Jean Barbe

An exceptional book. Thrilling, disturbing and incredibly moving, this is one of those books that you keep thinking about even when you aren't reading it. I'm very surprised that more people haven't heard of this book.

Lawyer Francoise Chevalier travels to a war-torn country to defend "The Monster" - a man accused of horrific war crimes and worse. But the Monster refuses to speak to Francoise, or anyone else. In alternating chapters, we see the unraveling of the lives of both the Monster and Francoise, both men with sociopathic tendencies. This book asks questions about what is excusable in times of war, and what separates men from becoming monsters even in the best circumstances.

I could not put this book down. It's a riveting read. The character depictions are moving, and full of idiosyncrasies that make them believable. I would absolutely recommend this book.… (more)