Monday 27 February 2017

The woman on the orient express by Lindsay Jayne Ashford

"The woman on the orient express" by Lindsay Jayne Ashford. This book is published by Lake Union publishing in 2016 and has 322 pages. 

The story takes place in 1928. Agatha Christie, the famous author, embarks on a journey on Orient express, incognito, after completing her 9th book 'The seven dial mystery' and after her separation. There are two more co passengers. Pregnant Nancy, who has decided to leave her husband in hope to be with her lover and who attempts suicide on the train. Katharine, who is walking away from recently concluded inquest of her husband's death and after marrying the head of dig for convenience with a condition of not consummating the marriage. then there is Max, who goes on a day trip with Agatha at a train stop. 

How long can Agatha remain incognito? Why did Nancy attempt suicide? Why Katharine has put such a condition? What's her secret? Will Agatha meet Max again?

The story is slow. Especially the story on train is very slow. Reader keeps hoping that something interesting will happen but nothing does. It reads like a travelogue. I was close to nodding off. 

When eventually the story moves to the dig in Ur, things start happening. Katherine's secret and Nancy's secret is revealed. Agatha falls in love. Dessert also plays role of a character summoning storms and catching the vehicle wheel at opportune moment. 

When I started to read the book, I expected it to be a murder mystery with Agatha as a character. In reality it isn't. So there was some disappointment in store. This is a novel that depicts the period in Agatha's life after her divorce. But it isn't factual. Facts are blended with fiction. Author uses facts from Agatha's life like her marriage, birth of daughter, her mysterious disappearance for 11 days causing a massive man hunt, her husband's affair, separation Etc. The main characters like Agatha, Katherine, Leonard Wooley, Max are real characters. Some of the incidents are real, some real but happened at other time and some fictional. It's an interesting concept of using a real life character and fictionalizing the story. 

Why give the book this title? I think it's only a gimmick to capitalize on Agatha Christie's murder mystery with a similar name. 

Why did I read this book? Agatha Christie as character. 
What I didn't like? Pace. 
What did I like? Fact - fiction blend. 

Give it a miss.


Friday 24 February 2017

The vegetarian by Han Kang

"The vegetarian" by Han Kang. This reprint edition of the book is published by Hogarth in 2016 and has 208 pages. In May 2016, it won the 2016 Man Booker International Prize ( Best book in English translation). Time included the book in its list of best books of 2016.

It's the story of Yeong-hye, a mediocre and docile housewife who suddenly decides to go vegetarian. Reason: she saw a bloody, gory nightmare. She drastically reduces her food intake and becomes emaciated & removed. Her brother-in-law is sexually aroused, attracted and obsessed with her upon hearing that she has a Mongolian mark on her buttock. Her sister blames herself for all that happened. 

How does it impact her personal life and family life? What is Yeong-hye trying to become?

Yeong-hye feels that lives of animals she ate are lodged inside her. Relinquishing meat in Korea is considered not only abnormal but also crazy. Her family is ashamed of her. Her family tries to force feed meat to her. Upon her refusal her father even slaps her resulting in her attempting a suicide. Her husband divorces her. 

Her brother in law wants her to video model nude with painted body. Her sister tries to support her. Brother in law's vivid imagination about her is bold, provocative and dark. However it's neither erotic not pornographic. A difficult feat to achieve. 

Yeong-hye is taken advantage of by her abusive father, career oriented chauvinist husband and artist brother in law who fantasizes her.  

The book has three parts. First part is a first person narrative of her husband. Second part is first person narrative of her brother in law. Third part is second person narrative of her sister. First two parts are interesting but the third drags a bit. 

Yeong-hye wants to become a tree. She is convinced that she does not need to eat and can survive on water and sunlight. She asks why is it bad to die? It's a type of rebellion against the world. 

Narration style is unique. Korean customs and culture make it exotic but in reality it's all about women, killings and monotony. Reader remains confused as to whether he wants Yeong-hye to remain alive in hospital or get discharged and die. 

The novel is a bit bizarre, sometimes extreme and even confusing. The dark undercurrent throughout the novel does not let the reader rest.  It's a tale of revulsion, sex, go green, power and obsession. 

Why did I read this book? Recommended by Karol Ragoonaden, South Africa. 
What I didn't like? 'Vegetarian' is only in first one third of the book. 
What did I like? Off the beaten path. 

Read if you like the genre or this review.


