The Madonna of the Sleeping Cars (Neversink)
Language: English
Pages: 320
ISBN: 1612190588
Format: PDF / Kindle (mobi) / ePub
One of the biggest bestsellers of all time, and one of the first and most influential spy novels of the twentieth century, is back in print for the first time since 1948
Alan Furst fans will note that train passengers in his bestselling thrillers are often observed reading The Madonna of the Sleeping Cars. It’s a smart detail: First published in 1927, the book was one of the twentieth century’s first massive bestsellers, selling over 15 million copies worldwide.
It’s the story of two tremendously charming characters who embark on a glamorous adventure on the Orient Express—and find themselves on a thrilling ride across Europe and into the just-barely unveiled territories of psychoanalysis and revolutionary socialism.
Gerard Seliman—technically, a Prince—is so discouraged by the demise of his marriage that he flees to London to become the personal assistant of a glamorous member of the British peerage, Lady Diana Wyndham. But he soon finds himself involved in a wild scheme by Lady Diana to save herself from looming financial ruin while simultaneously fending off rich lotharios. At the center of it all: a plan to rescue her rights to a Russian oil field now under the control of revolutionaries who don’t like capitalists.
The book that set the standard for intellectual thrillers of political and social intrigue, The Madonna of the Sleeping Cars, with its jetsetting and witty protagonists, is still as fresh a page-turner as ever—and as fun.
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who presented himself with a click of his heels and a deep bow. “Doctor Funkelwitz, madam,” he began, with a strong German accent. “I am the great man’s first assistant. He will be at your disposal in a few moments.” “Thank you, Doctor,” said Lady Diana. “I appreciate this more than I can tell you. I understand that Professor Traurig has been frightfully busy since he came to London.” “Yes, Milady. Two princesses have just left his office. This evening we have an appointment with Lloyd George.
has never mentioned this voyage. I saw her only yesterday. Nothing in her attitude suggested the slightest desire to return to Russia.” “You think, then, that there is still some trouble ahead?” “Not where the Telav affair is concerned. The London delegate has been officially advised and the president of your corporation has registered the act at the Foreign Office. Consequently, it seems to me materially impossible that Irina—if such were her purpose—could succeed in annulling the decree.”
idea of killing soldiers of the Red army. What consummate stupidity! Gouritzki, a pacifist school teacher. Why the poor little fellow wouldn’t hurt a fly! Listen.” The jailers were becoming impatient. I could hear curt orders. A thin, gasping, suppliant voice replied. Doubtless it was Gouritzki. Then there came the noise of a fight, followed by groans of pain. It sounded as though a body was being dragged along the floor. Ivanof said, “They are taking him to the executioner. He is resisting.
a second time. Their leader was carrying a lantern and a large piece of paper. The prisoners read with horror these words, written in the left-hand corner: ‘To Be Shot.’ And enduring the most awful mental torture, they saw the names which were underscored in red ink. Which ones were they? The insane man threw himself at a Tchekist, who shot him on the spot. He was still breathing when they threw his body into the hall. The death roll began. One prisoner, in an effort to drive away the frightful
weight. I love you because you have never loved me nor expressed any desire for me. You have invariably behaved like the most perfect of gentlemen. You have risked your life to make mine more livable. For the first time then, and with all my heart, I offer myself to a man who is my equal, and I am proud to be under obligations to him, and I stretch out my arms to him with no other arrière-pensée than that of being totally happy.” She drew back a step, her eyes shining with exaltation, her
