Citizen Orlov is a whimsical and witty romp through the world of espionage in the early 20th century with an unassuming and reluctant protagonist that’s in over his head but enjoyable to root for. Jonathan Payne has crafted an entertaining story that is light-hearted, amusing and bordering on the absurd. It’s charming and delightful!
Orlov is a nobody, going about his simple life in a central European country. A fishmonger who is employed in the only booth selling fish in the Grand Plaza. But that all changes when he reaches through a window of the Ministry of Security and answers a ringing telephone. Suddenly he’s deep into the world of espionage, politics and conspiracies. An unwitting pawn in a deadly game in which he doesn’t know who to trust or which orders to follow with the King’s life hanging in the balance. Is he a patsy who is being set up to take the fall for the assassination plot? Or will Orlov rise to the occasion and outsmart the agents who are setting him up?
Using an everyman as the main protagonist works incredibly well in Citizen Orlov. Orlov is completely out of his depth but convinces himself it’s his civic duty to follow through on the orders he’s been given, even though he doesn’t fully understand them. He bumbles and stumbles through these missions and puts himself in dangerous situations he normally would never be anywhere near. Which is endearing and admirable. Especially when you realize he sees this as a path to a better life, albeit one that he might not want or need when all is said and done. So while most of us will never get caught up in the espionage game, Orlov is still very relatable and someone we want to see successfully turn the tables on those who play him for a sucker. Because he doesn’t deserve to be made the fool. Even if he kinda is one.
A quick and pleasing read with intriguing characters, twists and turns, and a compelling plot, Citizen Orlov will be well-received by espionage thriller fans and anyone who enjoys a fun story.
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