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The Unknown Soldier
Hidden in the empty vastness of the world’s greatest desert – the Empty Quarter of Saudi Arabia – a tiny caravan of fugitives and camels moves painfully slowly towards its goal. In extreme heat and exposed to vicious storms, only the strongest and most determined men will survive. Deep in the sands, lost from sight, is the leadership of Al Qaeda, hunted, pursued and regrouping to strike again.
Among the Bedouin and Arabs of the caravan, one man stands out. His strength, self-discipline and leadership mark him. He is an Outsider. To look into his face and memorize it is to court death. His identity is masked, his past is blanked from his memory. To him, the leadership is his only family, and his loyalty to the family is total.
Searching for him in the limitless sands and dunes are American and British experts in counter-terrorism with a full range of sophisticated electronics at hand. Above him, the unmanned Predator aircraft, invisible in the cloudless skies, carries the Hellfire missiles. But if they fail to find and kill him, if he reaches his family and receives his orders, the Outsider will disappear again, before re-emerging in a teeming western city with a suitcase that will create havoc when it is detonated.
448 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2004
10 people are currently reading
242 people want to read
About the author
Gerald Seymour
98 books284 followersGerald Seymour (born 25 November 1941 in Guildford, Surrey) is a British writer.
The son of two literary figures, he was educated at Kelly College at Tavistock in Devon and took a BA Hons degree in Modern History at University College London. Initially a journalist, he joined ITN in 1963, covering such topics as the Great Train Robbery, Vietnam, Ireland, the Munich Olympics massacre, Germany's Red Army, Italy's Red Brigades and Palestinian militant groups. His first book, Harry's Game, was published in 1975, and Seymour then became a full-time novelist, living in the West Country. In 1999, he featured in the Oscar-winning television film, One Day in September, which portrayed the Munich Olympics massacre.
Television adaptations have been made of his books Harry's Game, The Glory Boys, The Contract, Red Fox, Field Of Blood, A Line In The Sand and The Waiting Time.
The son of two literary figures, he was educated at Kelly College at Tavistock in Devon and took a BA Hons degree in Modern History at University College London. Initially a journalist, he joined ITN in 1963, covering such topics as the Great Train Robbery, Vietnam, Ireland, the Munich Olympics massacre, Germany's Red Army, Italy's Red Brigades and Palestinian militant groups. His first book, Harry's Game, was published in 1975, and Seymour then became a full-time novelist, living in the West Country. In 1999, he featured in the Oscar-winning television film, One Day in September, which portrayed the Munich Olympics massacre.
Television adaptations have been made of his books Harry's Game, The Glory Boys, The Contract, Red Fox, Field Of Blood, A Line In The Sand and The Waiting Time.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
January 21, 2020
A lot of people seem to hate this book, a novel of the early days of the Bush-era war on terror, with complaints about the long, endless scenes in the desert being common, but it has always been one of my favorites by this author and it features one of his most compelling characters.
Caleb is a Briton who has become radicalized and traveled to Afghanistan to join the Taliban's brigade of foreign fighters. Then comes 9/11, and Caleb is captured and delivered to Guantanamo Bay, where, for years, he maintains his cover story as a simple, innocent taxi driver until he is released.
Now, he joins an al-Qaeda caravan for a long and dangerous trek across the vast Empty Quarter desert. His destination is a meeting in Saudi Arabia with al-Qaeda leaders, who will give him a suitcase WMD for an attack in Europe, where, due to his true identity, he can infiltrate without suspicion. Pursuing him are an American DIA interrogator from Guantanamo (who would have vetoed Caleb's release had he not been away on leave), American drone operators searching the desert with Predators, and MI6 intelligence officers in Riyadh.
writes vivid descriptions of Caleb's long journey across the desert. These scenes are both tedious and fascinating as Seymour puts your right there in the caravan. And then there are the bleak flashbacks to Caleb's experiences as a detainee of the Americans, and gradual insight into his background and his absolute devotion to his cause. Those hunting him, who are overworked and under staffed, must contend with bureaucratic politics, inter-agency rivalries, petty personal conflicts, and a sense of diminishing morale.
Seymour wonderfully draws all of his characters. His books read largely like a documentary, providing excruciatingly detailed insight into the actions and perspectives of each character, but he makes no moral judgements about their goals or choice of cause, leaving that up to the reader. Despite the almost intimate level of detail into the characters, Seymour's narrative voice always remains coldly detached and objective.
A bleak and slow going novel (I hesitate to use the word thriller) of gradually escalating drama and tension, and well worth reading if you have the patience for Seymour's writing style.
Also, worth noting, is that Seymour's depictions of American drone operations contain a number of inaccuracies. However, he wrote this book in 2003. At that time, details of the intricacies of drone operations weren't widely available, and even mainstream media published a number of erroneous information. Seymour goes back to American drones in "jericho's War" and presents a more accurate portrayal.
