Brazzaville

“Zaragoza writes with infectious enthusiasm in six languages a magnificent story of war, love, courage, and heroes. A masterpiece. Brazzaville goes where no sequel has gone.”

In a world gone mad in the throes of World War II, this brave band of players struggles to survive on several fronts. Pierre Renault takes the name Brazzaville as the code name of his group of French Resistance fighters, based in Morocco. They join the foursome on the first of many missions to rescue their friends, detained by the Vichy, and to form the nucleus of a group fighting the Nazis.

The Nazis kill Victor, take Ilsa, and deliver her to Spain where she becomes a pawn of Franco’s government. Eventually, Franco’s wife takes pity on Ilsa and cooperates in attempts to rescue her and transport her to safety. Rick, not knowing what has happened to Ilsa, marries Yvonne, his old girlfriend, and they fight the Germans in Morocco until fate intervenes. In one bloody skirmish after another, Rick and his friends assist in the invasion of North Africa and beyond.

Ilsa ends up in a safe haven in England, participating in the war by broadcasting coded radio messages that aid the rest of the troop as they ride with American military to Algiers. The Allies drop Rick, Louis, and Sam into France for their assistance in unifying the French Resistance and providing the Allies with information to make D-Day a success.

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