The first half of this book is an absolute fiction masterpiece. In fact, it is almost perfect. The author does an excellent job of interweaving an engaging plot with complex, interesting and believable characters. This pace is just right, never rushing nor lagging. This book also has some of the best examples of foreshadowing that I have ever encountered.
Description is also handled excellently, making the reader feel as though he really is in dark days of Czechoslovakia's occupation. Historically, all fact are accurate and again, the descriptions are very true to life.
However, approximately halfway through the book begins its fall from grace. The author leads us away from the serial killer plot to a much more politically charged focus. Although he still makes cameo appearances, it is almost as though the killer has been forgotten in the midst of the Czech resistance movement.
This book is akin to two very interesting, well written but completely separate books. And the two stories simply do not mix in the end. The first half is a mystery and the second half is a touching story of the Czech and German people's struggle for survival and journey into an uncertain future after the collapse of the Third Reich. In my opinion, these two stories should have been separate books.
