ASESINO OBEDIENTE, EL

by John P. Davidson

A dark and riveting thriller that reimagines the life and mission of the Spanish nationalist enlisted to murder Leon Based on a true chapter of world history and ten years of research, here is the story of the real-life reluctant soldier and killer, Ramón Mercader—the obedient assassinRamón Mercader was plucked from the front of the Spanish Civil War by the Soviets and conscripted to murder the great in­tellectual Leon Trotsky, a leader of the Bolshevik Revolution who was exiled in the 1920s for opposing Joseph Stalin.As Ramón is trained for the task and assumes a new identity, he lives a lush life in Paris, befriending Frida Kahlo and other artists of the time. He falls in love with a left-leaning Jewish woman whom he is ordered to seduce as a means of getting at Trotsky.From Barcelona to Paris and New York to Mexico City, the group controlling Ramón—including Ramón’s mother and her lover—guides the assassin on the inevitable resolution of his grim task as he must penetrate Trotsky’s compound.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Historical, Spain, Fiction, Russia, Thriller

Paperback

First published December 14, 2013

About the author

Librarian's note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

John P. Davidson is the author of the front-page story of the upcoming January 2014 issue of Harper’s Magazine. He began writing for Texas Monthly in 1976, and in 1980 published the expose, The Long Road North (Doubleday). He subsequently received a NEA grant and the Penney-Missouri Prize for Excellence in Journalism. He has held senior editorial positions at The Atlanta Journal Constitution, Texas Monthly, Vanity Fair, and the San Antonio Express-News. He edited Texas Architect and writes frequently about culture, society and politics. As a freelance writer, he has contributed to GQ, Fortune, Mirabella, Elle, House & Garden, Preservation, and Mexico Business. He taught English at the Universidad Catolica de Puerto Rico, and has been a guest lecturer at the University of the Americas in Cholula, Mexico.

Reviews

[Bettie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bettie's Books

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This novel begins in the Spanish Civil War, when Lieutenant Ramon Mercader is a young man of twenty two. He is in the thick of the fighting when his mother, Caridad, appears to whisk him off to Paris for a special mission. Ramon’s brother, Pablo, has recently been murdered for disobeying orders and so Ramon is understandably aware that there is little Caridad to do to protect him. Ramon’s mother is a Russian agent, utterly loyal to Stalin and Ramon is wanted to infiltrate Trotsky’s followers, who are visiting Paris for a conference. Trotsky was exiled from Russia in the 1920’s and is seen as an enemy of the Party. Ramon is given a false identity and told to befriend Sylvia Ageloff, a wealthy American Jewess, whose family are known to visit Trotsky in his Mexican hideaway. Thus begins a web of intrigue, in which Ramon, renamed Jacques, begins an affair with the highly political, intellectual Sylvia.

This novel is based on a true story. Ramon Mercader was the Spanish nationalist, enlisted to assassinate Trotsky. However, this excellent novel shows the personal and tragic side to a political assassination. Ramon begins the novel as a young man – more concerned about his love affair with the lovely Lena than in his mothers political machinations. His affair with Sylvia begins as an attempt to ensnare a young woman; to make her fall in love with him so he can use her personal knowledge of Trotsky’s whereabouts. Of course, love affairs do not come without emotion and Ramon is unable to keep his personal and political lives separate. Although he is, at least at first, unquestioning; he gradually becomes aware of what will be asked for him and the terrible consequences of his actions. As he uses both Sylvia and, later, artist Frida Rivera, for information, he becomes more aware of what his mother, and those in charge of her, are asking him to do. Both Ramon and Sylvia are extremely sympathetic characters. As the novel progresses, Ramon becomes more and more unwilling to carry out the attempt on Trotsky’s life, Sylvia more suspicious and events head towards a tragedy that, even though you know it is coming, is shocking to read.

The author has done an incredible job in recreating the events surrounding the assassination of Trotsky. He has obviously done detailed and painstaking research into the people and places involved and how events unfolded. This is an extremely good novel – engrossing and fascinating. You do not need to know anything about the politics or characters involved in these events. However, it is impossible to remain unmoved by the plight of everyone concerned and it is a book which will stay with me for a long time.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book as a digital ARC from the publisher through Net Galley in return for an honest review.


This book is based on the story of Leon Trotsky assassination in Mexico.



The story begins with the Spanish revolution when the communist Ramon Mercader is convinced by the Soviets to murder Leon Trotsky .

After the death of Lenin in 1924, Joseph Stalin emerged as a leader of the Soviet Union. Even if Trotsky seems to be the heir apparent of Lenin, he lost the fight of Lenin's succession. Due to his criticism the new regime established by Stalin, Trotsky is forced to live in exile. In 1936, he finally obtained an asylum in Mexico.

