The Gordian Knot [Paperback]

A classic noir thriller about love and deception from the bestselling author ofThe Reader.
 
Georg Polger ekes out a lonely living as a freelance translator in the south of France, until he is approached by a certain Mr. Bulnakov, who has a intriguing proposition: Georg is to take over a local translation agency and finish a project left by the previous owner, who died in a mysterious accident. The money is right and then there is the matter of Bulnakov’s secretary, Francoise, with whom Georg has fallen hopelessly in love. Late one night, however, Georg discovers Francoise secretly photographing a sensitive military project. He is shocked and heartbroken. Then, her eventual disappearance leaves him not only bereft, but suspicious of the motivations behind Mr. Bulnakov’s offer. To make matters worse, Georg’s every move is being watched. Determined to find out who Francoise really is, and to foil who ever is tracking him, Georg sets out on an mission that will take him to New York City, where with each step he is dragged deeper and deeper into a deadly whirlpool in which friend and foe are indistinguishable.Bernhard Schlink was born in Germany. He is the author ofThe Weekend, as well as the internationally bestselling novelsThe ReaderandHomecoming, as well as the collection of short storiesFlights of Loveand four prizewinning crime novels—The Gordian Knot,Self's Deception, Self's Punishment, andSelf’s Murder. He lives in Berlin and New York.1

Georg was driving home. He left the highway by Aix and took a back road. From Marseille to Aix there are no tolls, from Aix to Pertuis there is a charge of five francs: that's a pack of Gauloises.

Georg lit one. The trip to Marseille hadn't panned out. The head of the translation agency that sent him jobs now and then had had no work for him this time. I said I'd give you a call if anything came up. Things are a bit slolă°