#Blogtour The Venus of Salò by Ben Pastor

It's a pleasure to take part in the Blogtour The Venus of Salò by Ben Pastor.

About the Author

Ben Pastor, born in Italy, worked as a university professor in Vermont before returning to her country.. She is one of the most talented writers in the field of historical fiction. In 2008 she won the prestigious Premio Zaragoza for best historical fiction. She writes in English. 

About the book

October 1944, in the so-called  Republic of Salò, the last fascist stronghold in Italy. After months of ferocious fighting on the Gothic Line, Colonel Martin Bora of the Wehrmacht must investigate the theft of a precious painting of Venus by Titian, stolen with uncanny ease from a local residence.  

While Bora’s inquiry proceeds among many difficulties, the discovery of three dead bodies throws an even more sinister light on the scene. The victims are female, very beautiful, apparently dead by their own hand but in fact elegantly murdered.  

Review

I realised a few pages in that I have missed Martin Bora and Pastor. The figurehead of this series has grown into an entire microcosm, which is sustained by the structure of the war he is surrounded by and the constant fight for survival. In a setting that begets suspicion, threats, violence and a lack of trust, is it any wonder that enemy and friend are often one and the same thing.

In combination with the 'acquisition' of fine art by the Nazi regime, the net closing around Bora is getting more difficult to avoid, which makes for a multi-faceted read. It highlights the many levels of hypocrisy, especially when it comes to treating men who fought valiantly for people and country like untrustworthy comrades, merely because of their vicinity to any anti-agenda people or actions.

Equally the theft of priceless art during the occupation and run of power of the Nazi's, and the fierce determination of Conforti to ensure there would be a trace left of the perfect war crime. All of this is folded neatly into a Matryoshka doll of crime within a crime, whilst the Matryoshka represents the crime of the fascist regime itself.

I have to admit I was ready to write an - oh, no how could you - rant. The last few pages had me holding my breath there, don't do it there must be more Bora! As always, a fantastic read, Pastor never disappoints.

Buy The Venus of Salò at Amazon Uk or go to Goodreads for any other retailer. Publisher ‏: ‎Bitter Lemon Press, pub date 23 May 2024. Buy at Amazon com.