Tag: espionage

ECONOGAL > espionage

Code 6 Book Review

Posted on by Econogal

The opening pages of Code 6 are not misleading as much as they are mis-directional. James Grippando purposely creates a complex storyline. On the surface, Code 6 presents a tale of family dynamics. Yet, so much more is going on behind the scenes. Intrigue, appeasement, espionage and sex trafficking are all intertwined. And the story works. Furthermore, not only is Code 6 a story worth reading, but the book should also be read.

Protagonist and Heroine

Kate Gamble is both an aspiring playwright and a third-year law student. Not an easy task. Then, a rough day at the theatre changes to one of devastation as she learns of her alcoholic mother’s suicide. Furthermore, the note left behind makes no sense, “I did it for Kate” provides only questions and no answers.

There is no romance in Code 6. Instead, Ms. Gamble is portrayed as an independent woman willing to stand up for herself. But she also understands there are battles to fight and skirmishes to lose. Through it all she stays focused.

Secondary Characters

Grippando fleshes out the story with a full cast of characters. Each storyline depicts good versus evil. And the characters fall in line. Broadway director Irving Bass and his assistant Sean provide the backdrop for the book. Although this storyline is far from the action, the parallels provide plenty of nuance.

Elizabeth Gamble’s suicide occurs close to the start of the book. So, her character is all through the eyes of others. The author does an excellent job. The reader knows and understands her before the conclusion of the novel.

Christian Gamble is the CEO of Buck Technologies, a tech company built around Big Data. The Chairman of the Board is Jeremy Peel. The whiz kid coder is “Baby” Patrick Battle. Kate Gamble babysat for him when both were even younger than in the story. These three employees are key players in the kidnapping and espionage storyline that commands most of Code 6.

Multiple Storylines and Themes

The underlying theme of Code Six is good versus evil. Each thread of the novel shares this idea. Big Data plays into this.

Action scenes revolve around Patrick Battle (appropriately named) and his kidnapping while on a corporate retreat in South America. This storyline revolves around espionage and sex trafficking. Not all the ‘good guys’ survive.

Secondary to the good/evil theme is “What mothers will do for their children” (p.316). Sacrifice can come in many forms and on either side of the good versus evil decision.

Code 6

Perhaps slow to start, Code 6 packs a punch as it races towards a conclusion. Big Data is everywhere. But it is nothing new. Ms. Gamble’s ‘play’ discusses the role IBM played in the Holocaust. This part of the novel has basis in fact. An important detail that the reader should reflect upon and research if the information was previously unknown. (Click here for one source.)

James Grippando highlights other concerns as well. Corporate greed, espionage and sex trafficking often go hand in hand. Fortunately for the reader, the author counters these sins with heroism and true patriotism. Reality is not so kind.

The Defector Book Review

Posted on by Econogal

I found The Defector by Daniel Silva intense. In fact the further into the book, the harder it was to put down. It was the first book I have read by Silva. If any of you follow Silva closely, you may have read the novel a decade ago. Since the book is over 450 pages and upon my dad’s bookcase, The Defector was the perfect companion for my week of waiting rooms and just plain waiting.

Book Series

The Defector is part of a book series. The series revolves around Israeli spy, Gabriel Allon. This particular thriller has a very large cast of characters. Indeed, I was a bit lost at first. Perhaps a reader needs to be more familiar with the series. Regardless, I found the story entertaining and I am glad it was close at hand.

Revenge for The Defector

The plot line revolves around the disappearance of the defector Grigori Bulganov. Unlike most men in hiding, Grigori flaunted his presence in London. Thus it was easy for the Russians behind his kidnapping to trick the Brits into believing a re-defection occurred.

However, Gabriel Allon did not fall for the ploy. He sets out to find the truth and the cloak and dagger commences. The twists and turns of the story were only outnumbered by the bodies left in the Israeli spy’s wake.

As referenced above, I believe reading the earlier novels would have helped. Silva does try to weave previous books into the narrative. But, I personally needed more. The large cast of characters demands a familiarity by the reader. One that I did not have.

Revenge is a great motivator. In The Defector both sides of the fight are driven by this most dangerous of emotions. As a consequence many lives are lost. The deaths are brutal but I did not find the writing too graphic. It is designed for entertainment with just a bit of politics thrown in. And lots of action.

Daniel Silva

Even though the novel is set in the 21st Century, Silva likens the fictional Russian government to the post-monarchy dictators and revolutionists of the early 20th Century. While a few scenes take place upon American soil, the bulk of the story occurs east of the Atlantic Ocean.

Silva’s writing subtly and not so subtly hints at the true differences between socialist and capitalist countries. He pulls no punches. Even a first time reader easily discerns his political leanings. In this respect Silva reminds me of the late (and in my mind, great) writer Helen MacInnes. Both write strong plot driven spy novels with plenty of twists and turns. Furthermore, both are unabashed proponents of freedom.

I am not sure how I have missed Daniel Silva’s previous novels. Granted thousands of books are published each year, but I should have discovered this series long ago. I enjoyed The Defector. Now I need to check out his previous works.

Book Cover of Daniel Silva's The Defector