Split - Alida Bremer

 Split - Alida Bremer

She read

Pub Date:  Jan. 1, 2024

1936 Split, Croatia, Yugoslavia is teeming with individuals of various ethnicities and political proclivities.  Having come off the Great War and seemingly heading toward another, there are Croats, Serbs, Italians, Mulims, Jews, refugees, locals who smuggle them, Fascist supporters of Mussolini, Communists, Nazis, a German film crew making Nazi propaganda.  Josip Broz, known as Tito, is preparing from abroad for his eventual ascension as leader of the country.  

During one hot week, a murder is committed and it is up to Superintendent Mario Bulat to sort through all the possible suspects to find the guilty party. As he searches, the reader is introduced to various residents of Split as well as their political leanings.

This translated historical fiction/mystery is not a typical read.  The former Yugoslavia was a mingling of various southern Slavic peoples and that mixture is realistically portrayed. The mystery takes a back seat to all the political machinations going on at that time. There are a lot of historical facts noted and those unfamiliar with them may find themselves Googling for more information.

There are a lot of characters and they are all listed and described in a preface to the chapters.  I thought I might lose track of who was who, but there was enough repetition of main players that I caught on to who was who quickly.  

The writing is beautifully descriptive and detailed, portraying the charm and allure of the city, as well as its people and its cuisine. This book is not for everyone, but I really enjoyed it.  

Thanks to #netgalley and #amazoncrossing @amazonpublishing for the ARC

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