The bestselling author of 'Sole Survivor', 'Lunch With The Generals' and 'Lunch With Mussolini' returns with a gripping new novel that crosses decades and continents.
Derek Hansen takes us back to Gancio's restaurant. It is a Thursday and, as usual, Ramon, Lucio, Milos and Neil have gathered for their weekly lunch appointment. It is Neil's turn to take the floor - except that Milos steps in and demands to tell his story.
He has no choice in the matter, he says, "This story has already been too long awaiting the telling. It is not just an obligation but a repayment of a debt." With those words he hooks the three other men - and Derek Hansen hooks his readers.
We are taken back to Hungary in the 1940s, a time when Jews are persecuted and rumours of the terrifying death camps are already circulating. This is a novel with huge range, set within a real historical landscape populated by figures like Adolf Eichmann and the Russian and Hungarian secret police.
It is also the story of two brothers who vie for the affections of the same girl during a time of turmoil and separation, a story which begins in Hungary and seeks its conclusion in Australia. Two boys who are forced to deal, steal and kill to survive.
