The Afghan by Frederick Forsyth Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of The Afghan
Book Review: Fun but riddled with silliness
Summary: 3 Stars
The main flaw/inconsistency of this book (and other reviewers have noted many) which would become immediately obvious if a movie were ever made, is that the switch between an Afghan agent and a British agent would be obvious and would fail immediately . It's not enough to look very very like the same Afghan agent, you'd still be spotted instantly as a fraud. Why? Because among all the hi tech gear Forsyth has employed , he's forgotten about something which would instantly give you away. It's called a 'photo'.
i.e The Afghan and Mike Martin could be compared in a photo by someone who knew The Afghan, and even if you didn't know him you could still see they're not the same person. There seems to be an element of 'all these Muslim types, they've all got straggly beards and wild eyes and all look the same really'
The plot is still riveting at times and it's very entertaining (in a slightly old fashioned way) but is so full of holes it ultimately falls apart.
Book Review: Goo book, better than "ICON".
Summary: 4 Stars
Forsyth has been writing good books, but it's a known fat\actor that his best works were written in the seventies.
This latest book, at least, is better than "ICON", the book that almost made me quit Forsyth.
Book Review: Good spy novel
Summary: 3 Stars
As usual, Frederick Forsyth keeps you on the edge of your seat wondering what's going to happen next, although I was extremely disappointed in the ending. I've never felt that way before about a Forsyth book. Most of his fans will probably like the book.Book Review: Great Research Supports This Thriller
Summary: 5 Stars
The other reviewers have done a good enough job of explaining the plot and (to some critics) the flaws in the plot. What they have missed is the superb research that Forsyth has done in preparing the book. For example, better than anyone I know, Forsyth has laid out an easy to understand history of Afganistan since the Soviet invasion and withdrawal. In that history he describes the rise of the Taliban and gives some important background information on Bin Laden. He also intelligently discusses some of the radical schools in Afganistan and Pakistan and describes the Saudi support for those schools. He even delves into some of the sects of Islam, that are often mentioned in the press, but never fully explained. While the book is fiction, the research into the region, the religion, the movements is superb. This book will explain who the Taliban are, how they came to power, what they are trying to do now, etc. It even has some information on Al Quaida.Book Review: Highly Recommended Thriller
Summary: 5 Stars
A gripping novel, a great read. A truly well done thriller, espionage to the extreme and very timely. A chameleon hero involved in an entertaining and twisting plot. An international bestseller.462 pages(paperback)and was finished all too soon, Highly recommended reading.