Debbie’s review of A Death in Cornwall (Gabriel Allon, #24) > Likes and Comments
Like
Debbie, I saw you're reading A Death in Cornwall and had to jump in. Silva's Allon series is one of the best arguments I know for the case that spy fiction can be genuinely literary. The way he folds art history into the intelligence world gives the books a texture most thrillers never attempt. Are you new to Gabriel Allon or a long-time reader working through the series?
I’m a first time reader of Allon. I must admit, the beginning of this book for me has not flowed easily, and because I recommended it as a group read, I have been sorely tempted to go beg forgiveness of my fellow group members, but am too scared to go check out the discussion pages for fear they’re (1) devoid of comments or (2) people are all “wtf.” That is my quandary, so I am greatly heartened to read your comment, and picking up my reading with more confidence. I’m only 12% into the book, and perhaps recognize not reading it between the hours of 2-5am, could be beneficial.
Mel wrote: "Debbie, I saw you're reading A Death in Cornwall and had to jump in. Silva's Allon series is one of the best arguments I know for the case that spy fiction can be genuinely literary. The way he fol..."
I’m now 50% through A Death in Cornwall and loving it, the humor is like the cherry on top of all the action. I discover that I read Silva’s The Collector in 2024, and was disappointed in it, This is not a bit disappointing, and I’m happily anticipating reading more of the series, and ecstatic library platform Libby has all the books! I love the art element as I grew up visiting the National Gallery in DC often, and later when living in Chicago, the Art Institute. One of my favorite moments is when he signs Cezanne’s signature so quickly, as though he were signing his own name, and his wife says, “Freak.” You described this series perfectly in your earlier comment: “The way he folds art history into the intelligence world gives the books a texture most thrillers never attempt.”
back to top
date
newest »
newest »
message 1:
by
Mel
(new)
Aug 02, 2026 07:36AM
Debbie, I saw you're reading A Death in Cornwall and had to jump in. Silva's Allon series is one of the best arguments I know for the case that spy fiction can be genuinely literary. The way he folds art history into the intelligence world gives the books a texture most thrillers never attempt. Are you new to Gabriel Allon or a long-time reader working through the series?
reply
|
flag
I’m a first time reader of Allon. I must admit, the beginning of this book for me has not flowed easily, and because I recommended it as a group read, I have been sorely tempted to go beg forgiveness of my fellow group members, but am too scared to go check out the discussion pages for fear they’re (1) devoid of comments or (2) people are all “wtf.” That is my quandary, so I am greatly heartened to read your comment, and picking up my reading with more confidence. I’m only 12% into the book, and perhaps recognize not reading it between the hours of 2-5am, could be beneficial.
Mel wrote: "Debbie, I saw you're reading A Death in Cornwall and had to jump in. Silva's Allon series is one of the best arguments I know for the case that spy fiction can be genuinely literary. The way he fol..."I’m now 50% through A Death in Cornwall and loving it, the humor is like the cherry on top of all the action. I discover that I read Silva’s The Collector in 2024, and was disappointed in it, This is not a bit disappointing, and I’m happily anticipating reading more of the series, and ecstatic library platform Libby has all the books! I love the art element as I grew up visiting the National Gallery in DC often, and later when living in Chicago, the Art Institute. One of my favorite moments is when he signs Cezanne’s signature so quickly, as though he were signing his own name, and his wife says, “Freak.” You described this series perfectly in your earlier comment: “The way he folds art history into the intelligence world gives the books a texture most thrillers never attempt.”