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The Devil's Alternative
The brief paragraph on the front page of Lloyd's list of shipping news went pretty much unnoticed.
But there is one reader, Andrew Drake, senior clerk in a London firm of chartered shipbrokers, for whom that paragraph will have more than passing interest. As it turns out, the man discovered unconscious and near-dead in the Black Sea off the coast of Turkey is a refugee Ukrainian partisan.
Drake meets the survivor and suddenly finds he is party to international terror and intrigue.
480 pages, Paperback
First published September 17, 1979
920 people are currently reading
5484 people want to read
About the author
Frederick Forsyth
334 books4,316 followersFrederick Forsyth, CBE was a English author and occasional political commentator. He was best known for thrillers such as The Day of the Jackal, The Odessa File, The Fourth Protocol, The Dogs of War, The Devil's Alternative, The Fist of God, Icon, The Veteran, Avenger, The Afghan, and more recently, The Cobra and The Kill List.
The son of a furrier, he was born in Ashford, Kent, educated at Tonbridge School and later attended the University of Granada. He became one of the youngest pilots in the Royal Air Force at 19, where he served on National Service from 1956 to 1958. Becoming a journalist, he joined Reuters in 1961 and later the BBC in 1965, where he served as an assistant diplomatic correspondent. From July to September 1967, he served as a correspondent covering the Nigerian Civil War between the region of Biafra and Nigeria. He left the BBC in 1968 after controversy arose over his alleged bias towards the Biafran cause and accusations that he falsified segments of his reports. Returning to Biafra as a freelance reporter, Forsyth wrote his first book, The Biafra Story in 1969.
Forsyth decided to write a novel using similar research techniques to those used in journalism. His first full length novel, The Day of the Jackal, was published in 1971 and became an international bestseller and gained its author the Edgar Allan Poe Award for Best Novel. It was later made into a film of the same name.
The son of a furrier, he was born in Ashford, Kent, educated at Tonbridge School and later attended the University of Granada. He became one of the youngest pilots in the Royal Air Force at 19, where he served on National Service from 1956 to 1958. Becoming a journalist, he joined Reuters in 1961 and later the BBC in 1965, where he served as an assistant diplomatic correspondent. From July to September 1967, he served as a correspondent covering the Nigerian Civil War between the region of Biafra and Nigeria. He left the BBC in 1968 after controversy arose over his alleged bias towards the Biafran cause and accusations that he falsified segments of his reports. Returning to Biafra as a freelance reporter, Forsyth wrote his first book, The Biafra Story in 1969.
Forsyth decided to write a novel using similar research techniques to those used in journalism. His first full length novel, The Day of the Jackal, was published in 1971 and became an international bestseller and gained its author the Edgar Allan Poe Award for Best Novel. It was later made into a film of the same name.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 391 reviews
March 30, 2013
This is an awesome page-turner crafted by Frederick Forsyth. Like in many of his novels, he combines fact with fiction (and blurs the line between the two), and this makes most parts of this novel exciting. Moreover, there are so many things happening in the novel that involve several nations with multiple possible outcomes, that the author keeps you guessing till the end -- the fun is not in predicting what's going to happen and getting it correct, but rather getting it wrong! (the Oh My God! moments)! Some people may find the ending silly or could have felt it could have been better, but I felt it was good.
The story is set in the year 1982, during the Cold War, and this has helped Forsyth bring in a lot of political intrigue and give a glimpse of how the government elites function. Readers will also be able to appreciate the subtle humor in many places in the novel, which is intertwined with the serious and suspenseful plot.
But sometimes the author provides too many architectural, dimensional details about buildings, etc. which might bore the reader, and make him/her want to turn the pages not because the story is going good, but to get to more interesting parts of the story quickly.
All in all, this is an excellent read, and I'd highly recommend it to aficionados of (political) thrillers.
The story is set in the year 1982, during the Cold War, and this has helped Forsyth bring in a lot of political intrigue and give a glimpse of how the government elites function. Readers will also be able to appreciate the subtle humor in many places in the novel, which is intertwined with the serious and suspenseful plot.
