Thanks so much to the publisher and to NetGalley for giving me access to this book. It is very good story of romance and adventure. I have read other novels by Pérez-Reverte. I felt this novel continues to show his talent as an excellent novelist. I will definitely be recommending this book.

Arturo Pérez-Reverte is unquestioningly an intelligent, first-class writer. There are moments of geniality in some of his works (namely: The Club Dumas and The Flanders Panel). But this is not one of his best works in my opinion - rather it is quite difficult to understand his intentions here.
To say a man can remember one woman all his life? Yes - but what for?
To say than even an old man (64) can be a hero? Yes, surely.
To say that the nowadays world miss the old elegance, manners and adventure? Yes, it does. But the world is always changing and there are new adventures for the brave and the noble, still.

Max Costa is an innocent rogue. A paid dancer, stealer, seducer of women. And yet, there is some charm about him, some inner code of conduct, what makes him different and successful.
But now, he is an older man, tired and settled. And yet, the meeting of his only love and the tempation to help (and to be young again, mostly) prompts him to another adventure.

I like Max, as I like all the characters who are true to themselves - even if it is a sad ethical code which Max operates on. To steal only from the rich (as a kind of revenge for their omnipotence (albeit only seemingly)), to be like them and yet an ironic outsider. To be a lover of women who still remember him fondly. And yet, this is a never-ending hunt.
But Mecha, his one and only love? Maybe I need to be a man to see her attractiveness. Her only saving grace to me is her intelligence and maybe some strength - otherwise, there is nothing interesting about her.
And the book is seriously prolonged with all the philosophical parts, which dulls it for me.

Max, all the best. Find your footing and go for that coffee date at Mecha´s, to finally live. You need to stop running not valuing yourself.

Arturo Perez-Reverte is one of those writers that I just cannot say enough about. From CLUB DUMAS to THE FLANDERS PANEL to WHAT WE BECOME, the author pulls me in with his words, his characters, and the way that he laces together all the elements of a story. This book is perfection from beginning to end.