Thursday 23 February 2017

The spy by Paulo Coelho

"The spy" by Paulo Coelho, translated from Portuguese to English by Zoë Perry. This edition of the book is published by Penguin Random House India Pvt Ltd in 2016 and has 208 pages. Author claims that the book is based on true events. 

This book is the story of Mata Hari. Mata Hari (born Margaretha Zelle) was a Dutch exotic dancer and courtesan who was convicted of being a spy for Germany during World War I and was executed by firing squad in France. First two sections are narrated by Mata Hari and third by her lawyer. 

Book starts with the execution of Mata Hari and a letter she wrote before her execution. It is through the letter that the events unfold. 

In this candid account of her life she tells us that she was raped by her school principal at 16. That is when she determined that sex has nothing to do with love. Her marriage was a disaster. Abusive husband, boredom, birth of daughter, birth of son who died because of poisoning left her in limbo. Her only solace was her dance. 

She escaped to France and became an exotic dancer who was so immersed in her art that she did not mind stripping as part of dance act. She was one of the earliest exotic strip dancers. She was also mistress of many high and mighty people in position of power. She enjoyed her Femme fatale status. 

Mata Hari had expensive tastes. She candidly agrees that she was a Prostitute (because she exchanged affection for jwellery) and a compulsive liar. But she vehemently denies being a spy and says that the only thing she traded was high society gossip. She considers herself a soldier who fights her own battles without bitterness. She thinks that she paid a price for being an independent woman in the world of men and for challenging certain customs. 

Germans recruited her as an agent. She immediately contacted French counter espionage making her alligence clear by working as double agent. Despite that the French authorities apprehended, prosecuted and killed her. 

Author accuses that the head of French counter terrorism deliberately betrayed her for his personal gains. French government wanted to divert public attention from large number of dead and dying soldiers to something sensational. Mata Hari presented a very juicy target. 

The book is written in matter-of-fact style. It puts forth the views of accused and then convicted Mata Hari. It tells the other side of the story. The language used is simple. More importantly, it's a piece of history that is fading from public memory. 

There are differing opinions, even today, about whether Mata Hari was guilty or innocent. Wikipedia says: Mata Hari's sealed trial documents are scheduled to be declassified by French army in 2017, 100 years after her execution. Will it reveal something new?

Why did I read this book? Mata Hari. 
What I didn't like? Not much about trial. 
What did I like? Candid revelations. Sincerity. 

A good book. Recommend reading.


Monday 20 February 2017

The last survivor by Andy McDermott

"The last survivor" by Andy McDermott. This book is published by Headline in 2015 and has 93 pages. This is Book 10.5 of Nina Wilde series. It's a short story. 

In previous book, Nina and Eddie destroyed a band of Nazis. But one of them survived. The last survivor is after pregnant Nina to kill her. Nina is writing a book about her adventures. But she is leaving out something important. 

Can the last survivor track Nina? Can he apprehend her? Can he kill her? What will Eddie do?

The story is Not good. There is hardly any story, more of an action sequence. Nina's kidnapping by a 'The last survivor' (BTW this last survivor appears to be an afterthought) and her safe rescue form the plot. 

The climax consists of the villain abducting a helicopter and Eddy dangling from it. The pilot trying to scrape him off the skid and Eddy's survival maneuvering. Fight in helicopter flying without pilot, destined for crash on Statue of Liberty. 

Was this story an essential part of the series? No. It appears to be an afterthought. Why was it published? Probably commercial reasons.  At the end the seeds for next book are sown. Author has even given first chapter of Book 11. So this book serves as a curtain raiser. 

Why did I read this book? Nina Wilde series.    
What I didn't like? Purpose. 
What did I like? Helicopter climax. 

Give it a miss.


Friday 17 February 2017

Basashthache gunhegar (बासष्टचे गुन्हेगार) by V. S. Walimbe (वि. स. वाळिंबे)

Basashthache gunhegar (बासष्टचे गुन्हेगार), translated in Marathi by V. S. Walimbe (वि. स. वाळिंबे). This edition is published by Abhijit Prakashan in 2012 and has 160 pages.

1962 China-India war bruised India's image and ego. India lost a lot of vital territory along with the war. This book looks at the background, the war, preparedness and aftermath critically. 

It basically rues the lack of policy of government towards Tibet and China.  It also criticizes the government for at-least not continuing with the British India policy where strategic importance of Tibet was acknowledged and China was never allowed to enter Tibet. Author criticizes the blunder of Panchaaheel treaty acknowledging Tibet as part of China and relinquishing special privileges for India in Tibet. This resulted in loss of buffer state of Tibet between India and China. 

