I’ve been on a bit of a Robert Harris tear lately. In the past couple of weeks, I read Harris’ excellent Roman novels featuring Cicero, Imperium and Conspirata. I enjoyed those books so much, I decided to read Harris’ The Ghost which Roman Polanski’s film, The Ghost Writer is based on. The book starts out with our nameless narrator being recruited for a rush job: he has to write the autobiography of Adam Lang (an ex-Prime Minister based on Tony Blair) in a month. Once he agrees to ghosting the book, the reader is swept away to Martha’s Vineyard where Lang and his people are hunkered down. The World Court is considering trying Lang for war crimes. There are wheels within wheels as Harris’ tricky plot leads to a shocking conclusion. After reading The Ghost I can’t wait to see The Ghost Writer. The Ghost is a top-notch political thriller. Don’t miss it! GRADE: A
I knew it would be up your alley, George.
I loved THE GHOST, Jeff. It’s tricky and clever, just as a political thriller should be.
I enjoyed this book. I wonder if the movie ends the same way.
I’m eager to see what Roman Polanski did with this material, Jeff. Diane and I may go see THE GHOST WRITER next week.
I saw the movie and I’m sure it ends the same way, very Hitchcockian. Phil loved it; I liked the second half much better than the first which meandered a bit.
The book meanders a bit at the beginning, too, Patti. But once the plot gets rolling, the intensity ratchets up and up! Can’t wait to see it.
These kind of books always sound more interesting to me than I find them to be when I’m reading them. If that makes any sense. I’ve tried October, Condor, Bourne, a lot of others, for some reason they just don’t grab me, I find myself ploughing along hoping I can turn another page asap, then skimming, then it’s back to the library. Does sound like a good one, but I’m pretty sure I’d quit halfway through… I’m so ashamed.
Different strokes for different folks, Rick.