Customer Reviews

Blood ties

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Warren Adler's "Blood Ties" is about a family of aristocrats that are masters of the arms trade that have their annual reunion just before the patriach dies from his heart condition. The Von Kessels are obcessed with blood, and see no reason for ethical reservations, but the son who is favored to take over the empire believes that nuclear weapons are too terrible and awesome not to have reservations about. While Albert von Kessel struggles with his dilemma, a mysterious woman comes to Aunt Karla, and threatens to reveal a secret that would change everything. And the Russian widow of a long-lost prodigal uncle comes to the gathering, but under suspiction of being a spy. This does capture the late 70's well, but I felt that the end was too rushed and the action was rather dull. For this, I will say it is quite average.

If you're intrigued by the concept of this novel as described by the publisher here on Amazon, you will probably not be disappointed. Even now, so many years after it was originally published, 'Blood Ties' endures. The story of the Von Kassel family and their arms dealing business feels strangely up to date; I don't have the actual numbers but it seems likely there are as many weapons being traded today as there were in 1979. Possibly even more, although this is just guesswork. Along with this original setting in international affairs come the beautiful location (a castle in a European mountain range) and a thrilling family history that is coming to its climax in the final pages. I enjoyed these colorful characters and their frustrations and obsessions. Warren Adler sketches them all with his usual skill. There is a darkness looming in 'Blood Ties' from the very first pages. This novel is not a fast ride but it is full of surprises if you like people with all their faults and idiosyncrasies. Come to think of it, that may be the main attraction of this novel: to follow the Von Kassel family members, to learn about their histories and to watch them close to the edge, and some of them even further. (And of course it helps to check who's talking because tastes differ. As for your reviewer: in general I'm a reader of both serious works by authors such as J.M. Coetzee, J.G. Ballard, Ernest Hemingway, and purely entertaining works by authors such as Warren Adler, Simenon.) I hope I've helped you make up your mind; the rest is up to you.