación (GAL), including the group’s infamous assassin, the Lady in Black. ‘
With such fine credentials and sensitivity it is a pleasure to discover that Bryce couples his experiences with a keen talent for writing. He opens this compelling book with the following – ‘SUSPECTED TERRORIST ATTACK AT MONTPARNASSE TOWER - PARIS, FRANCE: An explosion occurred at 4:00 PM GMT at the Montparnasse Tower. The blast struck the Tower’s 59th floor roof viewing platform; a popular place for tourists to take in views of the surrounding city. Over thirty people have been declared deceased. More are reported to be injured. Among known killed and maimed are individuals from France, England, Spain, Germany, Russia, India, China, and the United States. Unconfirmed sources claim numerous bombs were detonated on the viewing platform. The Tower has been evacuated while French security forces search the building for additional explosives. A French official, speaking on the condition of anonymity, stated the French Government is treating the incident as a terrorist attack. No group has yet claimed responsibility. However, preliminary assumptions are that the Islamic State, also known as ISIS, orchestrated the attack, based on similar recent events in Western Europe. Roadblocks have been established throughout Paris as authorities search for suspects. France’s security level has been raised to high alert. The French President has called the attack an act of cowardly barbarism and declared a national emergency. French officials are reportedly urging the President to temporary close the country’s borders. Top ranking officials throughout Europe have condemned the attack. The U.S. President has expressed condolences to Parisians, the French people, and the friends and family of those killed or injured.’
In bringing the ongoing controversy into the present Bryce creates credible figures and an ‘at scene’ journalistic approach while never forgetting that this is a novel. Violent, raw and at all times riveting, it is evident we are in the presence of an important American writer who manages to lock us into his fine story and while being placed in the suspense mode, allows us to appreciate quality prose. Highly Recommended.
July 15, 2021
I rarely come across books that make my brain go spinning and The Basque Dilemma clearly falls into that category. Firstly, I want to say that I LOVED THE BOOK. 📚
📚This books really helps me to learn n know more n more about Basque history , I had personally learn and grow so much from this book 📖
📚The book is full of enthusiasm and excitement, The story has historical relation of 1980s when the traditional ETA, The Basque Dilemma considers as the most explosive possible investigation happened throughout Europe. ✅
📚The conflict took place mostly on Spanish soil, although to a smaller degree it was also present in France, which was primarily used as a safe haven by ETA members. It was the longest running violent conflict in modern Western Europe. It has been sometimes known as "Europe's longest war" 🌎
📚The author really written and explained so properly , the different political, nationalist, terrorist, and religious groups , and how they had in and out of each other in the unique Region . ✨
📚The author M. Bryce Ternet had learnt so much from his life being in different different country Montana, Paris, Chicago etc .
📚The book is written really well. It maintains a good pace. Every word seems relevant to the story and you feel invested in it 😀
Overall I really recommend to buy this book for yourself and your family 💫
📚This books really helps me to learn n know more n more about Basque history , I had personally learn and grow so much from this book 📖
📚The book is full of enthusiasm and excitement, The story has historical relation of 1980s when the traditional ETA, The Basque Dilemma considers as the most explosive possible investigation happened throughout Europe. ✅
📚The conflict took place mostly on Spanish soil, although to a smaller degree it was also present in France, which was primarily used as a safe haven by ETA members. It was the longest running violent conflict in modern Western Europe. It has been sometimes known as "Europe's longest war" 🌎
📚The author really written and explained so properly , the different political, nationalist, terrorist, and religious groups , and how they had in and out of each other in the unique Region . ✨
📚The author M. Bryce Ternet had learnt so much from his life being in different different country Montana, Paris, Chicago etc .
📚The book is written really well. It maintains a good pace. Every word seems relevant to the story and you feel invested in it 😀
Overall I really recommend to buy this book for yourself and your family 💫
March 18, 2018
The Basque Dilemma is an exciting read that is easy to jump into and follow until the very end. I have to admit, I felt it was very easy to place myself inside this story because the introduction reminded me a lot of 9/11, so it seemed as if something we could be experiencing right now. The storyline was very clear too, which I find impressive. Many authors can’t nail a plot that jumps around from one character to another, but Ternet has managed to do this with ease. I would recommend this book to anyone looking for something exciting to read. It is amazing to see the story unfold, while comparing it to events that have already come to be. I hope to reread it again soon, so I can take in more of the amazing details. I am sure I missed something along the way, which would help make the story even more compelling. Political and history fans will truly get a kick out of it.
March 29, 2018
The Basque Dilemma written by M. Bryce Ternet is a wonderful and unique historical fiction novel based on the Basque conflict. This is a very different story, as it isn’t your typical World War or cold war novel. I really enjoyed the plot and found the author’s writing to be easy to follow and intriguing. I found that the details of this book, although it is fiction, rings true to events happening today and I found that relatability incredibly compelling and made the story that much more interesting. I really enjoyed Ternet’s writing and found myself consumed by the pages right from the beginning, which normally doesn’t happen with this genre for me. I think the setting of a conflict that isn’t so widely written about made this plot such a success. This book is a must read for anyone who enjoys historical fiction. I look forward to reading more works written by M. Bryce Ternet.
