Tuesday, August 15, 2023

Book Review: The Collector by Daniel Silva


For a couple of years already, every year in August, I am waiting to get the latest book by Daniel Silva. Featuring the art lover Israeli spy Gabriel Allon, the series reached already the 23 installment. Each of his books are anchored in the everyday international thrilling politics and conflicts, a canvas where the adventures of Allon and his team are taking place. 

In the same vein, The Collector is complex in its story structure and the impressive cast of characters, present or just named: from kleptomaniac IT Danish maverick girl, to Vladimir Vladimirovici (Putin) himself. Allon, a retired spy, working in Venice for the art restauration of his wife, Chiara, is getting involved in the search for a stolen painting by Vermeer. On his way - because nothing happens in a vacuum - he ends up trying to stop a nuclear Armaggedon to happen. 

Although fictional, the general references at least, take into consideration real facts and information, and adding the thriller pace and story only makes them even more interesting to follow. Creatively trying to imagine what could happen behind the closed doors of the subteran political decisions is the flesh and blood of the thriller. The well defined and strong characters just make the story perfectly relatable.

Compared to the last installment in the series, The Collector is actual, rich in details, with that kind of action that one may remember from the Cold War spy and thriller novels. It is a delightful adventure hard to give up, and although I enjoyed this book, I feel disappointed that I hurried up too fast to get it and I should wait exactly another 12 months until the next book will arrive. Oh, the torments of the passionate readers!

Rating: 4.5 stars 

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