He blames Nehru's naivety, idealism and philosophy that age of war is over and all issues can be resolved by dialogue and diplomacy, forgetting that dialogue should be done from the position if strength. His idealism was divorced from reality. Nobody in India expected that China would attack, despite ample indications of China's intent. China exploited Indian governments impotence and hollow protests, about continuous Chinese aggression, by blatantly ignoring Panchasheel treaty and occupying Indian territory bit by bit. He identifies India's decision to shelter Dalai Lama in 1959 as turning point where Chinese covert hostility turned to open hostility. 

Author also blames lack of leadership and tactical guidance to army by its top brass. In some cases army was asked to defend a position that had tactical disadvantage resulting in route. In some cases army was asked to retreat when they could have defended the position. This resulted in heavy loses and loss of many square kilometres of land in addition to loss of moral. 

Army's condition was pathetic. Lack of ammunition, food supplies, warm clothing,  winter footwear, logistic supply lines,  equipment to create bunkers & number of troops meant that the army was impotent and the politicians were living on another planet. Internally army had many issues. Lack of leadership, vision, frequent leadership changes, internal bickering, not using air force, bypassing the hierarchy upwards as well as downwards; to name a few. Thus the army was not only ineffective but incompetent as well. China's continuous aggression was opposed by letters of protest. When it became apparent that China was moving towards McMohan line, Indian politicians did not consider it necessary to construct infrastructure like roads near border in the hilly area. When eventually they directed army to construct border outposts, under public pressure, there were no means to reach them easily in case of emergency or even for logistics. It was a systemic failure.

Author spends one chapter on perceived and alleged incompetence of Lt. Gen. Kaul. He also analyses reasons behind Chinese deceleration of cease fire after acquiring Nefa and Aksai Chin. There are a couple of chapters on Defense Minister V. K. Krishna Menon. Author credits him for looking after army welfare before war and fighting with Finance minister Morarji Desai for funds but criticizes him for trying to create his cronies in army, favoring Lt. Gen. Kaul, not being an inspirational leader and much more. 

In addition to the Prime minister and Defense minister author blames irresponsible opposition leaders who criticized increase in defense expenditure sighting the pain that would be experienced by departed Gandhiji's soul. He says that the public opinion of the country was also the same, so the general public is to be blamed too. As if entire nation was in denial mode. 

The book does not contain any map. Author should have provided the map of conflict zone while explaining the Chinese incursions for better comprehension. Although it's a translated book, it gives name of translator but surprisingly not of the original author. Strange!

While reading the book ones blood boils due to incompetent politicians, indifferent army and idealist leadership. They made a joke of a nation. These people deserve trial for death for their incompetence, ignorance and refusal to see what was evident. 

Why did I read this book? The subject. 
What I didn't like? Lack of sequencing. Bit scattered. 
What did I like? Information. 

Recommend reading.





Thursday 16 February 2017

Mango cheeks, Metal teeth by Aruna Nambiar

"Mango cheeks, Metal teeth" by Aruna Nambiar. This book is published by Tranquebar in 2013 and has 233 pages.

Geetha, a teenager, goes to Ambalakunnu near Trivendrum, Kerala in 1940s. This year is different than previous years. She has fights with her cousins and siblings. She befriends the house hold staff, does unconventional things and witnesses something that changes her point of view. 

What adventures does she do? What does she witness? How does it change her? Is she justified in her way of thinking?

It's a long winding story of Nair house hold, the staff, their interrelations, marriage of daughter if one of the former staff, friendship, sibling fights and scandals. 

Geetha goes to vacation as a girl, but returns mostly mature with some pre conceived notions. It's 'coming of age' story without any amorous relationship for the protagonist.

The story has many characters. Each with its own characteristics. Nair family matriarch and patriarch with six children, their spouses and their children. Four- five household staff. Two other families in the village that are going to be unified by marriage. It would have gotten confusing as to who's who, had the author not provided three family trees at the beginning of the book consisting of 33 characters. 

For a large part, about 70% of the book, the story drags on and on. Gradually it becomes a torture.  I was tempted to abandon, but some how I managed not to. It resulted in one month to complete this book.  However the story picks up in last 30% where a number of things happen. Suddenly the reader wakes up, sits up and take notice.

The book is neither exciting nor enticing.