The author describes the enrollment of Mercader in his mission to murder the head of the Fourth International. By arriving in Mexico he becomes a friend of Sylvia Ageloff, a rich American Jewess, whose family are known to visit Trotsky. Trotsky lived at the "Blue House" owned by the famous mexican painter Diego Rivera and his wife Frida Kahlo.



Since this book is based on a true story, the author demonstrates an extensive research work by telling the story as close as possible to the historical facts.

The book is fast-paced and it is almost impossible to stop reading once you start to be engaged in this fascinate plot.

A similar book, based on this same subject, was published in 2009: The Man Who Loved Dogs by Leonardo Padura Fuentes.

An interesting movie Frida (2002) was made based on the background's story, with Salma Hayek, Alfred Molina, Geoffrey Rush.

[Scott Stewart · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an author who does his research. The story if based off of a true story about the assassination of Trotsky during the Spanish Civil Warby Stalin. This was an intriguing historical novel and the reader can almost feel like they are there living the events. The detail is vivid, and left nothing to the imagination (in a good way). I would recommend this book to those that love historical fiction.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

My long-term interest and relationship to Mexico made this book a winner for me. Though I knew the story
of Trotskys assassination in Mexico from others' points of view, it was interesting to read this fictional version from the assassin's point of view. It was right on with respect to locations in Mexico. I could picture
myself there.

[Sshelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book! I was engaged with the main character early on and his rhythm was a pleasure to read. A bookclub read and the author came!!!!

[Fran · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Obedient Assassin: John Davidson

Sitting in a shed where the air permeates a stench that would make you sick and your clothes are so filthy you can hardly stand yourself is a young Lieutenant named Ramon Mercader. A lieutenant in the Republican Army during the Spanish Civil War, he is conscripted to become part of a sinister plot. How far would you go to better your life? How far will you go because your mother told you to do something? Leonid Trotsky has to die and Joseph Stalin had a plan to make sure that happened. Stalin’s orders were to be followed to the letter as he enlisted Mercader to infiltrate Trotsky’s organization. But, just why would he leave his horrific situation and how did his mother, Caridad convince him. Loyal to the party and standing tall, stoic and unfeeling she watched her son executed. The reasons explained but Ramon unforgiving yet having no choice but to follow Stalin’s orders. In order to get become part of Trotsky’s organization Ramon needs to recreate himself as another person. Deceptions, lies and betrayals begin to come easy to him as she slowly weaves a tapestry of a man that after a while he might not recognize. Sylvia Ageloff is the key to his success as she has access to Trotsky and supports his Fourth Directive. Careful to portray himself as someone that would not give away his real identity he takes the position of a Belgian aristocrat. Within his disguise he not only forges ahead with his goals but manages to reinvent Sylvia as well. Changing her demure appearance and convincing her to be more than just a friend he eventually gets her to become even closer and confide in him. Along with her two closest friends he manages to attend meetings related to the Fourth Directive in order to achieve his objectives. Marrying Sylvia achieves one goal and going to New York and then Mexico an a second as Ramon becomes adept at being a husband and of course a spy. At times appearing rather cold, linear and definitely austere, Ramon manages to become what his mother wants a man whose allegiances are filled with uncertainties, mixed feelings and confusion. The time period focuses on the Spanish Civil War but the assassination of Trotsky takes center stage.

Just how far did this 22-year-old Lieutenant go to achieve the goals set out for him by others? What would the ultimate price be for his loyalty? Fighting in the war led to conditions that were deplorable and when Caridad appears and takes him to Paris he has no choice but to agree. But, within the recesses of his mind he cannot forgive or forget the murder of his brother Pablo for disregarding orders. Understanding that his mother is there to protect him and is a Russian agent loyal to Stalin his job is to make sure that Trotsky’s days are numbered by becoming one of his followers and attending one of his conferences.
But, Ramon is clever and creates a persona that he thinks has fooled Sylvia yet at times many red flags pop up as she confides in her friend Marguerite about her suspicions about Jacques/Ramon and her fears that he might be a spy. Wanting to know more about is work she goes to where she thinks his office might be and is shocked at what she finds. With plans in place to raid Trotsky’s house and finally take him out, the sloppiness of the plan and the fact it goes sour makes leaves everyone on edge. Assassinations, arrests, killings, lies, deceptions and a trail of well planned out events that would make anyone suspicious the author takes readers deep inside the world of The Fourth Directive, the GPU as Ramon infiltrates more than just Trotsky’s organization but befriends a woman named Frida Rivera and her husband Diego who offered both Trotsky and his wife a safe haven in his gated home. But, the atmosphere is tense; his lies are building up, his journey to Mexico enlightening and the final result yet to come. Torn between his goals and his feelings for Sylvia, Ramon faces many unforeseen challenges in his personal and political life. Skilled at convincing his wife that all is okay, using her for information about her job, enlisting the help of artist Frida Rivera, he uses both as pawns in his mission. But, Sylvia appears to be naïve yet is not. Just what happens will bring tears to the reader’s eyes and create some heart stopping moments. Teams in place, an outline of the estate created as Siqueiros listens as Ramon outlines the blueprint for the estate, discusses those that he has enlisted, using the guard to let them in and the disastrous first result. Thinking that Trotsky will compromise or cripple the Russian leftist cause he wants Trotsky gone. Reminding himself he split the leftists in Spain, Stalin makes sure that the pieces are in place to take this man out.

