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The Innocent

By David Szalay
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Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
The Innocent by David Szalay explores the journey of a young man navigating the complexities of post-World War I Europe. Set against the backdrop of a divided continent, the protagonist encounters the challenges of identity, trust, and disillusionment while seeking meaning and purpose in a rapidly changing world. The narrative weaves a rich tapestry of historical context and personal introspection, delivering a compelling look at innocence amidst turmoil.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this book if you're drawn to intricately woven stories that explore the complexities of human relationships and the subtle interplay of emotions. It offers a realistic glimpse into the lives of characters navigating their desires and decisions, making it an intriguing read for those who appreciate character-driven narratives.

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The Innocent

It is 1948 and Aleksandr, a major in the MGB (the forerunner of the KGB) is sent to an isolated psychiatric clinic to investigate one of the patients there. The patient is a man long presumed dead - a now severely incapacitated veteran of the Second World War, who seems unable to remember any of his past.

David Szalay, winner of the Betty Trask Prize 2008, returns with a searing and gripping thriller set in Communist Russia - the breathtaking next stage of a major literary career.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description
A searing and gripping thriller set in Communist Russia from prize-winning novelist David Szalay. THE 2025 BOOKER PRIZE WINNING AUTHOR OF FLESH It is 1948 in Russia and Aleksandr, a major in the MGB (the forerunner of the KGB) is sent to an isolated psychiatric clinic to investigate one of the patients there. The patient is a man long presumed dead - a now severely incapacitated veteran of the Second World War, who seems unable to remember any of his past. Twenty-four years later, Aleksandr is haunted by the case. With his Stalinist faith under threat as the Cold War recedes, he interrogates his memories and the effect the case had on himself and on those he loved most. 'Psychologically intricate, flawlessly researched' The Times 'Impressive' The Sunday Times 'David Szalay... has created an extraordinary character, a KGB man you can imagine knowing or even being' Observer

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

The Innocent by David Szalay is a deeply researched novel that explores the impact of Stalin's legacy, observing its effects through a disillusioned old communist. Echoing the style of Le Carre, it offers an elegantly depicted Cold War setting with a profound emotional depth. The narrative is complex and detailed, blending sadness with compelling storytelling, and is considered an impressive addition to Szalay's accomplishments.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780099515883

Publisher: Vintage Publishing

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 05 August 2010

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Vintage

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 14.0mm

Width: 129.0mm

Height: 196.0mm

Weight: 142g

Pages: 192

Collections

Crime & Thriller David Szalay Fiction General Fiction Literary Fiction Penguin Books

About the Author

David Szalay is the author of six works of fiction, including London and the South-East, for which he was awarded the Betty Trask and Geoffrey Faber Memorial prizes, All That Man Is, for which he was awarded the Gordon Burn Prize and Plimpton Prize for Fiction and shortlisted for the Booker Prize, and Turbulence, which won the Edge Hill Prize. Born in Canada, he grew up in London, and now lives in Vienna. His work has been translated into more than thirty languages.

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