Oct 03, 2006 05:51 PM
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"The Afghan"-- The latest thriller from the Master writer/correspondent/technical expert Frederick Forsyth harps on one of the most controversial and burning topics of the decade-- The Islamic jehad and terrorism.
Unlike other authors-- Mr. Forsyth is a veteran skilled correspondent who knows the ins and outs of the geo-political environment of the 20th century. No wonder he's expertise is often sought by The British High Command on "Certain" issues. He does intense research while penning his books-- and can go disturbingly deep to unravel many an untold secret.
However, "The Afghan" is not like that. It is mostly a fictous plot where the Britsh and US Intelligence catch wind of a possible Al-Qaida strike. It is supposed to be a big one. But they are clueless about the attack. Only if someone could infiltrate the shady network of the jehadis----
The Brits summon one of their Ex specialists Major Mike Martin (Fist of God) of the legendary SAS unit out of retirment-- Martin's credentials are impeccable-- Indian grand mother, Speaks Arab, Hindi, Urdu, veteran of the gulf war, and not to forget his affinity for dangerous undercover hit and run missions- synonymous with SAS Commandoes.
He's reqruited by MI-6 to impersonate a Talibaan prisoner at Guantanamo bay. Then Martin goes
to Pakistan, Afghanistan, infiltrates the network and at the end gets to know about the jehadi plot to pilot a boat with a small nuke and ram it into a huge luxury ocean liner. With seconds to spare, Martin has no other option but to foil the plot by killing the man at the control and getting killed in the bargain.
The plot had the Forsyth trademark twists and Intelligence trivia. But it definately lacks the pace and tension we are so used to experience in Forsyth thrillers. And killing off the legendary Major Martin has not not been accepted well by the fans either.
The Story is slow. trudges on and sometimes looses focus. As a hardcore thriller reader/writer and avid fan of Forsyth, all I think is that age is now beginning to have its effect on my Guru! As a Forsyth
fan you'll be a tad disappointed. As a new thriller reader, you do stand a better chance.
This book is definately not in the league of his ever green classics like "Day Of The Jackel",
"Devil's Alternative", "Fist Of God", "Icon", "The Forth Protocol", "The Odessa File" etc.
Forsyth remains and will remain the best writer/correspondent of realtime thrillers of this era. There's no doubt about that. Those who've been reading thrillers for a long time, been there, done that would surely know what I'm babbling about.
As a hardcore Forsyth fan, over the years I've religiously puchased/re-purchased (in case of damage) all his books including this. I've read it thrice, will read it again since my line of writing /researching is also the same. So yes. You can buy this book. Less than Rs 200. But like I said, it is not among his best work, that's all.
And for gods sake, Poeple shouldn't comment on his research work! A lot of high-profile Govt Bodies count on him. That should be some proof of his credibility.
A small secret:: I've read "Devil's Alternative" 67 times, "day of the Jackel" about 71 times.
"The Avenger"-- 12 times. "The Odessa File"-- 84 times. "Fist Of God"-- 102 times--- Yeah,
that's what I call a good book!!
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