But sometimes the author provides too many architectural, dimensional details about buildings, etc. which might bore the reader, and make him/her want to turn the pages not because the story is going good, but to get to more interesting parts of the story quickly.
All in all, this is an excellent read, and I'd highly recommend it to aficionados of (political) thrillers.
March 28, 2013
You know you have a master piece in your hand when you read this book. Although the plot does not unravel until the last two paragraphs of the last page, Mr. Forsyth exhibits his skill and mastery in weaving you into a deception that when the truth dawns on you it is like having ice cold water thrown at your face when you were deep asleep.
This is so good, I cannot begin to explain and point out the favorite sub-plots; the whole book is full of it.
I loved this book. An example of what an action thriller should be.
This is so good, I cannot begin to explain and point out the favorite sub-plots; the whole book is full of it.
I loved this book. An example of what an action thriller should be.
March 29, 2021
Although this novel is not as well-known as some of Forsyth's other thrillers (The Day of the Jackal, The Odessa File) it should be rightly included among his best works. Forsyth imagines a Cold War-era scenario in which a grain-starved Soviet Union is forced to choose between arms concessions or WWIII, then introduces various complicating factors such as a radical Ukrainian nationalist faction looking to spit in the eye of Mother Russia, and continues flinging plot twists until the very last page. Tom Clancy may have used this book as a guide when he assembled some of his early (read: best) techno-thrillers.
March 23, 2025
Another best-seller from the master of Cold War thrillers.
The novel was published for the first time in 1979, and yet the action is taking place in 1982. As usual in these stories, KGB and British Intelligence are involved, so do the Americans, trying to defend the Western hemisphere.
Real-life characters are not mentioned, but you may see Margaret Thatcher and Jimmy Carter in thin disguise. So, maybe a bit too long (almost 480 pages), but nonetheless, a valuable choice of reading.
Interesting enough, no movie was made after the novel...
The novel was published for the first time in 1979, and yet the action is taking place in 1982. As usual in these stories, KGB and British Intelligence are involved, so do the Americans, trying to defend the Western hemisphere.
Real-life characters are not mentioned, but you may see Margaret Thatcher and Jimmy Carter in thin disguise. So, maybe a bit too long (almost 480 pages), but nonetheless, a valuable choice of reading.
Interesting enough, no movie was made after the novel...
February 26, 2020
Tension and the written word know no decade, so it doesn't really matter how long ago this book was written it is still exciting as hell. Written during what I consider to be the greatest era for spy/espionage novels, the 1970s-80s, this one is pretty much non-stop from the get-go and while the whole book is awesome the epilogue has some zingers in it that surprised the shit outta me. At times a true masterclass in how to juggle multiple story lines all within the same time frame without confusing the hell out of the reader.
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October 20, 2021Wow! Just wow! This was my first Forsyth and I am reading to go find my second.
His research was astounding, his characters jumped off the page, and his pacing was perfect. Wonderfully plotted with plenty of surprises throughout and a few gems at the end.
His research was astounding, his characters jumped off the page, and his pacing was perfect. Wonderfully plotted with plenty of surprises throughout and a few gems at the end.
August 18, 2015
Probably the best of Forsythe's novels, although The Fourth Protocol is perhaps its equal. It incorporates all of the author's best qualities: a compelling plot with some unexpected twists, seemingly unrealated characters with intersecting story lines and thoroughly researched real-world context.
October 30, 2014
Although a dated novel (first published in 1979), this is still an enjoyable read for Forsyth fans. About the aversion of global war via deft manipulation by players - leaders, bureaucrats, spies - of the then world's political powerhouses of USA, Russia and Britain. Engaging diplomatic and political suspense. Classic Forsyth.
February 28, 2012
One of the best books I've read. It's been about 12 years since I read it but I would go back and do it again.
February 14, 2015
As long-time readers may already remember, Frederick Forsyth originally vowed that he would only write three novels. "The Devil's Alternative" was the book via which Mr. Forsyth broke that vow, and we the aficionados of thrillers are all the richer and grateful for it!
