Let Us Be True by Alex Christofi

Scarred by a traumatic childhood and his participation in WWII, Ralf seeks solace and solitude in the dive bars of Paris. Although he is convinced of his incurable isolation, Ralf’s universe is turned on its head when the beautiful and spontaneous Elsa comes crashing into his life. But just as Ralf begins to envision a world in which he doesn’t have to be alone, the past and the present come rushing together to upend his imaginary future.

With his second novel, Alex Christofi explores themes of love, loyalty and opportunities lost, all set against the bloody backdrop of 20^th century European politics – a period which underlines the insecurity and uncertainty which so often cloaks decisions both public and private. Though set over half a century ago, there are many echoes of issues that are still hugely relevant today, such as the persecution of minorities and the futility of raging against an inscrutable machine.

But for all the weighty themes explored on both an individual and a societal level, the real merits of Let Us Be True lie not in its storylines, motifs or characters, but the writing itself. Just as Ralf cannot help but be enamoured with Elsa’s quirky and even abrasive charm, the reader is sucked into Christofi’s prose, a prisoner to his wit and imagination. You might dislike the history, but you’ll love the historian. [Jonny Sweet]