The Woman in the Fifth [Mass Market Paperback]

One of the essential aspects that distinguish a great novel from a mediocre one is the `engine' that drives the reader to continue turning the pages till the last one is turned. The story begins as an interesting scenario, and from there builds momentum to the point that closing the book's covers and putting it aside till the "next time" is all but impossible. This `engine' is not only the content of the story but the author's style, his/her technical expertise to ensure the reader remains with, and is compelled to, read every word. To be certain, most if not all of Douglas Kennedy's novel's have this `engine', driving the reader forward, however, The Woman in the Fifth takes this notion further, the author using all his skill to intrigue us and entertain us but also somehow making the impossible appear absolutely probable.

Harry Ricks has hit rock bottom...or so we're led to believe until he tumbles further into the abyss. The man has fled the U.S. because of a failed marriage and a scandal at the college where he taught film studies. Harry's life is in ruins and now he is down and out living in Paris; little money, has now contracted a serious flu and doesn't know a soul. One event leads to another, and he ends up living in a very low income sector of Paris, a `chambre de bonne', later is offered a "job" as a nightwatchman, where he sits in a little second story office watching a video screen. He is instructed only to let those individuals through the door that offer a particular phrase. It is obvious that illegal activities are going on below on the first floor, but he is purposefully kept in the dark, it is said, for his own protection. Harry is payed 65 euros every morning after his shift and life carries on this way until he meets a beautiful and mysterious woman at one of Paris's famous "salons".

Magit Kadar is a Hungarian émigré, who had fled Hungary with her mother as a small child. At that time after the Second World War, Hungary was under the dictatorship of a ruthless Stalinist, (also named Kadar) where Margit's father had been lynched in front of her eyes by the secret police. Margit is on the better side of fifty, though appears younger - elegant, intelligent, sophisticated and extremely beautiful. She lives in the Fifth Adrossement in Paris - an understated and tasteful apartment, Margit instructs Harry to meet her there twice a week for only three hours as an intense affair begins.

Suddenly Harry Rick's life turns much more complicated and dangerous as his "enemies" begin to end up murdered one by one. Of course Harry is the prime suspect, but there is no substantial proof, however the circumstances of each crime point to him. Who is committing these murders and in such a horrific manner?

This is a wonderful novel because the narrative is in present time, that is, we follow and feel and sense every action, thought and move of the protagonist.

Original, well written and possesses that `engine', ensuring the reader holds fast to the book from start to finish.

Excellent.

I am a huge fan of Douglas Kennedy. I have read all his novels, and bought them as gifts or lent them to friends in an effort to spread the word. I actually really enjoyed this book ... until the mystery was revealed. I felt that this ending was a real cop out when usually I can expect to be gobsmacked by the way this writer ties up his stories. I'll keep buying his books, but another denouement like this one would have me seriously rethinking that position.

This book is a real page-turner. At least parts of it are. It's well written. I liked the feel of Paris that Kennedy brings out with his writing. I liked the protagonist and identified with him and his problems. So far, so good.

But... the decisions he makes towards the beginning of the book -- which set the plot in motion -- are all unbelievably stupid. To the Kennedy's credit, he realizes this and tries to build justifications for them (the character has no choice, feels nihilistic, is naive, etc.), but they don't really convince. No real person would do the ridiculous things this guy does.

The revelation about the woman took me by surprise. I really didn't know what type of book this was going to be. That was sort-of fun, but also a let-down, because it meant that anything could now happen, there are no rules.

Finally, the last part of the book is a mess. The woman seems to have a personality change. I won't give anything away, but it basically took a cool, smart, interesting character and turned her into a stereotype, and no reason is given for her to act this way.

But as I said, the writing was good. If his other books are better, I'd be happy to give them a try.