Brazzaville: A Sequel To Casablanca

The plane took off. Their story continued.

The final moments at the Casablanca airport left Rick Blaine and Captain Louis Renault walking together into the fog while Ilsa Lund and Victor Laszlo flew toward an uncertain future.

But what happened after that?

As World War II spreads across Europe and North Africa, Rick, Ilsa, Louis, and Sam find their lives pulled once again into a dangerous world of resistance, espionage, shifting loyalties, and unfinished relationships.

At the center of the story is Brazzaville, the code name for Pierre Renault’s group of French Resistance fighters based in Morocco. Their clandestine missions take them into the struggle against Nazi Germany and the Vichy government, where old friends and new allies risk everything to fight an enemy whose reach extends across borders.

Rick faces a future he never expected after watching Ilsa leave Casablanca. Louis finds himself drawn deeper into the Resistance. Meanwhile, the war carries familiar faces from Morocco and Portugal to France and beyond as Allied forces prepare for some of the most consequential campaigns of World War II.

Blending fictional characters with the sweeping events of wartime Europe and North Africa, Brazzaville imagines a new chapter for the people whose stories seemed to end on a foggy runway.

What became of Rick and Ilsa? Where did the war take Louis and Sam? And could the friendships forged in Casablanca survive the battles still to come?

For readers who have wondered what might have happened after that famous plane disappeared into the night, Brazzaville: A Sequel to Casablanca offers one possible answer.

The airport was only the beginning.

Reviews

Brazzaville – A Sequel to Casablanca offers a compelling expansion of the narrative universe established by the iconic film “Casablanca.” Set against the backdrop of World War II, this novel delves into the continued adventures of familiar characters like Rick, Ilsa, and Sam. Engaging in espionage and resistance against the Nazis, the book captures the essence of underground struggle, threading a narrative rich in historical authenticity and personal drama.

The story adeptly intertwines scenes of sabotage, from blowing up tunnels and railroads to disseminating misinformation, against the dire circumstances of Nazi occupation. The characters’ efforts contribute significantly to the liberation of Paris, culminating in a vividly described march down the Champs-Élysées, symbolizing a hard-fought victory. What elevates this novel is its exploration of deeper themes such as loyalty, sacrifice, and freedom. These themes are personified through the complex personal and moral dilemmas faced by the characters, adding layers to the conventional wartime narrative. The author doesn’t shy away from showcasing the personal toll of war, focusing on emotional and relational aspects amidst chaos and uncertainty. The book’s concluding segment, set in the post-war era of 1953, offers thoughtful reflection on the long-term impacts of conflict and the quest for normalcy in the aftermath of turmoil. It touches upon the broader historical context, including the struggle for independence in North Africa.

Brazzaville—A Sequel to Casablanca skillfully blends fact with fiction, providing a nuanced portrayal of resistance during one of history’s most challenging periods. Its narrative not only pays homage to the original film but also noteworthy explores wartime resilience and the human spirit.

Following the cinematic triumph of Casablanca, whispers of a potential sequel titled Brazzaville buzzed through Hollywood, yet it never graced the silver screen. In a masterstroke of imagination, authors Pablo Omar Zaragoza and Susan Giffin unveil their vision of this elusive sequel in a riveting novel. Picking up immediately after Casablanca’s poignant finale, we are thrust into a world with Rick, Louis, and Ilsa, battling the encroaching shadows of Nazi terror. As Ilsa and Lazslo make their desperate escape to Lisbon, they find themselves not out of danger, but rather delving deeper into its grip. Concurrently, Rick and Louis ally with the resistance, embarking on daring missions to free innocent souls from Nazi clutches.

One of the book’s most captivating elements is its expansion on the theme of “found family.” The narrative showcases the resilience of relationships forged in adversity, emanating warmth even in the darkest of times. The unwavering affection Fletcher harbors for Amalia serves as a bittersweet backdrop amidst the tumultuous events. Rick’s assertion, “Besides, my greatest asset isn’t money; it’s family and friends, and of those, I have plenty,” captures this sentiment beautifully.

Zaragoza and Giffin’s writing style deserves commendation for its incredible realism. The palpable tension as characters hang onto every word from the radio and the meticulously detailed battle scenes make the reader feel ensconced within the narrative. Brazzaville: A Casablanca Sequel interweaves adrenaline-pumping action with heart-tugging emotion, a balance that is all too rare. The introduction of fresh faces to the narrative feels organic, enriching the plot without overshadowing established characters. For fans of the classic film, as well as enthusiasts of action tales, this novel promises an exhilarating journey.

Reviewed by Rabia Tanveer for Readers’ Favorite

 “Brazzaville: A Sequel to Casablanca by Pablo Omar Zaragoza and Susan Giffin is the authors’ interpretation of what happens to the characters after the movie ended. While getting on a plane and getting away from the danger seemed like a great idea at the time, Rick had no idea that he would be putting both Ilsa and Victor in far more danger. Upon landing, they were protected by the British Secret Service, but soon Victor is killed by the Nazis and Ilsa becomes a puppet of the Spanish government. Rick has no idea what is happening to the two and marries Yvonne, his ex-girlfriend. Soon he has to fight the Germans and think about his survival. Knee-deep in the middle of something they don’t want anything to do with, this group of people must fight and claw their way out of a life they don’t want to lead. 

“Who hasn’t watched and loved Casablanca? It was great revisiting these characters who have been a favorite of Baby Boomers. The authors do a great job at keeping the integrity of the characters alive and kept them as close to the original as possible. The fast pace and the intense atmosphere of the novel kept the story going and ensured that the reader would not want to stop reading. It was great how the characters were given their own space where the readers could see them develop and enjoy them. I also enjoyed how it felt like I was watching everything play out right in front of my eyes as I read this novel. It was very descriptive and very vivid, a quality that I thoroughly enjoyed!”

2019 Readers’ Favorite International Book Awards