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There are currently 25 member reviews
for The Continental Affair
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Carol S. (Mt. Juliet, TN)
A Continental Affair to remember?
As a language and literature teacher, this story, from the outset, was appealing, especially the travelogue component. Moving us from one European, Asian, African city to another, Ms. Mangan presented colorful sights, sounds and landmarks, including a few language expressions I will hold on to for my own travels.
The main characters, cold Louise and suspicious Henri, both escaping traumatic pasts, were not likable. moving from hotel to bus to train to ferry in predicable as the chased and the chaser. For me, the mystery component in this novel, although described in beautiful prose, came in like a whimper and went out the same way. The minor characters in this tale were not believable and seemed contrived. All parts of the plot throughout were predictable.
I enjoyed the literary technique Ms Mangan used to present her characters and their stories. Hopefully these two lonely and sad misfits find peace somewhere in the world. The reader could not help but root for them.
I plan to read Tangerine also by Ms. Mangon, hoping to experience another surprising and unique story.
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Freya H. (Phoenix, AZ)
The Continental Affair
This book held little appeal for me with the exception of the author's wonderful descriptions of the cities that were included in the storyline. The characters (especially Louise) were not
likable, the format confusing, and the ending predictable. I would not recommend this book
for book groups.
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Rosanne Sharkey
The Continental Affair
The Continental Affair written by Christine Mangan surprised me in several ways. I was extremely confused by the story’s timeline. For each forward chapter there was another that took the story backwards. For most of the book, I felt like I was missing something. I honestly suspected that Henri and Louise were reliving a past life. I guess I have a very good imagination and I engaged it to envision a completely different story. Due to this, I was a bit disappointed in the actual tale.
The author did write exquisitely about the many cities and countries that the characters visited. It was clearly well researched. I wanted more than a travel log.
Henri and Louise each held their own secrets many of which were predictable.
Overall, I enjoyed the book and would recommend it even though I think it could have been so much better.
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Veronica E. (Chesterton, IN)
Detached
I do not like saying this, but I did not like this story. I kept reading hoping it would get better. I didn't care for the way it presented the characters Henri and Louise and the back and forth and the before and after story line.
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