An absolutely fantastic novel with nary a dull moment. Yes, it was written in 1979 and set in the "future" date of 1982 when the Cold War was still raging and the Soviet Union was very much a real entity....yet paradoxically, in 2015 it's surprisingly relevant, given the current crisis in the Ukraine and the renewed animosities between the Ukrainians and the Russians (not to mention the increase in piracy of cargo vessels).
Fascinating and detailed insights into the late 70s/early 80s political circles and intelligence communities of the US, UK, USSR, then-West Germany, then-East Germany, the Netherlands, and Israel alike (as well as significant and well-detailed descriptions of historical and geographical landmarks of these countries). And highly-engaging and well-developed characters.
A few nitpicks here, though not enough to for me to downgrade my 5-star book rating:
--In 20/20 hindsight, The author was obviously a tad bit incorrect in his prediction that OPEC would fall apart by 1982 (p. 99), or that Leonid Brezhnev would have retire of his own accord (as opposed to dying) by 1982.
--I'm pretty sure the Soviets would've used grams instead of ounces for measuring weight
--The Soviets referred to the Second World War as "The Great Patriotic War."
-- On p. 204, he commits two firearms-related technical gaffes, neither of which I would expect from a former British military officer:
1. Using "revolver" and "automatic" interchangeably
2. He lists a 9mm Tokarev and not a 9x18 Makarov as the KGB sidearm."
--If I'm not mistaken, the Israelis refer to their Head of State as "Prime Minister" as opposed to "Premier."
But enough nitpicking! Enjoy this excellent novel!
Regarding certain characters, I get the impression that Mr. Forsyth based them at least partially on real-life historical figures: for example, U.S. President William Matthews = Jimmy Carter, U.S. National Security Advisor Stanislaw Poklewski = Zbigniew Brezezinski, and UK Prime Minster Carpenter = Margaret Thatcher?
Also, how ironic that one of the hard-line Soviet characters, Marshal Kerensky, shares his surname with a real-life Russian democrat who fell victim to the Bolshevik Revolution of 1917.
Favorite lines:
--"But he knew this front entrance was for congressmen, senators, **and other undesirables.**" [emphasis added](p. 146) Haha, good one!
--"You Scotch, Mr. Munro?" "Scottish, yes." "I'm Irish. You a Catholic?" "A what?" "A Catholic, for chrissake." "No, Church of Scotland." "Jesus, twenty years in the United States Air Force and I get to chauffeur a Scottish Protestant." (pp. 422-423) LOL! As a Catholic of Scots-Irish descent, I find this especially amusing.
Partial hypothetical Casting Call (had this movie been made in the 1980s when these actors were in their prime):
--Roger Moore as Adam Munro
--Robert Brown ("M" in five of the 007 films) as Sir Nigel Irvine, head of MI6
--Michael Gough (Alfred Pennyworth in the 1989 version of "Batman") as Sir Julian
--John Rhys-Davies as Soviet Premier Rudin
--Steven Berkoff as Yefrem Vishnayev
--Joss Ackland as Marshal Kerensky
--Walter Gotell (KGB General Gogol in several 007 films) as Soviet Foreign Minister Dmitri Rykov
--Ed O'Ross (played ruthless Georgian mobster Viktor Rostavili in the Schwarzenegger film "Red Heat") as Chavadze the Georgian)
--Curt Jürgens as West German Chancellor Busch
--Jack Watson (RSM Sandy Young in "The Wild Geese" and Cpl. Peacock in "The Devil's Brigade") as British Royal Marine Col. Holmes
--Richard Harris as British Royal Marine Major Fallon
--Shane Rimmer (American submarine skipper CDR Carter in "The Spy Who Loved Me") as USAF Col. O'Sullivan
--Anthony Peck (Executive Officer of the USS Dallas in "The Hunt for Red October") as LCDR Chuck Olsen, USN, gunnery officer of the USS Moran
An absolutely fantastic novel with nary a dull moment. Yes, it was written in 1979 and set in the "future" date of 1982 when the Cold War was still raging and the Soviet Union was very much a real entity....yet paradoxically, in 2015 it's surprisingly relevant, given the current crisis in the Ukraine and the renewed animosities between the Ukrainians and the Russians (not to mention the increase in piracy of cargo vessels).
