28 Feb Book Review: The Amateur by Robert Littell

I picked up The Amateur by Robert Littell on a whim, intrigued by its premise of an ordinary man thrust into the shadowy world of espionage. Given my love for character-driven stories, I was curious to see how a cryptographer would fare in the dangerous game of spies and assassins.

What’s it about?

Meet Charles “Charlie” Heller, a mild-mannered CIA cryptographer whose life takes a drastic turn when his fiancée, Sarah Diamond, is brutally murdered during a terrorist attack on a U.S. embassy in Germany. Devastated and seeking justice, Charlie approaches the CIA, expecting them to pursue the terrorists responsible. However, when the Agency declines to act due to political constraints, Charlie decides to take matters into his own hands.

Leveraging his access to classified information, Charlie blackmails the CIA into providing him with the necessary training to undertake a solo mission of vengeance. Despite being an amateur in the field, his determination and intellect drive him to infiltrate Czechoslovakia, where the terrorists are hiding. As he delves deeper into this perilous mission, Charlie discovers that the world of espionage is fraught with deception, and he must navigate a labyrinth of danger, betrayal, and moral ambiguity to achieve his goal.

What This Chick thinks:

Diving into The Amateur was like stepping into a time capsule of Cold War-era espionage. Littell crafts a narrative that is both suspenseful and introspective, focusing on an individual’s quest for justice against the backdrop of international intrigue.

Charlie’s transformation from a desk-bound cryptographer to a man on a mission is compelling. His grief and determination are palpable, making his journey both personal and relatable. The novel delves into themes of revenge, morality, and the blurred lines between right and wrong, prompting readers to ponder the true cost of vengeance.

However, there were moments when the plot felt a bit far-fetched, especially considering Charlie’s rapid transition into a field operative. Some plot developments required a suspension of disbelief, and certain character motivations could have been fleshed out more thoroughly.

The pacing is brisk, keeping the reader engaged, but at times, I wished for more depth in character development and a deeper exploration of the political landscape that serves as the novel’s backdrop.

Final thoughts:

The Amateur is a gripping tale of personal vendetta set against the intricate world of espionage. While it may require readers to overlook some implausibilities, it offers a thought-provoking exploration of how far one might go for love and justice. If you’re in the mood for a suspenseful, character-driven spy novel, this one is worth a read.

Rating: 7/10

Try it if you like:

• The Spy Who Came in from the Cold by John le Carré: A gritty, realistic portrayal of espionage with complex characters and moral dilemmas.
• The Bourne Identity by Robert Ludlum: An action-packed thriller featuring an amnesiac protagonist uncovering his own secrets.
• Eye of the Needle by Ken Follett: A suspenseful World War II spy novel with a cat-and-mouse chase.

These novels, like The Amateur, blend personal stakes with the high tension of espionage, offering readers a mix of action, intrigue, and introspection.