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Astrid Lim
Brilliant. Robert Harris is one of the writers who can write any story and turn it into a wonderful book. Reading this book reminds me of Cicero's stories, but instead of ancient Rome setting, now it's French military conflict in late 1800s. It's juicy, full of political twists and turns, and the main character, Georges Picquart is very likable- an underdog who you can't help but rooting for. The ending is a bit too quick for my taste, after so many "building the tension" moments- but because th ...more
Tony
I'd always been vaguely aware of the Dreyfus Affair as some kind of scandal involving a French military officer around the end of the 19th-century that revolved around a large strain of antisemitism in France. But I'd never been particularly motivated to know more about it. It's with that context that I picked up this work of historical fiction.

It's a compellingly told tale, brought to life by an author well-versed in catching the details and tone of the past. The attitudes of the time come to l
...more
Lara
Apr 19, 2020 rated it really liked it
Terrific historical fiction about the Dreyfus Affair. Really interesting and wonderfully written. I didn't feel drawn in by the characters which is why it isn't a five star book for me, but even that feels due to historic accuracy. It's difficult to relate to the values of an officer in the French Army in 1890. ...more
Jessica
Compelling for its detailed recounting of one of the greatest French scandals in history, but I feel like it's missing much of an answer as to why it occurred. While I know the historical record can be somewhat muddled on these points, in fiction, you get some latitude to play with it, and I wish Harris had done so. ...more
Seulky
Dec 10, 2013 marked it as to-read  ·  review of another edition
Steve Anderson
Jan 27, 2014 rated it really liked it
SandyC
Feb 09, 2014 marked it as to-read
Keith Bado
Mar 05, 2014 marked it as to-read
Shelves: own
Anna
May 05, 2014 marked it as to-read
Jen
Jan 01, 2015 marked it as to-read
Katy
Apr 19, 2017 rated it really liked it
Diane
Aug 05, 2015 rated it it was amazing
Pam
May 08, 2017 rated it really liked it
kora
Jul 28, 2018 marked it as to-read
Jocelyn
Oct 02, 2018 marked it as to-read  ·  review of another edition
Shelves: kindle
Kristin
Apr 20, 2019 rated it it was amazing
Madeleine
Jun 12, 2020 marked it as to-read
Carolyn Rutigliano
May 08, 2024 marked it as to-read
Katie
Nov 10, 2024 marked it as to-read
Rebekah
Aug 28, 2025 marked it as to-read
Shelves: tbr-2025, redbooks
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