A failed mission and who will be blamed as the events are summarized and we learn that the painter Siqueiros is talking to the papers, led the mission, failed and that two of the men that were part of this attack were his assistants. Taking an American named Robert Sheldon Harte was the painter’s idea but the authorities were called in but not really worried. As the players come together Ramon remains calm claiming her knows Trotsky’s and the Fourth International quite well and does not fear any opposition or threat. Just what the Kremlin wants you won’t believe as she hear the voices of Caridad and Eitingon. What will Ramon do and how does he feel that all eyes are on him? What if he fails in his mission? Just who else will feel the fall out? But, the harsh realities begin to set in as the body of the American is found and the sight described of the bloodstained mattress and the grotesque burial will give you chills and maybe even nightmares. As Colonel Sanchez in charge of the investigation brings the body to the Palacio Municipal in Coyoacan, Trotsky went with his wife to identify the body.

Jacques/Ramon once again disappears like Houdini leaving Sylvia alone with packets of money. The author describes the packages quite vividly and as Sylvia begins to question many things. But, Jac phones her relates that he is ill and his appearance is quite startling when she arrives. The ruse continues as Jac endears himself with Trotsky’s family especially his grandson and finally meets the man himself as he is enlisted to help with his biography.
Floor plan in place the sequence discussed but not everything goes as planned. Remorse, fear, nerves, rehearsing if he gets caught, wanting to back out, used by his mother and the GPU what happens when he carries out the act you just won’t believe and the end result of more than tragic. Blame cast on others and a man whose life would radically change, as instead of being cast as a hero he was an embarrassment of the past. The brain of a brilliant man was destroyed and another was used to eliminate him. August 20th would always be remembered and Ramon Me carder as the pawn whose actions were set in motion by Stalin, Beria, Leonid Eitingon, his lover Caridad, Ramon’s mother were the ones who murdered the founder of The Red Army. Jacques Mornard, a Belgian journalist murdered Trotsky. His fate you will have to read for yourself. The end result of his life with Sylvia and what happens to her fill the pages of the last chapter as you the reader decide: Who was the real tragic figure? How far will you go when you mother gives you no choice? How far did this man go because he realized he could not turn back? Based on the real events of the assassination of Trotsky the author’s research, description of the murder and the events leading up to it bring you back in time to take the journey from start to finish from the filthy shed he was rescued from, New York, Mexico, France and countries around the world, Ramon Mercader: Just who was he? Did anyone really know?

Fran Lewis: Reviewer

[Joseph Spuckler · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Obedient Assassin by John P. Davidson is a fictionalized account the assassination of Leon Trotsky. Davidson is from the town of Fredericksburg, Texas. He was educated at the University of Texas earning a bachelors and a masters degree there with a break between the two in the Peace Corps. He has worked for several magazines as a senior editor and as a freelance writer. His first book was The Long Road (Doubleday, 1980).

I usually stay away from fictionalized histories because I usually become distracted by the details and historical inaccuracies. Trotsky's split from the Soviet Union was something I never really studied. My interest in Russian history ended with the fall of Nicholas II, and I never spent much time studying the Spanish Civil War either. I figured this might be a good book to read for the story.

It starts with the Spanish Civil War and Ramon Mercader a solider fighting with the Republican forces. Essentially it was a war by proxy: The Nationalists were supported by Nazi Germany and the Republican forces by the Soviet Union. Many call the war Germany's dry run for the invasion of Europe as the Nationalists perfected the blitzkrieg style of warfare. The Republicans are losing. One major problem the Republican forces were facing was divided leadership. Political struggle in the Soviet Union pitted the founder and leader of the Red Army, Trotsky, against Stalin. Trotsky was exiled to Mexico but still supported anti-Stalin Communism under the Fourth International. This split did not stand well with the Soviet Union. Plans were made to present a united front without Trotsky's interference. Mercader was recruited by Soviet agents to assassinate Trosky and the real story begins.

