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Silesian Station

By: David Downing
Narrated by: Simon Prebble
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Summary

Summer, 1939. British journalist John Russell has just been granted American citizenship in exchange for agreeing to work for American intelligence when his girlfriend, Effi, is arrested by the Gestapo. Russell hoped his new nationality would let him safely stay in Berlin with Effi and his son, but now he's being blackmailed.

To free Effi, he must agree to work for the Nazis. They know he has Soviet connections and want him to pass them false intelligence. Russell consents, but secretly offers his services to the Soviets instead - not for anything too dangerous, though, and only if they'll sneak him and Effi out of Germany if necessary.

It's a good plan, but soon things become complicated. A Jewish girl has vanished, and Russell feels compelled to search for her. A woman from his past, a communist, reappears, insisting he help her reconnect with the Soviets, who turn out to demand more than Russell hoped. Meanwhile, Europe lurches toward war, and he must follow the latest stories - to places where American espionage assignments await him.

©2008 David Downing (P)2009 Audible Ltd
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What listeners say about Silesian Station

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

Paints a vivid portrait of pre-war Berlin.

"Silesian Station" is the second in the "Station" series and without giving anything away, follows immediately on from "Zoo Station" which you really need to read first. I was new to David Downing when I was recommended "Zoo Station", and was so taken with his well researched, detailed and vivid historical picture of pre-war Berlin, that I immediately read the second.



In both books, David Downing mixes real historical events so seamlessly into the narrative that you are drawn into the story, lives and fate of the characters. For me, it's like Le Carre at his best, and this book does not disappoint on any level. As for the narration, I could listen to Simon Prebble read forever and still not get bored. He is a perfect match to this book.

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5 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Good narration.

Full of atmosphere and easy to listen to. Although the historical setting is a fearful part of history there are moments in this book of humour, just in a few sentences, but it makes the story lighter just for that moment. I will be following the rest of this series.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars

Most Enjoyable

Following on from Zoo Station, great story, just as fascinating as the first book. The characters are well created and really add to the authenticity and atmosphere of the setting during this turbulent period in history.

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2 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Just as good as the first book in the series

I thoroughly enjoyed this book, it was just as good as Zoo Station, the first book in the series!

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Ended too soon!

Having read the first one I was encouraged to read on. This was almost as enjoyable and interesting enough to continue the series. Could do with more tension!

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2 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Excellent

Really enjoyed this book
I feel it gives an insight into how life can be in a totalitarian state, Whether that be a left or right.
How easy a regime can control through fear.
The story rolls along with good strong storyline and characters. The quality of the narration helps no end.

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2 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

Absorbing and atmospheric

I dont think you could really describe this book as a run of the mill thriller, though it has its moments. It is too low key for that. But it paints a frighteningly plausible picture of what it must have been like to live in Nazi Germany before the war, and how a decent man copes with the ambivalence and the compromises that have to be made to survive and protect friends and family. And the tension is racked up slowly to an excellent climax.

Narration is perfectly suited to the style of the book (John Prebble is also the narrator in the superb Jonathan Norrell and Mr Strange).

Warmly recommended.

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3 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

Silesian Station

This is the second in the series and if anything it's even better than the first, but if you're new to this, then start with Zoo Station first. Downing's complex character, John Russell, a British journalist stuck in immediately pre-war Berlin because he has a 12 year old son there with his estranged German wife. War is about to break out and he's trying to help the underground resistance movement, save a young Jewish girl and survive the advancing maelstrom. Backed up with supporting historical background and superbly narrated this is highly recommended.

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7 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Great Series

Really enjoying the station books and trying not to read them too quickly. I want them to last now i have discovered them.

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

Superb follow up

Superb follow up to Zoo Station. Excellent story line, really well researched
locations and a great plot.

I really enjoy this type of novel, I look forward to the next David Downing novel.

Highly recommended

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4 people found this helpful