Fascinating and detailed insights into the late 70s/early 80s political circles and intelligence communities of the US, UK, USSR, then-West Germany, then-East Germany, the Netherlands, and Israel alike (as well as significant and well-detailed descriptions of historical and geographical landmarks of these countries). And highly-engaging and well-developed characters.
A few nitpicks here, though not enough to for me to downgrade my 5-star book rating:
--In 20/20 hindsight, The author was obviously a tad bit incorrect in his prediction that OPEC would fall apart by 1982 (p. 99), or that Leonid Brezhnev would have retire of his own accord (as opposed to dying) by 1982.
--I'm pretty sure the Soviets would've used grams instead of ounces for measuring weight
--The Soviets referred to the Second World War as "The Great Patriotic War."
-- On p. 204, he commits two firearms-related technical gaffes, neither of which I would expect from a former British military officer:
1. Using "revolver" and "automatic" interchangeably
2. He lists a 9mm Tokarev and not a 9x18 Makarov as the KGB sidearm."
--If I'm not mistaken, the Israelis refer to their Head of State as "Prime Minister" as opposed to "Premier."
But enough nitpicking! Enjoy this excellent novel!
Regarding certain characters, I get the impression that Mr. Forsyth based them at least partially on real-life historical figures: for example, U.S. President William Matthews = Jimmy Carter, U.S. National Security Advisor Stanislaw Poklewski = Zbigniew Brezezinski, and UK Prime Minster Carpenter = Margaret Thatcher?
Also, how ironic that one of the hard-line Soviet characters, Marshal Kerensky, shares his surname with a real-life Russian democrat who fell victim to the Bolshevik Revolution of 1917.
Favorite lines:
--"But he knew this front entrance was for congressmen, senators, **and other undesirables.**" [emphasis added](p. 146) Haha, good one!
--"You Scotch, Mr. Munro?" "Scottish, yes." "I'm Irish. You a Catholic?" "A what?" "A Catholic, for chrissake." "No, Church of Scotland." "Jesus, twenty years in the United States Air Force and I get to chauffeur a Scottish Protestant." (pp. 422-423) LOL! As a Catholic of Scots-Irish descent, I find this especially amusing.
Partial hypothetical Casting Call (had this movie been made in the 1980s when these actors were in their prime):
--Roger Moore as Adam Munro
--Robert Brown ("M" in five of the 007 films) as Sir Nigel Irvine, head of MI6
--Michael Gough (Alfred Pennyworth in the 1989 version of "Batman") as Sir Julian
--John Rhys-Davies as Soviet Premier Rudin
--Steven Berkoff as Yefrem Vishnayev
--Joss Ackland as Marshal Kerensky
--Walter Gotell (KGB General Gogol in several 007 films) as Soviet Foreign Minister Dmitri Rykov
--Ed O'Ross (played ruthless Georgian mobster Viktor Rostavili in the Schwarzenegger film "Red Heat") as Chavadze the Georgian)
--Curt Jürgens as West German Chancellor Busch
--Jack Watson (RSM Sandy Young in "The Wild Geese" and Cpl. Peacock in "The Devil's Brigade") as British Royal Marine Col. Holmes
--Richard Harris as British Royal Marine Major Fallon
--Shane Rimmer (American submarine skipper CDR Carter in "The Spy Who Loved Me") as USAF Col. O'Sullivan
--Anthony Peck (Executive Officer of the USS Dallas in "The Hunt for Red October") as LCDR Chuck Olsen, USN, gunnery officer of the USS Moran
September 19, 2018
Quite a remarkable story within a story that is both moving and overwhelming.
On their way to celebrate a famous horse festival in Siena, Italy, an American couple seek shade and rest in a secluded courtyard.
Having twisted her ankle the lady needs to somehow bandage her joint or limp back to the car having missed the annual event they had travelled especially to witness.
They are approached by a man who they had not previously seen. He begins to tell them this story relating to the space they are now sitting within its walls. Relating to the withdrawal of the Germans against the allied forces advancing up the foot of Italy.
At that time the courtyard was pressed into service as a field hospital and when the Germans pulled out the casualties left were not expected to see another day dawn.
