Monday, January 13, 2014

Book Review: Red Sparrow


Hardcover: 448 pages
Publisher: Scribner (June 4, 2013)

Red Sparrow: A Novel is from Jason Matthews.  Matthews joins the ranks of Ian Fleming and John Le Carre in going from intelligence agent to novelist.  Because of his 33 years working as a CIA field operative, it gives a sense of authenticity, vivid characters, detail of the trade, and a plot that deals with spy versus spy.

For a first-time novelist, this is an excellent debut.  He uses his real-life field experience and turns it into a remarkably vivid, rip-roaring read.

The setting is Russia.  Two spies are targeting each other.  Nate, the young and ambitious CIA office, goes up against Dominika, the beautiful and brave Russian spy.  One more thing:  the two spies have fallen in love.

The novel has already been optioned by 20th Century Fox.

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