What We Become

A Novel

By: Arturo Perez-Reverte

Narrated by: Pete Simonelli

Set against the backdrop of sweeping historical eras and breathtaking international locales, What We Become is a captivating tale of love, espionage, and daring adventure from master storyteller Arturo Pérez-Reverte.

“Pérez-Reverte summons the romantic spirit of an old black-and-white movie: impossibly glamorous, undeniably wistful.” —Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

“An intoxicating entertainment, pulsing with life.” —Booklist (starred review)

“Sparkling with witty dialogue, this elegantly translated thriller is enthusiastically recommended to sophisticated readers and those who wish to be.” —Library Journal (starred review)

In 1928, aboard the Cap Polonio—a lavish transatlantic cruise ship bound for Buenos Aires—Max Costa locks eyes with Mecha Inzunza across the first-class ballroom. They are an unlikely match. He is a thief, sleek and refined, hired to dance with unaccompanied passengers. She is the elegant wife of an accomplished composer, accustomed only to luxury. But as they embrace in a fiery tango, a steamy and dangerous love affair ignites—following them from the ship’s gentle sways in the Atlantic night to the seedy decadence of Buenos Aires. Yet as quickly as their affair begins, the two lovers are torn apart.

In Nice, 1937, Max and Mecha’s lives intersect for a second time and they rekindle their dalliance with ease. But in the wake of a perilous mission gone awry, Mecha looks after her charming paramour until a deadly encounter with a Spanish spy forces Max to flee.

Decades later in Sorrento at the height of the Cold War, Max once again runs into trouble—and Mecha. Their attraction is undeniable but with KGB agents on Max’s trail, the small glimmer of hope is becoming increasingly dim.

A mesmerizing tale of love and adventure, espionage and honor, What We Become is Arturo Pérez-Reverte at his finest, with elegant prose reminiscent of his beloved novel, The Club Dumas. Sweeping through time and across borders, What We Become proves that love, much like a great novel, is timeless and enduring.

A rare and beautiful book

Oh how I loved this astonishing story—so masterfully crafted and totally captivating. I found the characters to be wonderfully complicated and fully human. Rarely do I go back and listen to multiple passages again, but this kind of writing is meant to be savored and truly enjoyed. Take your time with this one—it’s pretty darned special.

I sobbed when it was over.

Old world charm - they don’t make ‘em like that anymore - with piercing beautifully indifferent honesty. It was a wonderful ride.

One of my favorite authors...

...but not my favorite book. Interesting story in sections, while other areas dragged. I found the main characters to be flatter than usual, very matter-of-fact about their questionable life choices, and a lot of the exciting stuff was merely glossed over, while paragraphs might be spent on the part in someone's hair. I did make it all the way through, however! If you get a chance to read any of Arturo Pérez-Reverte's other books, do so!!!

Steady drone is great - for an aircraft engine

Arturo Pérez-Reverte is one of my very favorite writers and he is at the top of his form in this book, so why take the heart out of it with a narrator who sounds like Jim Bodett doing a Motel 6 commercial?

Where is George Guidall when you need him

I have thoroughly enjoyed Sr. P-R's work in both English and Spanish; Audible and written. I believe this novel is probably as good as my favorite, La Carta Esferica/The Nautical Chart, but It is very difficult to listen to this dry narration.