Synopses & Reviews
A comic spy caper and international love story, set in Europe in the middle of the last century,
Expo 58 is the latest sublime creation by Jonathan Coe, hailed by Nick Hornby as “probably the best English novelist of his generation.”
Handsome, unassuming Thomas Foley is an employee at the Central Office of Information whose particular biography (Belgian mother, pub-owning father) makes him just the man to oversee the “authentic British pub” that will be erected at the 1958 Brussels Worlds Fair. Its the first major expo after World War II, meant to signify unity, but theres inevitable intrigue involving the U.S. and Soviet delegations. In the shadow of an immense, imposingly modern structure called the Atomium, the married Foley becomes both agent and pawn—when hes not falling head over heels for Anneke, his Belgian hostess.
Funny, fast-paced, and genuinely moving, Expo 58 is both a perfect evocation of a moment in history and the welcome return of one of todays finest novelists.
Synopsis
A tale of Cold War love and intrigue by Jonathan Coe, “probably the best English novelist of his generation” (Nick Hornby).
Handsome but naive Englishman Thomas Foley is an employee at the Ministry of Information whose particular biography (Belgian mother, pub-owner father) makes him just the chap to oversee the "authentic British pub" that his country will be erecting at the Brussels 1958 World's Fair. It's the first major expo after WWII, meant to signify unity, but under the shadow of a mind-bending structure called Atomium, U.S. and Soviet delegations plot against each other. Foley becomes both agent and pawn--when he's not falling in love with his charming Belgian expo hostess.
Funny, surprising, and moving, Expo 58 is both a deft evocation of a moment in post-war history and a display of Coe's seamless storytelling skills.
About the Author
Jonathan Coe is the author of The Winshaw Legacy and nine other novels. His many prizes include the Everyman Wodehouse Prize and the Samuel Johnson Prize.