The story is the miraculous tale of a young German surgeon who worked tirelessly through the night.
When morning came not one of the soldiers had succumbed to their wounds; he attributes the Miracle to a young girl who cared for each man. Dressing their wounds, providing water and lifting them up in prayer.
The German is this storyteller who now returns on each anniversary to tend the garden and acknowledge the divine in the preservation of life that night.
The couple are mesmerised by the account and grateful he has attended to the twisted ankle. Taken up in the wonderful things that happened in this actual place they ask if he ever found out about the mysterious young woman who assisted that night.
From a writer who knows how to tell great stories we have four threads of a story that challenges your faith and readiness to believe in Miracles.
On their way to celebrate a famous horse festival in Siena, Italy, an American couple seek shade and rest in a secluded courtyard.
Having twisted her ankle the lady needs to somehow bandage her joint or limp back to the car having missed the annual event they had travelled especially to witness.
They are approached by a man who they had not previously seen. He begins to tell them this story relating to the space they are now sitting within its walls. Relating to the withdrawal of the Germans against the allied forces advancing up the foot of Italy.
At that time the courtyard was pressed into service as a field hospital and when the Germans pulled out the casualties left were not expected to see another day dawn.
The story is the miraculous tale of a young German surgeon who worked tirelessly through the night.
When morning came not one of the soldiers had succumbed to their wounds; he attributes the Miracle to a young girl who cared for each man. Dressing their wounds, providing water and lifting them up in prayer.
The German is this storyteller who now returns on each anniversary to tend the garden and acknowledge the divine in the preservation of life that night.
The couple are mesmerised by the account and grateful he has attended to the twisted ankle. Taken up in the wonderful things that happened in this actual place they ask if he ever found out about the mysterious young woman who assisted that night.
From a writer who knows how to tell great stories we have four threads of a story that challenges your faith and readiness to believe in Miracles.
April 4, 2012
Set in the Cold War era, this is a thriller with a plot rivalling Ludlum in its scope but vastly superior in terms of realism & believability. Faced with a looming famine crisis, the USSR is in tough negotiations with the US over import of food grains & arms-reduction concessions. As the different protagonists and conspirators on both sides indulge in power struggles threatening the outcome of the negotiations, a group of Ukrainian nationalists end up almost sabotaging them through their own, independent actions. About four different story-lines start independently in the book and converge logically in the plot's climax.
Forsyth's fascinating research into history and geography, weaponry, diplomacy and espionage, make his books not only fictional thrillers but loaded with sufficient true facts to also make them textbooks. The Devil's Alternative offers an inside look at Russia's Politburo and international diplomacy in a credible style, which is different from the far-fetched norm of other thriller writers. Also, the tendency of some other equally well-researched writers to delve into factual details can be irritating in drawing the reader away from the momentum of the story, but I found Forsyth to maintain that delicate balance quite well.
To conclude, I would rate this as one of Forsyth's best books, and one of the better thrillers I've read in quite some time.
Forsyth's fascinating research into history and geography, weaponry, diplomacy and espionage, make his books not only fictional thrillers but loaded with sufficient true facts to also make them textbooks. The Devil's Alternative offers an inside look at Russia's Politburo and international diplomacy in a credible style, which is different from the far-fetched norm of other thriller writers. Also, the tendency of some other equally well-researched writers to delve into factual details can be irritating in drawing the reader away from the momentum of the story, but I found Forsyth to maintain that delicate balance quite well.
To conclude, I would rate this as one of Forsyth's best books, and one of the better thrillers I've read in quite some time.
November 19, 2023
19th November 2023
4 Stars
The Devil's Alternative by Frederick Forsyth.
->This one's for you Glennie! 💗📖📚🙏
5th January 2019
Frederick Forsyth novels were a familiar fixture in our household when I was growing up, as both my parents loved his work. He was amongst the first ‘adult’ reads that I was drawn to at the time. So, my love affair with his books began, and over the years I have read everything he’s written- keeping up with any new release/s.