The Obedient Assassin is quality storytelling. It is so good that at time it almost feels like you are in a movie. The setting, characters, and details are of such quality that you feel you are in a 1950s noir film. There is that same dark feeling in the reading: Soviet agents, spying, betrayal, and of course the story behind the ice axe. The main characters all seem to be real people from history, for example, in Mexico, Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera are introduced to the story. All in all, this is a great bit of fictionalized history. It shows the ruthlessness of Stalin's attempt to eliminate all competition and the long process from mission planning to execution. There may be historical inaccuracies in the story but none seemed to jump out at me. A very enjoyable novel.

[Terri · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an amazing story about a little known event.

[My Book Addiction and More MBA · Rating 4 out of 5]

THE OBEDIENT ASSASSIN by John P. Davidson is an exciting, thrill ride Thriller/Political Intrigue. Based on a true story. The "Obedient Assassin" is the tale of Leon Trotsky or rather a fictional account of Leonid Trotsky's assassination in Mexico in 1940. Who was exiled in 1920 for opposing Joseph Stalin.

What a masterful blend of political intrigue and murder, history, betrayal, suspense, culture and betrayed by love.

Mr. Davidson has written a candid tale that is filled with duty, deception,crime and the assassination of one Leon Trotsky. It takes place from Barcelona, to Paris, to New York and Mexico City. All along the reader is transported to these places though vivid descriptions. Ramon Mercader was recruited specifically to assassin Trotsky, he assumes a new identity, moves to Paris, and this is where the story begins.....

If you enjoy Alfred Hitchcock movies than "Obedient Assassin" is right up your alley. It is a fast paced story from beginning to end. With engaging, although, terrifying characters and has a plot to die for, literally. Very intriguing indeed! Not for the faint of heart! But if you enjoy political intrigue, suspense, and a story filled with lies and deceit than you should read "Obedient Assassin" you will not regret your choice. This is this author's first novel and what a beginning! Received for an hones review from the publicist and/or author.

RATING: 4.5

HEAT RATING: HOT

REVIEWED BY: AprilR, Courtesy of My Book Addiction and More

[AJourneyWithoutMap · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Obedient Assassin by John P. Davidson is a novelized account of the assassination of the great intellectual Leon Trotsky, who is the founder and leader of the Red Army. During the Spanish Civil War, the Republicans and the Nationalists engaged in the war were supported by Soviet Union and Nazi Germany, respectively. Twenty-two years old Lieutenant Ramon Mercader, who was hired to assassinate Trotsky, was a soldier fighting with the Republican forces.

There was a struggle for power between Joseph Stalin and Trotsky. The leadership crisis in the Soviet Union deeply impacted the Spanish Civil War and the Republican forces were losing ground. Eventually, Trotsky was exiled to Mexico. But he still wields considerable influence and a plot was hatched to assassinate him. Lieutenant Ramon Mercader was recruited by Soviet agents for the purpose.

The Obedient Assassin is an exciting read. It is not only a story of the assassination of Trotsky, but also a tale of political intrigues in the Soviet Union, the communist movement, romance and betrayal. The book is also a telling account of how Stalin ruthlessly eliminated all rivals. It is a well written book which readers will truly enjoy.

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this book as an ARC from Net Galley and was looking forward to a novel based on history and espionage. I enjoyed the story and picked up some historical knowledge at the same time. Though I do read a lot on WWII, I didn't know much about the Communists during that time, outside of the brief section learned in school, way back when! Good descriptions of the era, particularly pre-war Paris and Mexico during the 40's. it would have been interesting to see Mexico City at that time. The author gave a wonderful description of what seemed like a cosmopolitan city at that time. He conveyed the feeling of old Hollywood glamour. I enjoyed the relationship between Jacques and Sylvia and felt bad about the way they suffered at the end. Very well done novel.

[Sarah Borden · Rating 4 out of 5]

Going into this novel I hadn't read much about the assassination of Leon Trotsky, which I admit probably helped. I could picture the people and places in my head as fictional, rather than worrying about every factual nuance. Since finishing I did a little research and while it seems Davidson was reasonably faithful to history I'm happy it was labeled a novel. For the depth of his characters and the fluidity of the story fictionalization seems a logical choice. My one major criticism of the book is that the last chapter (clearly labeled as a much later year) doesn't seem connected to the characters as we have known them thus far. That said, it was quite enjoyable and I would certainly pick up another Davidson book.

[Cilia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Este es un libro BUENISIMO, me lleve una grata sorpresa al enterarme que es un libro de un acontecimiento histórico, algo que ignoraba completamente.
La forma en la que el autor escribe lo hace un libro emocionante que fácilmente podría pasar por la categoría de aventura y acción. Es un placer poder leer algo que eduque y al mismo tiempo se pueda disfrutar bastante.

[Mina De Caro (Mina's Bookshelf) · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great page-turner! Review coming up on MINA'S BOOKSHELF http://minadecaro.blogspot.com

[Jason Stanford · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book I've read of John Davidson's but it won't be the last. He is an elegant, lovely writer, and this story is well told.