Caleb is a Briton who has become radicalized and traveled to Afghanistan to join the Taliban's brigade of foreign fighters. Then comes 9/11, and Caleb is captured and delivered to Guantanamo Bay, where, for years, he maintains his cover story as a simple, innocent taxi driver until he is released.
Now, he joins an al-Qaeda caravan for a long and dangerous trek across the vast Empty Quarter desert. His destination is a meeting in Saudi Arabia with al-Qaeda leaders, who will give him a suitcase WMD for an attack in Europe, where, due to his true identity, he can infiltrate without suspicion. Pursuing him are an American DIA interrogator from Guantanamo (who would have vetoed Caleb's release had he not been away on leave), American drone operators searching the desert with Predators, and MI6 intelligence officers in Riyadh.
writes vivid descriptions of Caleb's long journey across the desert. These scenes are both tedious and fascinating as Seymour puts your right there in the caravan. And then there are the bleak flashbacks to Caleb's experiences as a detainee of the Americans, and gradual insight into his background and his absolute devotion to his cause. Those hunting him, who are overworked and under staffed, must contend with bureaucratic politics, inter-agency rivalries, petty personal conflicts, and a sense of diminishing morale.
Seymour wonderfully draws all of his characters. His books read largely like a documentary, providing excruciatingly detailed insight into the actions and perspectives of each character, but he makes no moral judgements about their goals or choice of cause, leaving that up to the reader. Despite the almost intimate level of detail into the characters, Seymour's narrative voice always remains coldly detached and objective.
A bleak and slow going novel (I hesitate to use the word thriller) of gradually escalating drama and tension, and well worth reading if you have the patience for Seymour's writing style.
Also, worth noting, is that Seymour's depictions of American drone operations contain a number of inaccuracies. However, he wrote this book in 2003. At that time, details of the intricacies of drone operations weren't widely available, and even mainstream media published a number of erroneous information. Seymour goes back to American drones in "jericho's War" and presents a more accurate portrayal.
April 6, 2012
When the "F" word is used 5 times in the prolog it's not worth continuing.
February 9, 2014
Too many characters and places which gets bit confusing at times, very enjoyable to read otherwise.
December 17, 2021
Gerald Seymour is a master of the psychological thriller, building his main characters in such a way that we root for them, be they heroes or villains.
There is none of the usual bravado one finds in American thrillers of the same ilk, but rather, a reluctance on the part of the main protagonist to be part of something bigger and more important. Once they commit, however, they doggedly pursue the goal, regardless of the obstacles. The Unknown Soldier was the first Seymour story I read. I was mesmerized and did not put it down until I was finished. It prompted me to read the whole of his oeuvre, with many being of the same caliber.
The Unknown Soldier tells the story of an unknown future terrorist, focused on getting through the desert in order to fulfill the task he was assigned. Such a simple premise could make for dull reading, but the story unfolds in such a way that I kept wanting to know what would happen on the next page. The young man speaks little, endures whatever comes his way, and even when American and British intelligence are in pursuit, he does not deviate from the chosen path. The ending is unusual and satisfying in its own way.
A most satisfying read.
There is none of the usual bravado one finds in American thrillers of the same ilk, but rather, a reluctance on the part of the main protagonist to be part of something bigger and more important. Once they commit, however, they doggedly pursue the goal, regardless of the obstacles. The Unknown Soldier was the first Seymour story I read. I was mesmerized and did not put it down until I was finished. It prompted me to read the whole of his oeuvre, with many being of the same caliber.
The Unknown Soldier tells the story of an unknown future terrorist, focused on getting through the desert in order to fulfill the task he was assigned. Such a simple premise could make for dull reading, but the story unfolds in such a way that I kept wanting to know what would happen on the next page. The young man speaks little, endures whatever comes his way, and even when American and British intelligence are in pursuit, he does not deviate from the chosen path. The ending is unusual and satisfying in its own way.
A most satisfying read.
October 17, 2013
The Unknown Soldier, my first Gerald Seymour book, really exceeded my exceptions. The characters are very finely crafted, and are used to enhance the plot in a suspenseful manner. The storyline switches perspectives from characters often, which I strongly prefer when reading thrillers, because I enjoy predicting how multiple perspectives will unexpectedly conclude. Especially in this novel due to the anti-hero's extreme devotion to journey across the Rub' al Khali for his "family"(Al Qaeda). Also The main setting is impressively daunting, the Rub'al Khali, or in English the Empty Quarter, is the largest sand desert, imagine being surrounded by 250,000 square miles of sand dunes with the scorching sun high overhead.I really anticipate reading Gerald Seymour's detailed prose knowing that I will be able to learn something about other places and cultures.It takes some time to get accustomed to the author's precise style, however it allows the background to become even more intriguing. This book is a genuine thriller and disturbingly topical.
