Cesare

Embark on a gripping journey into the heart of Nazi Germany with Jerome Charyn's masterful thriller, *Cesare*. This paperback edition invites you to delve into a world of espionage, resistance, and moral ambiguity, where survival hinges on cunning and courage. Published in 2020 by No Exit Press, *Cesare* plunges readers into the tumultuous year of 1937. A seemingly chance encounter on a windy night sets the stage for an extraordinary tale. A young German naval sub-cadet, adrift and uncertain, intervenes to save a battered tramp from a brutal assault. Little does he know that the man he rescues is Wilhelm Canaris, the enigmatic chief of the Abwehr, German military intelligence. Canaris, recognizing a unique potential in the young man, takes him under his wing, bestowing upon him the moniker "Cesare," a nod to the silent film character from *The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari*. This Cesare, like his namesake, possesses an uncanny ability to penetrate any barrier, making him an invaluable asset in eliminating the Abwehr's enemies. But *Cesare* is far more than a simple spy thriller. It is a complex and nuanced exploration of morality in the face of overwhelming evil. Canaris, a man of profound contradictions, serves the Nazi regime while secretly working to undermine it, risking his own life to shelter Berlin's Jews from the clutches of the Gestapo. He establishes a double life, creating a chasm between his duties and his conscience. Cesare, initially a blank slate, becomes entangled in Canaris's clandestine activities, forcing him to confront the true nature of the regime he serves. The narrative crescendos as the Nazis devise a cruel deception: Theresienstadt, a "model" ghetto in Czechoslovakia, designed to mislead the world about their true intentions. This false paradise, complete with sham restaurants and shops, serves as a transit point to the horrors of Auschwitz. When the woman Cesare loves, a courageous member of the Jewish underground, is captured and sent to Theresienstadt, Cesare must embark on a perilous mission to rescue her, navigating a treacherous landscape of betrayal and deceit. Jerome Charyn, a celebrated author known for his distinctive prose and vivid characterizations, brings the era to life with unflinching detail. *Cesare* is not just a historical thriller; it is a character-driven narrative that delves into the psychological complexities of its protagonists, exploring their motivations and the sacrifices they make. *Cesare* has garnered critical acclaim for its compelling storyline and insightful portrayal of wartime Germany. The *Washington Post* lauded Charyn's "blunt, brilliantly crafted prose," praising the novel as "provocative, stimulating, and deeply satisfying." *Library Journal* highly recommended the book as "a complex and detailed story of the inner workings of the German Third Reich during World War II." The *Historical Novels Review* praised Charyn's "terrific cast of original characters" and his "fascinating story of resistance against evil with a great deal of energy." This paperback edition of *Cesare* is a must-read for fans of historical thrillers, espionage novels, and anyone seeking a thought-provoking exploration of courage, resistance, and the enduring power of love in the darkest of times. Immerse yourself in Jerome Charyn's masterful storytelling and experience the unforgettable world of *Cesare*.