Gorky Park (Arkady Renko, #1) in Around the World in 80 Books

Jun 16, 2010 Daisy rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: russia-ussr, favorites-2nd-place, eastern-european-challenge-2011

I can't believe I resisted this for so long.

There used to be a German copy on our shelves, a book my husband actually read (smart guy but doesn't read much fiction), but I unloaded it a long time ago without a thought since its popularity turned me off. It turns out to be a worthwhile, luxurious read for a Russophile. I don't care that it's a thriller (though all thrillers should be this good--and of course they're not), the atmosphere is so vivid and visual. Moscow is my favorite character an ...more

6 likes · Like · see review

Apr 09, 2012 Jessica rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: mystery, russia

Very well done and intensely atmospheric - Smith truly pulls you into the world of Soviet Russia and keeps you there. Renko is an appealing protagonist in spite (or because of?) his flaws and the underlying mystery is actually quite interesting, which is a pleasure given that a creative storyline often takes a backseat in mood pieces like this one. A very solid opener from a clearly talented writer.

2 likes · Like · see review

Jan 12, 2021 Karen rated it it was ok

Shelves: travel-2021, country-study-russia

Gorky Park is one of the books that have been on my radar to read for a long time (I have not seen the movie). To be honest, I was disappointed. The narrative skipped around a lot, so I was confused at times.

I also found the negative attitude toward life in the Soviet Union a bit off putting, even though I don't agree with a communist totalitarian state personally.

Three people are found dead in the popular Gorky Park in Moscow, Arkady Renko, Chief Investigator is charged with finding the perpet ...more

1 like · Like · see review