As my mother has been in and out of hospital quite a lot over the past year and a half, I am keeping her supplied with books to read, and buddy reading them with her, or reading them to her when she isn’t well enough to read for herself. We have gotten through quite a lot of books in this time and it has been wonderful to discuss each one with her as we read/finish. It has been a great bonding experience for us, and Mr. Forsyth is our current author of choice- and we have both really enjoyed revisiting all his books, again.
Mr. Forsyth has a great knack for writing wonderfully suspenseful and exciting read, there is always great tension, action, drama, some danger, intrigue, and lots more to hold your attention. I can always count on him to deliver an intriguing read.
4 Stars
The Devil's Alternative by Frederick Forsyth.
->This one's for you Glennie! 💗📖📚🙏
5th January 2019
Frederick Forsyth novels were a familiar fixture in our household when I was growing up, as both my parents loved his work. He was amongst the first ‘adult’ reads that I was drawn to at the time. So, my love affair with his books began, and over the years I have read everything he’s written- keeping up with any new release/s.
As my mother has been in and out of hospital quite a lot over the past year and a half, I am keeping her supplied with books to read, and buddy reading them with her, or reading them to her when she isn’t well enough to read for herself. We have gotten through quite a lot of books in this time and it has been wonderful to discuss each one with her as we read/finish. It has been a great bonding experience for us, and Mr. Forsyth is our current author of choice- and we have both really enjoyed revisiting all his books, again.
Mr. Forsyth has a great knack for writing wonderfully suspenseful and exciting read, there is always great tension, action, drama, some danger, intrigue, and lots more to hold your attention. I can always count on him to deliver an intriguing read.
September 15, 2022
Another one of Forsyth's classics. A political thriller novel of global events set during the last decade of the cold war.
The book starts by highlighting an agricultural disaster that has happened in USSR (fictional, obviously) and their plans to remedy the situation. US finds out about it on their own accord and is planning to salvage the situation to their benefit. A bunch of Ukrainians are planning to commit an action that can have ripple effects for the global geopolitics. Once the wheels are set in motion, it becomes a hostage situation. From there, the story is set in real time, more or less.
This is my second Frederick Forsyth book. I was expecting a good world building and interesting details that mixes fact and fiction to provide a smooth flow of a story, and I was not disappointed. The first half of the book is clear world building. Once the stakes are established, second half is the hostage situation with global consequences told in real time. It might feel dated due to the time and setting it was written in (early '80s), it still is a fun read. Just not a plain espionage book as I was expecting it to be.
Would recommend if you are into these kind of books.
The book starts by highlighting an agricultural disaster that has happened in USSR (fictional, obviously) and their plans to remedy the situation. US finds out about it on their own accord and is planning to salvage the situation to their benefit. A bunch of Ukrainians are planning to commit an action that can have ripple effects for the global geopolitics. Once the wheels are set in motion, it becomes a hostage situation. From there, the story is set in real time, more or less.
This is my second Frederick Forsyth book. I was expecting a good world building and interesting details that mixes fact and fiction to provide a smooth flow of a story, and I was not disappointed. The first half of the book is clear world building. Once the stakes are established, second half is the hostage situation with global consequences told in real time. It might feel dated due to the time and setting it was written in (early '80s), it still is a fun read. Just not a plain espionage book as I was expecting it to be.
Would recommend if you are into these kind of books.
October 27, 2014
This was one of the most exciting books I've ever read! It's a Cold War story about the US versus the Soviet Union, mixed in with some Ukrainian nationalists bent on raising hell in Russia and upsetting world events as a result. We've got the CIA. We have the Politburo. We have the world's wheat production, which -- when I first started reading this -- I thought was going to be boring, but actually turns out to be essential to the plot. We have weapons reductions. We have war plans. We have super tankers and terrorists. We have romance. I could go on and on. And Forsyth doesn't go into his usual excruciating 100 page detail on the planning of an assassination or hostage taking like he normally does. In this book, the head of the KGB is killed -- in one page! Amazing. No details at all. I loved it. Talk about a real departure for the author. Of course, there is planning, yes, but none of the mind numbing lengthy stuff that bores the average reader to death with so many of his novels. This is a real page turner. I couldn't recommend it more.
