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Assassination, Preparations & Consequences

by Simon Marinker

356 pages; quality trade paperback (softcover); catalogue #01-0530; ISBN 1-55369-128-8; US$28.50, C$32.50, EUR23.50, £16.50

A historical novel heavily referencing World War II, the Holocaust, and featuring murderous intrigue in Vichy French Algeria.

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author's note      about the author      introduction      prologue      catalogue info

Author's Note     When I started this book, the word 'Assassination' in the title referred to the homicide of a powerful military and political individual whose elimination could alter the course of world history.     The word 'Preparations' included the choice of an assassin, the plans for the actual deed, those involved in the planning and those who desired that it take place and succeed.     The word 'Consequences' included an elaborate scheme to silence the assassin, and to cover up those involved in his elimination. The cover-up would initiate a domino sequence with repercussions that continue up to the present time.     However, the title could also be applied to the assassinations that were carried out - by the millions - in the Nazi Holocaust. The preparations were clearly documented in the detailed archives of 'Kristallnacht' and those of the 'Wannsee Conference'.     The consequences included the Nuremberg Trials, in which the evidence against the assassins, and those guilty of aiding and abetting the crime, was taken from the very Nazi archives of which they were so proud.     Then came those who aligned themselves with the Holocaust Denial, and the neoNazi resurgence was alive and well across the world.     Finally, when even such mass slaughter of defenceless noncombatants could be denied, defended or even ignored, the world was ready for a new wave of terrorism on a massive scale.     Such documented horrors required an antidote, and this has been provided in the book by the personal stories of a retired surgeon and his wife. These are stories of determination and happiness in facing the varied challenges of daily life.      -Simon Marinker

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About the Author Simon Marinker graduated in January 1936 from the Middlesex Hospital (London University) with the degree of M.R.C.S., L.R.C.P. (Gold Medallion in Surgery). Other degrees: M.B., B.S. (London); F.R.C.S. (England); F.R.C.S.C. Former appointments: Chief of Surgery, Dundurn Military Hospital, Saskatchewan, during World War II; Chief of Surgery, Royal Jubilee Hospital, Victoria, B.C.; President of the B.C. Surgical Society; Chairman of the Section of General Surgery in the B.C. Medical Association; Chief of Surgery, Algoma District Medical Group in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario (now a 40-man group and growing). Other books by Simon Marinker: Beyond the Citadel Informed Consent to Surgery Reducing the Risks to Surgery

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Introduction

    After publication of my trilogy 'Beyond the Citadel' in 1999, covering the years 1913 to 1987, I was urged by many readers to write a sequel that covered the years from 1987 to 2000.
    Those who knew about my interest in history, both Canadian and worldwide, especially that of the 20th century, wanted me to write a thriller about that eventful era, with its elements of international intrigue and darkest deeds.
    I finally decided to accede to both requests by combining them into one story.
    The former would include a continuing account of the trilogy's leading characters and weave their lives into a historical novel. The latter would contain heavy reference to World War 2, the Nazi Holocaust, to international spying activities and to planned murders.
    As the author of such a combination I have used both internet and book sources quite freely for relevant historical and related information, and have given clear acknowledgement of these sources.
    It is my hope that readers of this book will find these inclusions worthwhile, as they progress through the narrative from prologue to epilogue.

        Simon Marinker

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Prologue

    Michael O'Reilly's interests had always, since his earliest childhood, been unusually diverse. A confirmed bachelor but devout ladies' man, he had a passion for the pursuit of both archival and current information, and the thrill of fresh experience. It was no wonder, therefore, that he leapt at the opportunity to vacation in Algiers when he had such a nostalgic fondness for the ancient movie of that name. It had starred a favourite actor of his, the urbanely charismatic and subtle French actor Charles Boyer, and the drop-dead gorgeous but hopelessly inept actress Hedy Lamarr. This time - unlike her performance in 'Ecstasy' - with all her clothes on.
    Mike (as he liked to be called) was a tall and ruggedly handsome man of early middle age, and had been a successful student and formidable athlete during his Oxford University days. He produced high scores for his M.A.,Oxon in History and followed up with a course in Political Science at the London School of Economics. This in turn led to a lucrative position as consultant to the British foreign Secretary in matters pertaining to international histories and economies. He enjoyed great popularity with a wide group of friends - mostly male, and acquaintances - mostly female. But the ones who loved him most were his uncle and aunt from La Belle Province of Quebec, in eastern Canada.
    It was only a fortnight since these relatives, Jasper Fields, (a.k.a. Gaspard Duchamp) and his wife, Solifara, for both of whom he felt the greatest affection, had celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary and their nephew's recent birthday in a single profligate party. O'Reilly confined himself to a nonalcoholic punch, especially prepared for him at his own request. After all, he didn't want this precious occasion spoiled by an unwelcome return to past bad habits. It was for this reason alone - among others - that Jasper Fields would be adamant in his rejection of the official accident report from the Algiers police about his beloved nephew.

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Catalogue Information

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