Why did I read this book? The title. 
What I didn't like? The high price and disproportional return. 
What did I like? Depiction of Kerala village. 

Give it a miss.

Sunday 12 February 2017

Private Delhi by Ashwin Sanghi & James Patterson

'Private Delhi' by Ashwin Sanghi & James Patterson. This book is published by Random house in 2017 and has 480 pages. This is Book 13 of Private series. 

Jack Morgan has convinced Santosh Wagh to go to rehab and then move to Delhi to open Private's Delhi office. A house is discovered in Greater Kailash with more than ten bodies in acid drums. Chief minister and Lt. Governer of Delhi don't see eye to eye. CM recruits Private. A serial killer is killing a number of high profile persons.

Who is behind all these murders? What is the connection? Would Private solve the case? What role will politics play?

The story is fast. First murder happens in the first chapter and then the killings continue. New angles come in to play. However there are two main themes. One is the racket if Organ harvesting from poor and helpless for the benefit of rich Americans. Second is a serial Vigilante killer who is targeting corrupt high and mighty.

This story has murders, good guys, bad guys, grey guys, investigators whose heart says one thing and brain says another, politicians, medical malpractice and hope. In short, everything. 

I identified two candidates for killer. My prime candidate was not the killer, it was the second one. However authors, inexplicably, gave away the killer on a platter in the final 1/3rd of book instead of delaying the revelation till the very end. 

Ashwin Sanghi has teamed with James Patterson again after previous venture 'Private India'. More books may be in the pipeline. 

It was the first time for me to read an epilogue consisting of two chapters. Interesting!

Why did I read this book? Ashwin Sanghi. 
What I didn't like? Killer's identity given away too early. 
What did I like? The end. 

Recommend reading.


Friday 10 February 2017

Murder on the orient excess by Andy McDermott

"Murder on the orient excess" by Andy McDermott. The book was published in 2013 and has 56 pages. This is Book 1 of Leviticus Gold series.   

Air Thiland flight Airbus A380 from Bangkok to Hethrow is approaching Hethrow when the stewardess of first class finds Mr. Perch, occupant of private suit, dead. Detective Inspector Brownlow investigates. Suspicion fallen on co passenger Leviticus Gold, handsome, young, flirty, wise ass, know-it-all kind and wealthy businessman.

Is Leviticus the murderer? Is Leviticus his real name? What was the motive. 

Why there is no gun but a bullet entry? Why no one heard gun go off? How was the gun smuggled through security? How come security cameras found nothing? It's a closed door murder mystery. 

Leviticus thinks, thinks back, thinks hard and comes out with a solution on his own and tells the police. Murderer is identified and still Leviticus is arrested. Why?

Police appear shallow, ready to jump to conclusion, not thorough investigators and impulsive. Leviticus, though amature, has impeccable logic, perfect deductions, supreme confidence and know-all attitude, all with no experience. Both extremes are far fetched and exaggerated, but enjoyable. 

A lot of things happen in this small book. There are two twists. The story is fast paced. No slack. Reader completes the book in one sitting. But nothing appears abbreviated or cut short. Credit to the author. 

While reading the book I had a feeling that the flamboyant character of Leviticus Gold was inspired by Virgin fonder Richard Branson. Is it?

Title  of the book is very similar to Agatha Christy murder mystery 'Murder on the orient express'. Why? There was no real need to bask in the reflected glory. 

This book was published in 2014 but Book 2 was never published. Are there plans? Or has author's interest petered out?

Why did I read this book? Small book. Not from Nina Wild series. 
What I didn't like? Title. 
What did I like? The story. Character of Leviticus Gold. 

It's a 'Chota patakha' (small firecracker). Recommend reading.


Thursday 9 February 2017

Treasure by Clive Cussler

"Treasure" by Clive Cussler. This book is published by Pocket Books in 2011 and has 688 pages. This is Boo 9 of Dirk Pitt series. 

Ahmed Yazid wants to take over Egypt by deposing its elected President and establish a Muslim fundamentalist rule. A plan is hatched to assassinate Hala Camille, an Egyptian, female & Head of UN. A leader claiming to take the population back to Aztec religion has arisen in Mexico. A new leader has risen in Brazil. Pitt finds clues that the treasure (Alexander's coffin, Scrolls, Books, Artifacts, Statues etc) from Alexandria library were hidden before it was destroyed by Christians, about 2000 years ago. 

