Red Gold continues the story of Parisian director Jean-Claude Casson in occupied France during World War II. It is not a true sequel to The World at Night as Casson is no longer the main character. Before, readers were shown only his point of view as he struggled to stay out of the path of war and espionage, ultimately failing. In Red Gold, Casson serves as a thread tying together various storylines and brief scenes of the lives involved in the Resistance movement. Some of the other characters include communist insurgents, Jews in hiding, Nazis enjoying Paris life. They often only show up for a scene or two and we learn their fate when Casson reads the paper the next day.One of the reason I enjoy Furst’s novels is he tells stories of World War II that I am not familiar with. The war in this novel is not an American one. The Americans are mentioned as a mythical force in the background; they might end the war sooner, “if they get organized.” Instead, the vignettes focus on the many Resistance movements, their disparate views, and their varied methods of pushing back against the Germans. Among them the Communists who, having struggled to overthrow the political system of France for so long, have an extensive network of spies and a willingness for violence the other groups lack. Meanwhile, the Gaullists have the resources of England and strategic targets but no manpower. They come to the conclusion to work together against a common enemy, while acknowledging they will be enemies again when the war ends. Casson has no particular political affiliations or strong beliefs and so becomes the perfect ambassador between the two groups.Red Gold can stand on its own as a novel, but I suggest reading The World at Night first because the character development in that story makes this one more believable and relatable. It ends as it begins, mid-scene in the ongoing world of war. The stories aren’t concluded neatly or in a heartwarming manner, but they give a vivid picture of the people who lived in that time.
Another good Furst book. I had several hours in the Atlanta airport after finishing my work for the week that gave me plenty of time to finish this book. Furst continues his formula of setting his books in Paris during or before WW2. In this book his main character is another unlikely spy who did not set out to spy, but found his circumstances leading him into it. This book is set in Paris several months before and after the Japenese attack of Pearl Harbor. The Germans are not the only bad guys in this book. The Communists and the Vichy French government and police also play important roles. There are several story lines that come together to make a rich plot. The book contains a good measure of intrigue, sex, and violence. Furst again does an excellence job of making you feel the dread that the Gestapo will ask you to step out of line, the hunger and grime of someone hiding from the Gestapo or that you would be willing to do things you did not want to, but must to survive and regain freedom for your country. I will continue to read the rest of Furst's books.
What do You think about Red Gold (2015)?
A decent follow-up to 'The World At Night', 'Red Gold' continues the saga of Jean Casson's struggle to survive both morally and physically in Nazi occupied and collaborating France.I prefer Furst's novels that center on Eastern European characters ('the Polish Officer', 'Dark Star', 'Night Soldiers') instead of French, but it is hard to deny that even though it isn't a major Furst novel, it is still a highly readable one. Using Jean Casson allows Furst to explore the world of those French collaborators, profiteers, and elites of Pétain's France who refused to see the German occupiers for what they were. Furst clearly demarks the fragmented France that was left after Germany's invasion and the Vichy collaboration.This novel should be read closely with 'A World at Night'. Like I wrote about that novel, even though I find this to be a minor Furst novel, it is context that matters. Most spy novelists don't approach the art or the skill of a minor Furst novel. So enjoy.
—Darwin8u
tIt’s Autumn 1941 and we’re back in Paris again as the World War II menace continues to grow. Jean Casson, once a well-to-do film producer and now a target of the Gestapo, is drawn into a mission of running guns to combat units of the French Communist Party.tI was mildly disappointed with this book. I’ve read several other novels by Alan Furst which have their settings in Europe during WWII but this one didn’t have the exciting events like the ones portrayed in the others. It seems like Furst has taken plot elements of two other novels and used them again this one. However, it’s not totally without some action. Casson and his cohorts transport machine guns from Marseilles to north of Paris but you have to wait until the middle of the book before you read about it. There is also an exciting incident near the end but I won’t reveal it because it would spoil the plot.tThe book did have its enjoyable moments. The descriptions of Paris, its people, and the many attractions along its streets, boulevards and alleys brought back fond memories of several visits to that wonderful city.
—Dick Reynolds
Enjoyable read. I liked it more than World at Night. Great to see more vignettes of other characters in occupied Paris, especially with the presence of the FTP. Furst is a master of bringing to life all the brutal intramural politics within the French Communist resistance and its role as an effective tool to attack the Germans in the west. This is what sets this novel apart from World at Night. Great to see Antipin back in the mix, and enjoyed the casual mention of de Milja's coal-vending cover from The Polish Officer play a role in keeping Marie Clare's apartment warm during the occupation. I understand and respect Furst's hesitance to have sequels in the world he has created, but boy would I love to read more about Casson! Provided he survives the knock on the door at the end of the book. I couldn't help but hum a little Don't Stop Believin' as I folded up the book upon completion and Red Gold faded to black.
—J Olmsted