January 19, 2012
This one started out reading more as a Tom Clancy-style thriller than the other Forsyth books I've read. All "Soviet-Union-plans-to-overthrow-the-West-using-brute-force-and-only-one-spy-can-stop-him!" sort of thing. Then at the half-way point it got rather interesting and quite tense for a couple of hundred pages. Then it got silly at the end. Shame. I really enjoyed that middle section. Still, a superior writer in the genre. Rated MA for adult themes and some violence. 3.5/5
October 20, 2014
-Thriller potente.-
Género. Novela.
Lo que nos cuenta. En 1982, la combinación de una muy mala cosecha en la URSS con los efectos perniciosos de un pesticida en cuya producción hubo una grave falla, deja a los soviéticos frente a una futura hambruna. La posible negociación de compra de los excedentes de grano de Norteamérica podría implicar contrapartidas geoestratégicas que los líderes de la URSS no están dispuestos a admitir, por lo que se empieza a hablar en el Politburó de una operación para invadir Europa Occidental. Las vidas de un terrorista que lucha por la independencia de Ucrania, la de un agente de inteligencia británico en Moscú y la de un capitán de marina mercante noruego especializado en petroleros de gran tamaño, junto a la de otros muchos personajes, se irán cruzando de una u otra forma.
¿Quiere saber más de este libro, sin spoilers? Visite:
http://librosdeolethros.blogspot.com/...
Género. Novela.
Lo que nos cuenta. En 1982, la combinación de una muy mala cosecha en la URSS con los efectos perniciosos de un pesticida en cuya producción hubo una grave falla, deja a los soviéticos frente a una futura hambruna. La posible negociación de compra de los excedentes de grano de Norteamérica podría implicar contrapartidas geoestratégicas que los líderes de la URSS no están dispuestos a admitir, por lo que se empieza a hablar en el Politburó de una operación para invadir Europa Occidental. Las vidas de un terrorista que lucha por la independencia de Ucrania, la de un agente de inteligencia británico en Moscú y la de un capitán de marina mercante noruego especializado en petroleros de gran tamaño, junto a la de otros muchos personajes, se irán cruzando de una u otra forma.
¿Quiere saber más de este libro, sin spoilers? Visite:
http://librosdeolethros.blogspot.com/...
September 11, 2014
Oh what do I think about this book?? Well, I was lucky enough to squeeze out two stars in my rating of it when in all honesty it deserves much less. Several times I really just wanted to give up on this and move on to something else but the completest in me forced myself to finish this book nearly a month later.
Forsyth makes one huge mistake right off the bat in this one by introducing the reader to an endless stream of characters. That alone had my head spinning. People were dying, who they were is still beyond me. Occasionally I would be like, "Oh hey, that's a familiar name". I felt nothing for any of these characters.
There is supposedly a famine that is striking Russia and the US is willing to help out the country but the Ukrainians want to stand in the way. I dunno. Something about them taking over a tanker that has many foreigners on it and all the world's leaders are trying to save a couple men off this tanker and prevent the Ukrainians from dumping massive amounts of crude oil into the sea. I just have no earthly idea what I just read other than some mind-murdering book about Russian famine and terrorists.
Hope that if anyone plans to read this train-wreck that they can make out more than I was able to. Some of the other reviews I read about this book was quite promising but I guess I'm just not with the majority on this. Epic Fail!
Forsyth makes one huge mistake right off the bat in this one by introducing the reader to an endless stream of characters. That alone had my head spinning. People were dying, who they were is still beyond me. Occasionally I would be like, "Oh hey, that's a familiar name". I felt nothing for any of these characters.
There is supposedly a famine that is striking Russia and the US is willing to help out the country but the Ukrainians want to stand in the way. I dunno. Something about them taking over a tanker that has many foreigners on it and all the world's leaders are trying to save a couple men off this tanker and prevent the Ukrainians from dumping massive amounts of crude oil into the sea. I just have no earthly idea what I just read other than some mind-murdering book about Russian famine and terrorists.
Hope that if anyone plans to read this train-wreck that they can make out more than I was able to. Some of the other reviews I read about this book was quite promising but I guess I'm just not with the majority on this. Epic Fail!