Can America handle this quadruple jeopardy ? What will be Pitt's role? Where is the treasure?

The treasure or ancient secret in this Book is contents of Library of Alexandria. Burning if this library is seen as the death of a civilization. (Something similar happened at Nalanda-India when the Nalanda library was burned down by Turkish invaders, about 1000 years later).

The story is interesting, but I felt it had too many ingredients and too many variables. Thus author had to cater to all and the book length was not optimal. It was a bit longish. 

Clive Cussler is an expert in anything related to sea. Thus when he writes about salvage, sunken ship, preserved bodies, dives etc. he is at his best. However this is only in the first part of the book.

The wise ass cracks between Dirk an Al Giordino are entertaining and witty. There is a customary beautiful and intelligent lady who falls for Pitt, but can't tie him down. 

This is the second fiction about an Islamic Revolution in Egypt that I read in last few months. Is this an indication of changing times where fiction tries to anticipate the reality?

Why did I read this book? Clive Cussler. 
What I didn't like? Length. 
What did I like? Wise ass cracks. 

Not a must read.


Monday 6 February 2017

Private royals by James Patterson with Rees Jones

"Private royals" by James Patterson with Rees Jones. This book is published by BookShots in 2016 and has 160 pages.

It's Queen's 90th birthday celebrations. Jack Morgan, head of Private, and Peter Knight head of Private's London office are on the venue. Abbie Winchestar, daughter of Duke of Aldershot, member of Royal family, is kidnapped. If ransom is not paid her head would roll on the parade ground.

Can Private save Abbie? Who is behind this? Will Queen's birthday celebrations be destroyed?

The story is fast. Narration is good. Plot is interesting. Reference to Queen's birthday is mostly redundant. Even if it was not there it would have made no difference to the story. So the book's name could very well have been Private Wealthy or Private Kidnap or such. 

The perpetrator of the crime was not camouflaged at all. I recognized the person in first 20% of the book. Then it was a verification of whether the deduction was correct or not. I believe some more efforts on that front were in order.

Since this is a BookShot edition, it is called Book 12.5 of Private series. Book 13 Private Delhi co authored with Ashwin Sanghi is recently released. 

This book is from Bookshots series. Bookshots are short, high impact stories that can be read in one sitting. 

Why did I read this book? Private series. 
What I didn't like? Very apparent villain. 
What did I like? Compactness. 

A good quick read.


Sunday 5 February 2017

The House husband by James Patterson with Duane Swierczynski

"The House husband" by James Patterson with Duane Swierczynski. This book is published by BookShots in 2017 and has 144 pages.

Teaghan Beaumont, a new mom and detective, resumes duty after six weeks of maternity leave. Her husband is a freelance writer and stays home. On her first day there is a case of Familicide. Familicide is when a person kills spouse, atleast one kid and oneself. Two more Familicides have happened in last six weeks. It is followed by Familicide of her partner at work. 

Are there Familicides? Is there a connection? Who is behind it? Can Teaghan connect the dots?

It's a fast story. Readers know the House Husband who is committing the crimes. His identity is not a mystery but his real identity is. Teaghan has a hunch that there is something wrong. Hence she tries to find the commonalities. However what is missing from the story is investigation! There are murders and then suddenly there is conclusion. Investigation is so brief that you don't notice it. Did authors run out of page space?

It's a good plot, good build-up but abrupt end. The reasoning or justification for murders is lame. Murderer's infatuation is also not digestible. End is not as good as the story. 

While reading a thought came to my mind. If I were the author, how would I end the book? I would have introduced a double twist in the climax by turning protagonist into a villain. Then it would have become a wow book.

This book is from Bookshots series. Bookshots is a series of Thrillers under $5 and 150 pages. These are stories at the speed of life. 

Why did I read this book? Short length. 
What I didn't like? Abrupt end. 
What did I like? Build up. 

Read if you have time.


Thursday 2 February 2017

I hate Bollywood by Rohit Khilnani

"I hate Bollywood" by Rohit Khilnani. This book is published by Om books international in 2015 and has 198 pages.

Raghu has grown up in Chembur, area frequented by film stars. He becomes a film journalist, mentored by Rajeev. His career has starts, pauses, rises and falls. At every stage of his life he feels that he hates Bollywood, despite being closely associated with it. 

Why does he hate Bollywood? Is his hatred misplaced? Or is it justified?

