Vespers in Vienna takes place in 1946 during the four power post-war occupation of Austria. British Col. Nicobar has been assigned to duty in Vienna and is billeted in a convent occupied by the Daughters of the Holy Ghost, founded by Saint Walpurga of Graz and currently under the direction of Mother Auxilia. Nicobar's mission is ostensibly to assist in the rehabilitation of Austria by being on the lookout for and putting down subversive activities, the definition of which is left pretty much up in the air by his superior, Col. Omicron.

It transpires that the Daughters of the Holy Ghost are providing sanctuary for a Russian born ballerina, Maria Buhlen, who is a descendant from what were known as the Volga German population of Russia, the result of historic population migrations, and one of many of Stalin's unfavored ethnic groups. Nicobar is compelled by duty and a direct order from his superior to turn over Maria to his Soviet counterpart, Col. Piniev. The encounter at the convent among the two colonels and the Mother Superior is the taking off point for a recurring theme in the novel about the ethical claims and shortcomings of Christianity, Communism and Western Liberalism.

The recurring dialogues between Col. Nicobar aka "Hooky" and Mother Auxilia reflect the moral and intellectual crisis of the West in the 20th century. Nicobar firmly rejects the totalitarian solution posed by Communism but is unable to believe in the truth of the most formidable alternative, Christianity. He is acutely conscious of the shortcomings of bourgeois liberal democracy but can't see his way through to any solution more viable than an honest doubt.

Vespers in Vienna is in many ways a beautiful story with intellectual depth that belies much of the light hearted, sardonic banter of its characters. It will reward your time and effort. ( )

627. Vespers in Vienna, by Bruce Marshall (read 25 Sep 1960) This is a another good book by an able author. The author, an accountant by profession, lost a leg on the Western front five days before the Armistice.In 1918. He became a Catholic, and his books attest to his strong faith. ( )

A novel of Vienna in 1946, with Reverend Mother Auxilia in the convent, and Colonel Nicobar and the officers who are directed with the work of rehabilitating Austria. Colonel Nicobar's special responsibility is for Displaced Persons.
The contrast between the serenity of the convent and the frenzied hotel life of the occupying troops makes an interesting background for the novel's building drama. An interesting piece of history made personal and immediate.