The Odessa file by Frederick Forsyth

"The Odessa file" by Frederick Forsyth - Almost good.

This book is published by RH UK in 2011 and has 448  pages.

Peter Miller is a freelance reporter in Hamburg, Germany. One day he comes across the suicide of a Jew. The diary of this Jew introduces him first hand to the horrors of concentration camp. He vowes to track down Captain Eduard Rochmann, in charge of that concentration camp and man responsible for 80000 deaths. Tanks, guns and weaponry is being sold by Germany to Israel under pressure from JF Kennedy. Odessa (Acronym for a secret organization of former SS men, who want to restore the Nazi glory) is supplying German scientists to Egypt. 

Where does Miller's search lead him? Is Rochmann alive? What is Odessa plotting? Why does Egypt need scientists?

The story is set in year 1963. It starts with the assassination of John F. Kennedy.  It takes us from Hamburg to various German cities, UK and Austria. Miller is determined to look Rochmann in face. Others are perplexed as to why a German hates a former SS officer so much.

The story has a strong undercurrent. It's the undercurrent of violence. The story of atrocities, German hate of Jews, considering them below insects is appalling. 

It's not a fast paced story. However, it keeps the reader engaged. The story has a number of unexpected turns. When you think that Miller is working towards a plan, he decides to do something different. When he confronts the antagonist, his behaviour is not along the expected lines. The end is not what one expects. 

The description of the atrocities on Jews and their murders in concentration camps by Nazis makes ones mind numb. To know that most of the Nazi SS top brass escaped the prosecution by either leaving the country or by changing identities is shocking. It is also shocking to know that the German populace was not very keen on investigating crimes and pursuing the criminals. 

It's an interesting book. But somehow,  with the build up I was expecting more from the book. 

Why did I read this book? Frederick Forsyth. 

What I didn't like? Conclusion.  

What did I like?  Undercurrent.

Recommend reading.