Rohit has written this book about Bollywood from reporters point of view. He has used a number of facts and has blended them with fiction. It's difficult to tell them apart. The story and narration is OK. He peels off layers  from goody, glitzy and glamorous facade of Bollywood to show the cut throat competition, nepotism, back stabbing and monotony of the proffession. It's not as rosy as it appears. I read the book during one international travel. 

The protagonist goes from a roukie to a seasoned print reporter to a promising TV reporter to a blunderer to a star reporter to head of channel to criminal to back in action guy during the course of the book. He also regrets that a disaster becomes an opportunity for him as a reporter. 

Some of the entities are evidently based on the real ones. Thus Rajeev Masand, Rajdeep Sardesai, NDTV 24x7 make an appearance with a different name whereas Parveen Babi, Abhishek, Amitabh, Aishwarya etc appear as them selves.

I was happy to read the book because of the references to the places I know well like Chembur, Geeta bhavan, RK studio, Bus numbers 90 & 352 etc. 

The back cover includes reactions of film stars like Kareena, Hritik, Karan Johar, Ranweer Singh, Ajay Devgan, Mahesh Bhatt, Ritesh Deshmukh. As compared to the book, these reactions are overstated. Typical Bollywood hyperbol?

Cover concept may be good, but execution isn't. It's a small book, I read it during one international travel. 

Why did I read this book? Ravi's recommendation. 
What I didn't like? Reasons for hating Bollywood. 
What did I like? The end. 

Read if you have time.


The adventures of Brigadier Gerard by Arthur Conan Doyle

"The adventures of Brigadier Gerard" by Arthur Conan Doyle.

Brigadier Etien Gerard worked in the Napoleonic army (The Hussar of Conflans). Brigadier Gerard tells the tales of his adventures sitting in the cafè, in Paris, towards the evening of his life. This book is a collection of short stories of Brigadier's adventures. 

How Brigadier Gerard lost his ear: Gerard falls in love with daughter of the Duke of Venice and is captured for this indiscretion. He makes a great sacrifice for his love. 

How the Brigadier captured Saragossa: Here he acts as a spy to blow up the powder repository in the city of Saragossa-Spain and capture the city. 

How the Brigadier slew the fox: Gerard is hated by the English for his unpardonable crime. And he was unaware of it. 

How the Brigadier saved the army: Gerard is tasked to give a signal to the army, stationed away from main army, to retreat. He has to do this in hostile territory, even at the cost of his life.  

How Brigadier triumphed in England. While he was guest of Lord Roughton Gerard stood up for the honor of a lady. But it all ended differently. 

How the Brigadier rode to Minsk: Gerard is tasked to aquire food for starving French army in snow covered Russia. 

How Brigadier bore himself at Waterloo: Brigadier was assigned a special task by the Emperor. That made him miss the war. Then he takes on the responsibility of saving the Emperor single handedly. 

The last adventure: Gerard reaches the island of  St. Helena, where Napoleon was banished. Objective rescue Napoleon. But the mission fails for no fault of his. 

Marriage of Brigadier: Brigadier is given an option to either marry or forget his lady love. His nemesis, a bull, chased him. To what end?

Gerard is very brave and chivalrous man.  He has peculiar personality traits. His most notable attribute is his vanity. He is proud, pompous, boastful, lucky, lady killer, good story teller, never gives up, thinks on his feet and is a survivor. His ego is boosted by his achievements. He even goes on to suggest that had he been able to participate in the battle of Waterloo, the out come might have been different & Napoleon might have won.

Narration is very good. The French induced English is entertaining and compliments the story. Character of Gerard undergoes subtle  changes with age as the stories progress. Earlier stories have a enthusiastic Gerard, then he becomemes flamboyant, then wise, then wistful and then tired. Author should be applauded for this gradual and natural progression.

Author has used French view of English and vice versa to enrich the characters, enhance drama and add to hilarity. 

The adventures takes place in Napoleon's times, that means more than a century ago. It was an era without modern weapons, modes of transport and means of communication. Horses were the mode of transport, guns and muskets were the weapons and communication was through messengers. Despite this author does not allow any degradation of interest. 

Arthur Conan Doyle is best known for his immortal character Sherlock Holmes, a franchise still making money. However I did not know about his Etien Gerard until I read the book. Here he displays a very different writing style. Here he is hilarious and witty. This book is a delight. 

Why did I read this book? Author, Curiosity. 
What I didn't like? Story of Napoleon's defeat. 
What did I like? Everything else. 

A good book. Recommend reading.