December 10, 2011
What can I say about the author Fredrick Forsyth. He is a master storyteller who combines fact with fiction in his writing. He is one of my favorite authors and consistantly writes books that will hold your attention with many twists and turns.
The story takes place in the late 70's early 80's. The story is a prelude to the cold war era. A political intrigue novel that threatens disastrous results worldwide, with a surprise ending. The book is a very interesting read and you will not be disappointed. I would recommend this book.
The story takes place in the late 70's early 80's. The story is a prelude to the cold war era. A political intrigue novel that threatens disastrous results worldwide, with a surprise ending. The book is a very interesting read and you will not be disappointed. I would recommend this book.
January 30, 2020
Superbly written and Outstanding. This book is like a riddle or a game of chess and Forsyth uncovers it for us through maze of events, people, attacks, counter attacks, interception and deception. Read through the end and you would bow to Forsyth.
March 17, 2020
Oh God! I was so absorbed by the story it almost got me! La claque!
Thanks Hitessh buddy for the recommendation!
Thanks Hitessh buddy for the recommendation!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 6, 2022
A forgotten book lying on my shelf, picked up casually, but unbelievably appropriate in view of the Russian invasion of Ukraine taking place right now. At times, I wondered if it was fiction or reality that my mind was taking in. Set in the early eighties, it is the story of young Ukrainians, born in the U.K., Canada and other parts of the world, but passionate about the land of their fathers, out to avenge the brutal suppression of their people, and determined to strike for freedom. And strike they do! The World’s largest Supertanker, the Freya, on her maiden voyage is approaching Europort on the Maas Estuary with a cargo of one million tons of oil, when she is highjacked with Captain and crew captured and immobilized. The demand: the freeing of two Ukranians imprisoned after a failed aircraft highjack; the Threat: oil spillage of unbelievable proportions, which could destroy the North Sea fishing grounds, as well as the Freya and her crew. The political machinations of the major powers, the often, disastrous ramifications of siding with the right cause tie the hands of the players, until the protagonist Adam Munro, erstwhile Instructor at the British Secret Intelligence Services, comes up with the “Devil’s Alternative”.
December 2, 2020
9/10 en 2012.
Como casi todo lo que he leído de él, efectivo 100%. Te atrapa con esta historia de la guerra fría, al menos a mí.
Aquí unos terroristas secuestran un superpetrolero y está a punto de liarse otra guerra mundial entre las superpotencias. Hoy suena típico, en el 79 era algo muy caliente.
Como casi todo lo que he leído de él, efectivo 100%. Te atrapa con esta historia de la guerra fría, al menos a mí.
Aquí unos terroristas secuestran un superpetrolero y está a punto de liarse otra guerra mundial entre las superpotencias. Hoy suena típico, en el 79 era algo muy caliente.
July 18, 2015
'Whichever option I choose, men are going to die.' This is the Devil's Alternative, an appalling choice facing the president of the USA and other statesmen throughout the world. A very good premise. Moral dilemma. Something like Arjuna faced in the Kurukshetra on start of great war of Mahabharata. Krishna gave him ultimate gyan i.e. Geeta. Very enjoyable page turner.
October 17, 2018
now i am hooked. This was such a great, easy and creative book. i was hooked after the first page.
The characters were easy to fall in love with and follow, along with the story. the author made the mental visions so easy and vivid of the surroundings and the characters actions felt so real.
i would highly recommend this author and this book.
The characters were easy to fall in love with and follow, along with the story. the author made the mental visions so easy and vivid of the surroundings and the characters actions felt so real.
i would highly recommend this author and this book.
August 7, 2023
The detailing of the characters was great. The parallel stories kept me engaged. Lots of suspenses and twists. It excels in the spy genre. The more I think about the novel, the more I tend to appreciate its beauty. The way the story unravels slowly but at the same time engaging, shows the craftmanship of the author.
June 18, 2012
The best ending I ever discovered in novel.
June 17, 2014
With all of those 5 star ratings... I just could not get into this book. Quit at page 53.
September 14, 2016
Nothing except the weather is ever quite what it appears in Russia.
January 7, 2017
Great plot, filled with mystery & action, could not put the book down until I finished it!
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