The Cellist: A Novel

I am (or was) a big Silva fan. I’ve read them all. However, this is very disappointing. I do find that many authors feel the need to signal to “the tribe” what their political leanings are. You’ve seen it, the offhand swipe at Fox News, the reference to watching CNN or Morning Joe. But it’s a minor irritant and if they feel insecure and want to send signals that’s not my concern. Silva has jumped the shark here. Interwoven into the story at first, then providing the climax of the story are reference after reference to all the Russian interference stories, The Mueller report even make an appearance. We are all the way back to the 2016 election through the Jan 6th Capitol riot. It’s an attempted coup, it’s Qanon. He even throws in an insane Republican (of course) Congressman for good measure. And somehow the Gabriel Alon of earlier books is now almost infatuated with the president elect. Such a flattering portrayal. Such obsequiousness. So what’s my point? I read for entertainment, to escape the crush of bad politics from both sides of the aisle. To get away from the media hype. I want to root for the good guys not be subjected to chapter after chapter of rehashed Rachel Maddie. So I’m done. Slim and Stern will have to journey in together. I won’t be along for the ride any longer.

Predictable. No intrigue or suspense. Extremely disappointed as it was the same garbage you get from Facebook and CNN. This is the second book I recently read (the other being Michael Connelly – The Law of Innocence) where the author ruins the experience by interjecting politics. It’s a wonder why those who claim to be pro-Israel, bash those who actually have stepped up and helped make Israel stronger.

Silva should have let Gabriel go before the 2016 election because he was never able to hide his Trump Derangement Syndrome. Here he becomes so predictable in his plot line because he had too great a need to recreate history while disparaging any and all republicans. His constant over the top caricatures of what a lower westsider imagines a fly over dweller is like just takes one out of the story. It made it unlistenable

The worst by Daniel Silva. Will never read him again. I hope he will ever learn why all negative reviews are anonymous. Hint: Woke culture. Also: it is very hard to understand why the author decided to make Israeli spy like Biden, who does everything to undermine Israel

Should have not included his political views at the end. Last book of his I will ever buy

Another completely forgettable and formulaic offering from the author of the Gabriel Allon series. The only difference this time out is the novel’s backdrop of Covid and a Republican President. And because the author is married to a reporter from CNN, the terms face mask, Covid tests and social distancing are mentioned on almost every page. And of course, the fictional Republican President is an egomaniac and a tool of the Russian government. This fact is mentioned almost casually, and even though the books’s characters include the leaders of the world’s intelligence communities, no one seems concerned how this happened or the ramifications of it. The only explanation for the book’s last chapter is the the author once dedicated one of his books to Jeff Zucker, the disgraced former CNN head honcho. It reads like it was concocted by Anderson Cooper and Don Lemon with perhaps some input from Chris Cuomo before he was fired.

Of course I preordered this book, because Daniel Silva never fails to disappoint me with his hero who doesn’t want to be a hero, Gabriel. The use of America’s election and the damage wrought by the past President is and should be discussed at length whenever possible - never forget and always debase The Big Lie as much as possible. So thank you for that, Author. My only complaint is that is narrated by someone who’s use of accents is atrocious and distracting, in my opinion. Where’s George???? I miss him. Cannot wait for the new one. And hopefully you’ll go back on tour with your lovely and well spoken wife. I enjoyed my time with you both in Coral Gables eons ago.

I have read all Silva's books on audio books. I was disappointed in the Cellist not from the content of the story but the narration was lousy. Precisely, all of the characters sounded the same and I had difficulty most of the time identifying who was speaking.

DO NOT WASTE YOUR TIME OR MONEY ON THIS BOOK!!!! Unless you don’t mind listening to over 2 hours of the authors personal political views throughout the book. I’ve listened to all of the books in this series and hope this is the last. It will be the last I ever buy. The story is lacking, an obvious attempt to put a book out quickly so the author could express his personal political opinions.

Reads very politically one sided. Heavy on coronavirus lifestyle and controversial US history bars on authors political tenancies. Hard to follow. Pace was slowe until the end

I'm so glad that Gabriel survived it was a wonderful book and again thank you Danielle Silva

Not well done on any level… very disappointing!!!

Daniel Silva.should stick to writing fiction and not try to wrap his political opinions into it or try to normalize current day COVID impacts

I have always liked Silva's books up until now. But after this last drivel that he put out I am done. everyone is entitled to their world views etc but this was so far over the top it was comical The guy wrote the whole book to slam on Putin and i get why, but really he did everything he could to try and make the last president look just like Putin. WHAT A JOKE. Even if we forget the political garbage he had in here compared to his other books this one was not even close to them. No suspense simple plot etc.

Enjoy his current event story lines along with the arts. In today’s crazy times it is pleasing for character and doing the right thing to win , even in a novel.

another winnner from D. Silva.