One Settles in Eagerly

• Book: The Italian Couple
• Location: Eritrea
• Author: J R Rogers

Review Author: authorjrrogers

Those who follow J.R. Rogers’ novels recognize his signature: little-known settings in far-flung cities that he seems somehow to know intimately, and an intriguing what-could-go-wrong plot of espionage populated with a mix of sophisticated and common characters with varying skills and expertise in advancing the story. While compelled by the intrigue of a fast-moving and unexpected story, the reader always learns new lessons in geography, history, and social interactions typical within a surprising off-the-path setting.

In The Italian Couple, one quickly recognizes Rogers’ signature and eagerly settles into the opening story of a thrilling motor race through the streets of Asmara, Mussolini’s “La Piccola Roma,” (Little Rome) in the Italian colony of Eritrea. Here we meet our first character, Mario Caparrotti, as he skillfully navigates, shifts through the gears, and speeds through familiar streets and corners of Asmara in his red 1934 Fiat 508 Sport Spider. From there we are off as a complex panoply of characters and twisting plot unfold and race toward an unexpected denouement.

Although one always settles in eagerly to Rogers’ signature in the first paragraphs for a good read, it would be a mistake to anticipate formulaic personalities and twists of plot. Rogers does not recycle his novels! Rather, it is a new place, a new slice of history, and a unique set of characters and plot that one races through his pages to discover.

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