The story line and setting in The Continental Affair are quite captivating. The characters move from Spain to France and to Istanbul by train. The chapters move the story from before the adventure started to Louise’s thoughts, then to Henri’s responses. There is a clever mix of past and present, but the plot is never lost. As the story unravels, we learn more about the two characters and their past lives.
Louise has come from England where she has been caring for a ruthless and demanding father for many years. He has kept her in poverty and isolation. Henri comes from Algeria and had a happy childhood, always obedient and loving to his parents. Sadly, they died in an accident. He is left alone to work out his future. He decides to leave his job as a Gendarme but finds life is a bit more difficult than he thought and to make a little money he slowly finds his way into small time crime. France and Algeria have failing relations, and ugly behaviours are becoming the norm, so Henri escapes and by chance meets Louise.
Nothing is simple though, as Louise has something that Henri needs. He trails her through many countries and in many situations. The reader is constantly wondering how this story can evolve. It appears they may be each other’s salvation but so many obstacles stand in the way. The ending is quite mystifying and thrilling after many breath holding events throughout the story.
Christine Mangan writes with an understanding of description and takes us to places such as the Grand Bazar in Istanbul, where you can almost smell the carpets and coffee in the souks. The mystery pervades the story and is almost revealed at the end.
