Title: The Moment
Author: Douglas Kennedy
Publisher: Arrow Books
Rating: 5/5
A delayed return flight from Tenerife could only mean one thing; that the purchase of a shiny new book to stave off the monotony of the airport lounge was in order. Not having previously read Kennedy’s work I picked up The Moment for its stand out front cover expecting a standard romance novel, but what I found was actually a heart rending love story.
Reminiscing about the course his life has taken, Thomas Nesbitt reflects on the moment and the love affair which altered that course irrevocably. The things Petra Dussman, his former lover and East German refugee, confided in him so many years ago were merely the beginnings of a padlocked chest of secrets. The sense of ‘what if?’ created by this love affair haunts Thomas throughout his life and will undoubtedly resonate with every reader who has ever had to make a serious decision. The tragic and unalterable view of the past portrayed through Thomas and his hindsight evoke a thought provoking reflection on the consequences of one’s own choices.
Set during the Cold War, the book offers an insight into the Eastern German way of life during this period. It provides readers like me, for whom the Cold War occurred before their time, with a stark realisation of a historic reality which is difficult to imagine as possible from a contemporary Western point of view. The fear and constant suspicion held by citizens, even towards their own neighbours, is highlighted throughout the plot.
Admittedly, my 5/5 rating may have a little bit to do with my love of novels and films set during the Cold War period. I have a morbid fascination with the depravity of the state and the mind-set behind those who upheld the state’s laws and policies under the guise of it being ‘good for the country’ causing The Moment to be destined to be a winner in my eyes.
For those of you who don’t share my interest in the Cold War however, The Moment offers so much more than a history lesson. Fundamentally it is a masterfully written love story, complete with unpredictable and emotional twists, and a setting which creates a sombre tone to enhance the emotive plot line. Ending on a delightful cliché I simply could not put this book down. After reading it, I was left with a reminder about appreciation, as the very best moments rarely last long enough.
Image Source:
By Aimee Little