December 4, 2018
The Basque Dilemma by M. Bryce Ternet is a great mix of history and fiction, and that is where the author shines. With an interesting background himself, having lived many places and traveled the world, Ternet is on solid ground when writing about historical subjects. The Basque War is considered the longest war ever in Europe, and the author proposes that even with a ceasefire, that perhaps the conflict hasn't really ended at all, at least deep down. A combination of eloquent prose and explosive action make this book one that you will not be able to put down. Learning about the history alone is well worth delving into this novel. But the insertion of present day imaginary events into a historical fiction book is even more valuable for the reader. A strong plot, superb writing, and great imagination make this a fantastic book to become immersed in. Highly recommend.
December 25, 2018
Having grown up in Germany myself, I am familiar with the Basque region as well as the ongoing conflict in the area. I have not kept up to date on everything going on, so this book was very interesting to me. It highlighted key groups and players in the region as well as outside influencers. The author also asks us to ponder if the conflict is truly over. Such a long running conflict and deep-seated hatred on both sides may not simply fade into the background with a peace agreement. Still, keeping up hope that it can be resolved in the long run is crucial. Well written, well researched and great job in putting together all the pieces so that the reading of the book is smooth and easy. This book is a bit more serious in nature but anyone who is interested in history, in Europe or the French Basque Separatist group will find this book to be interesting and informative
May 2, 2018
Historical fiction based on the Basque conflict
This story is based on the Basque conflict which I knew nothing about prior to reading this book. The story is intriguing and does a good job of keeping you interested and turning the pages to see what happens next. The Basque war was one of the longest fights in history with right and wrong on both sides. This story will take you through those events in a fictional tour of what could have been. History is always a fun topic for me and I found myself drawn into this story immediately. The author does a good job of weaving historical facts with imaginary events and creates a great read for you to enjoy. Recommend you reading this one and share your thoughts.
This story is based on the Basque conflict which I knew nothing about prior to reading this book. The story is intriguing and does a good job of keeping you interested and turning the pages to see what happens next. The Basque war was one of the longest fights in history with right and wrong on both sides. This story will take you through those events in a fictional tour of what could have been. History is always a fun topic for me and I found myself drawn into this story immediately. The author does a good job of weaving historical facts with imaginary events and creates a great read for you to enjoy. Recommend you reading this one and share your thoughts.
August 29, 2024
The Basque Dilemma
Two FBI agents. One retired and living in the Basque region of Spain. The other one still and agent, but is on his way to save the other. They are “working” on a case together unofficially. Officially, they are both handling their own investigations and relying on what they know. Putting the pieces together and following the clues is a dangerous game. When the fallout hits too close to home the pressure increases. They decide to ramp up their efforts and follow their intuition and sole the case.
#GoodreadsGiveaways
Two FBI agents. One retired and living in the Basque region of Spain. The other one still and agent, but is on his way to save the other. They are “working” on a case together unofficially. Officially, they are both handling their own investigations and relying on what they know. Putting the pieces together and following the clues is a dangerous game. When the fallout hits too close to home the pressure increases. They decide to ramp up their efforts and follow their intuition and sole the case.
#GoodreadsGiveaways
September 15, 2021
While I love international intrigue, The Basque Dilemma combines intrigue with culture, history, and descriptions of people and countryside to match no other that I have read. The immersion of the reader is complete as one is taken from country to country in a whirlwind of sights, tastes and experiences with extraordinary involvement with the characters. This read is one of a kind. I will be seeking other books by this author ASAP. Enjoy!!
January 28, 2023
Good historical background & sidenotes (how many of us knew about the 14th century Lithuanian civil war before reading this?), more action than romance (because it's not a movie), & a somewhat happy ending (but not that kind of happy ending because there's no overt romance). This would be a good read for both those familiar & unfamiliar with the history of the region. I received a Kindle edition from a Goodreads giveaway.
February 26, 2023
This book was way over my head. I'd give the book a 1 star because I couldn't get into it. But I don't think it was the books fault. I appreciate the work that went into it. But for me I couldn't figure out what I just read.
February 1, 2023
Very historical
If you want to find out historical knowledge about the Basque area; this book gives it to you. I found the book very slow and rather boring.
If you want to find out historical knowledge about the Basque area; this book gives it to you. I found the book very slow and rather boring.
November 6, 2023
Doesn't really succeed as a political thriller in its own right, but if you're looking for a travelogue with a very different framing device, it's pretty well done!
May 16, 2024
I’m all for learning a little history in fiction books, but when it starts to feel like too much I wonder why the author didn’t just write a non-fiction book.
Thank you for the free copy.
Thank you for the free copy.
Read
June 11, 2024Just skimmed and read the first 3 and last two chapters. Too much dialogue which needed to be translated. Wasn't good enough to work that hard at understanding.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews