Paul Patoff

"Paul Patoff" by F. Marion Crawford is a story centered on the intricate relationship between two brothers, Paul and Alexander, playing out in the vibrant and mysterious city of Constantinople. Narrated by Paul, who works at the Russian embassy, the novel explores themes of love, envy, and fate, beginning with him reflecting somberly in the Valley of the Sweet Waters. The arrival of his charming but impulsive brother, Alexander, stirs up old tensions and reveals their mother’s preference for the younger sibling. Their dynamic quickly leads to trouble when Alexander becomes entangled with a veiled woman, thrusting Paul into a situation where he must grapple with his brother's impulsive actions and the depths of their connection.