>>>>Personally, I prefer Len Deighton. If you haven't read the trilogy trilogy ( Berlin Game, Mexico Set, London Match, Spy Hook, Spy Line, Spy Sinker, Faith, Hope, Charity ) I think that represents some of the most compelling work in the genre.
>>>
>>>So many books! So little time! I haven't read Len Deighton in at least 20 years ... time for a re-visit methinks. <g>
>>>
>>>BTW, thanks for starting this particular set of posts in this thread. I'm always looking for new (to me) authors, and you and Alan have always recommended some good ones.
>>>
>>>~~Bonnie
>>
>>Bonnie, don't read Magic Mountain by Thomas Mann. Just a heads up. ;)
>
>Why the blanket condemnation? I have not read it but know it has its fans. 10 years or so ago I had an online friendship with a woman in Berlin. She had read about everything and was extremely smart. It was her favorite book, to the point of naming her cat Castorp.

I'm sure it has its fans, but then all kinds of things have fans.

I'm not trying to bellittle your friend - honestly, but before you defend her on this one particular item, try reading it yourself. I see in another post that Charles is in complete agreement with me. Now it's true we could both be wrong, but somehow...

You have to read it to know what I mean.

Maybe in the original German it's readable, but I read it (or tried to) in English, and all I kept thinking was, "Somebody please shoot me!"