The Reflecting Man: Volume One

Narrator Kurtis De'ath (accent on %E2%80%98ath) navigates a host of unusual occupations, rising up through the ranks of the confectionery business, working as a journalist, and even offering advice (and candy) to Adolf Hitler and other high-ranking Nazis in this detailed, if unconvincing, historical saga set before and during World War II in Canada, America, and Europe. Wealthy, highly moral Arthur Gagnon adopts De'ath as a boy following his parents' demise and gives him a job in his candy factory in New Brunswick. The delights of candy making provide scant preparation for the moral challenges of journalism, but prove pragmatically useful in forging connections to top Nazis. Boyd paints a convincing picture of Nazi depravity with his detailed descriptions of Germany under the Third Reich. However, despite entertaining wordplay involving De'ath's name and the odd fact that he is supplying chocolate to top Nazis, readers will find it difficult to become invested in the exploits of Boyd's potentially fascinating protagonist.