The ringmaster

This author has an old-fashioned ability of being able to produce good language and very interesting descriptive story telling which leaves one with much food for thought.

A man can be an idiot in as many languages he can speak. But polyglot Langton is no idiot - just unlucky to get caught between several mighty antagonists, striving to save a country and make a huge profit as well. The stake is the contract to supply large areas of Russia with essentials. Of course, Langton the interpreter and chair of the conference stands deep in the mud, and of course the situation does not get any easier for his affair with the beautiful, but elusive expert Martha. The picture of men representing different kinds of power - financial, political and the Japanese Mafia - is believable and chilling. One feels the strain on Langton when he muddles through as well as he can, playing chess on an unstable board and waiting for the earthquake. Another thriller - quite «Western», and charming in its exploration of Japanese culture and the mystery of languages. Worth reading for that - and the plot is not bad, either.