{"product_id":"the-book-of-kings","title":"The Book of Kings: Epic Novel of Europe Before and During World War II","description":"\u003cp\u003eSet just before and during World War II, \u003cem\u003eThe Book of Kings\u003c\/em\u003e spans the continent from Paris cafés to the rising shadow of Nazism. James Thackara weaves mythic resonance into a panoramic tale of political upheaval and personal struggle.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAt its heart are four students sharing a Paris apartment on the Rue de Fleurus: David and Johannes, both Germans; Justin, a French-Algerian scholar; and Duncan, an American drawn to “old” Europe. Their friendships, loyalties and rivalries mirror the era’s tensions.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWith scopes rivaling Dostoevsky and Melville, Thackara explores how ideals clash with harsh realities. His rich prose captures the ambience of prewar Paris, the intellectual fervor of university life and the encroaching darkness of totalitarianism.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMulti-perspective narrative across Europe\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIn-depth exploration of political and personal change\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEpic fusion of history and mythology\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003eVivid, expansive and deeply reflective, \u003cem\u003eThe Book of Kings\u003c\/em\u003e offers an immersive journey through a critical moment in history, inviting readers to consider how ordinary lives intersect with monumental events.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Just Great Books","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45024178471146,"sku":"CAD-1-Shelf-3-ST-1-5-1-2M-2.3lb","price":12.96,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0647\/1735\/7290\/files\/515nu3-bugL.jpg?v=1744401936","url":"https:\/\/justgreatbooks.org\/products\/the-book-of-kings","provider":"Just Great Books","version":"1.0","type":"link"}