(Reviewed by Jeyran Main)
The Sins of Others is a historical fiction set in 1933. It tells the story of Ben Heimlich and his estranged mother, who happens to be a militant fanatic on the run.
Jane Abbott, an English journalist, is the one who gives him information and saves him in Bosnia. Many years later, although Ben’s life may seem ideal, he seeks to find his mother, and the journey detours many lengthy scenes doing so.
What I most liked about the book was the accuracy of its historical references. You could easily fact-check everything, and there wasn’t a stone unturned. The author displayed an excellent quality of literature in storytelling. It was effortless to bond with the characters, and Ben, in particular, could not be ignored. The story’s pace was steady, and as years gradually passed, one after another, you could sense the change and the tale developing.
It’s apparent that the author cared about the way the story was told. There are lengthy, detailed descriptions to explain where Ben moves to, how successful he becomes, how he and his mother deal with the people who are chasing them. This, in my opinion, didn’t take away from the point of the story but instead provided enough side storylines, which could later be used as sequels to this story.
I recommend this book to fiction readers and people who like to add a little history to the mix.
