In The First Friend, Malcolm Knox crafts a gripping narrative that plunges readers into the heart of Stalinist terror, offering a masterful blend of historical fiction, psychological thriller, and dark comedy. Set in the Soviet Union of 1938, the novel provides a haunting exploration of power, paranoia, and the twisted bonds of friendship under totalitarian rule.
At the centre of this chilling tale are two men: Lavrentiy Beria, the ruthless 'Boss' of the Georgian republic, and his childhood friend and driver, Vasil Murtov. As Beria prepares for a visit from Josef Stalin, the 'Boss of Bosses', Knox expertly ratchets up the tension, creating a claustrophobic atmosphere where every word and action could mean the difference between life and death.
Knox's portrayal of Beria is particularly noteworthy. Drawing on meticulous historical research, he brings to life one of the 20th century's lesser-known monsters with absolute clarity. Beria emerges as a complex figure, at once terrifying and pathetic, a man consumed by his own paranoia and lust for power. The author doesn't shy away from depicting Beria's notorious sexual predatory nature, adding another layer of horror to an already grim tableau.
Murtov, as Beria's 'first friend', serves as our guide through this nightmarish world. His struggle to protect his family while navigating the treacherous waters of Soviet politics forms the emotional core of the novel. Knox keeps readers guessing about Murtov's true motivations and loyalties until the very end, crafting a character study as compelling as it is unsettling.
The novel's pacing is impressive, with the looming spectre of Stalin's visit driving the narrative forward. Knox balances moments of dark humour with scenes of gut-wrenching brutality, creating a reading experience that is as discomfiting as it is engrossing. The final quarter of the book is particularly tense, with a feverish energy that will keep readers turning page after page.
While The First Friend is firmly rooted in its historical setting, Knox draws clear parallels to contemporary political realities. The novel serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of authoritarianism and the corrosive effects of unchecked power. In a world where 'alternative facts' and strongman politics are once again on the rise, Knox's narrative feels uncomfortably relevant.
The author's prose is sharp and evocative, peppered with mordant wit and chilling observations. Quotes like 'To choose one's victims, to prepare one's plans minutely, to slake an implacable vengeance, and then go to bed ... There is nothing sweeter in the world' perfectly captures the novel's tone of sardonic horror.
Some readers may find the bleakness of the story challenging, and there are moments where the pacing slightly falters. However, these are minor quibbles in what is otherwise a tour de force of historical fiction.
The First Friend is not for the faint of heart. It's a stark, unflinching look at the realities of life under totalitarian rule, where truth is malleable and survival often comes at the cost of one's humanity. Knox has created a work that is at once a gripping thriller, a scathing political satire, and a profound meditation on the nature of power and friendship.
Reviewer: Chris Reed
Allen & Unwin