December 10, 2011
I have always liked Gerald Seymour. He has stayed close to the top of the thriller game for some while now (close to 40 years in fact) and never delivers a bad book. In the middle of his career his characters sometimes seemed a little too similar; doomed hero with no friends, seeking one last chance at redemption etc..
These characters are, some extent, present here but altogether more nuanced than before and altogether more satisfying. We have the classic Seymour high tension, slow burn, build of a pursuit, but this time it is using technology ripped from today's headlines and described with more authority and credibility than the alleged master of the subject, Tom Clancy, can manage. There is also an interesting interpersonal dynamic between members the Al Quaeda team on the ground.
The conclusion is not cut and dried and leaves the reader wondering a little
These characters are, some extent, present here but altogether more nuanced than before and altogether more satisfying. We have the classic Seymour high tension, slow burn, build of a pursuit, but this time it is using technology ripped from today's headlines and described with more authority and credibility than the alleged master of the subject, Tom Clancy, can manage. There is also an interesting interpersonal dynamic between members the Al Quaeda team on the ground.
The conclusion is not cut and dried and leaves the reader wondering a little
November 6, 2011
Interesting but unsatisfying. It often felt like a chore to read, and I don't feel like it paid off.
November 4, 2011
Lean, tense,but descriptive prose. I would have given this four or five stars if I were not so uneasy about using an Al Quaeda terrorist for a hero.
January 17, 2020
A masterly thriller that does not disappoint.
January 27, 2025
Well written character driven novel. A look at the possible thoughts of those we see as evil people who kill others with suicide bombs.
Felt a bit far fetched at one point but I think that can be forgiven in trying to show another side to the tradegy of humans killing each other over religion.
Felt a bit far fetched at one point but I think that can be forgiven in trying to show another side to the tradegy of humans killing each other over religion.
March 27, 2019
A while since I last read a Seymour, took me a little while to get back into his style. Pretty decent idea, wasn't totally sure I understood the motivations of those involved.
October 14, 2019
One of my 12 best mysteries read in 2005.
June 27, 2020
That was a terribly long walk for a very short journey.
January 18, 2021
I am becoming a fan of Gerald Seymour. His stories are believable and very exciting to read.
September 19, 2021
A tedious slog through a desert.
March 11, 2023
Slow build and to be honest I wanted to give up on this book so many times that I'd leave it and come back to it every so often But glad I kept with it as page turning can't put down finish
September 21, 2023
I rarely use all 5 stars. This was comprehensively deserved for the research, the detail, characterisation, intricate plotting. And consummate storytelling. Ant the authorial voice is so distinctive, so strong, so unique. What a writer. I didn’t want to think about Guantanamo, terrorism, hate, brutality but I couldn’t put the book down. Why? The sheer skill & unique weaving of a story which was also about humanity, weakness, strength, tenderness, love. I could never have believed that a chase across The Empty Quarter and the impact of a hostile, unrelenting environment could be so gripping. It was simply brilliant! Quite brilliant. Read it I urge you…
February 18, 2014
Gerald Seymour has to be one of my favorite authors, but, I am sorry to say, The Unknown Soldier is flawed in so very many ways and nothing close to the authors best work. I was plodding along half way through and struggling to connect with the key characters which is unusual for me and the second half of the book faired no better. Sorry Gerald, I am reading 'Rat Run' now and its a way better book!!
December 1, 2013
This is a cleverly built up tale that steadily increases in pace. It is thought provoking and will stay in my memory for a long while. The desert itself is well described and a powerful part of the story. I liked this book very much. It surprised me.
January 22, 2016
Good basic chase story. The author uses different threads, only bringing them all together at the end. Home grown would be terrorist, nerdy drone operators, underappreciated Gitmo interrogator, diplomatic & bureaucratic machinations.
July 21, 2016
I have been hooked on Gerald Seymour's books ever since I read Harry's Game. I have to confess that I thought he went through a very brief period of trotting out a formula, but whatever the reality and my perceptions, I think that The Unknown Soldier is one of his best works.
July 28, 2010
Seymour is one of my favorite authors. He has a dept that most authors don't possess.
August 6, 2011
Modern story about Al Qaeda terrorism. Quite good.
September 16, 2011
One of the scariest books I have ever read.
June 13, 2014
Interesting and yet scary story. Close enough to today's truth to be, yet not. Or is it? Nice read following several story lines that converge towards the end. An end which will leave you........
October 1, 2012
a very good read. DRONES V TERRORIST.
February 25, 2013
Interesting spy fiction.
May 28, 2013
I found it a chore to read. Lucky I was reading another book.
July 14, 2015
Excellent storyteller. First time I have read Seymour. Currently finishing " Holding The Zero ".
November 20, 2015
Would have been five stars for the plot, style, and enjoyment. However, he did not make much of mystery.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews