“The Road to Omaha” –A review

“The Road to Omaha” is a thriller novel by Robert Ludlum. He is nicknamed the Madman but his real name is General MacKenzie Lochinvar Hawkins. He is a former General in the United States army. He is bent on hitting back at the US government and fight for justice for the Wopotami Indians.

The Wopotami Indians signed a treaty with the US government but for over a hundred (100) years the terms of the treaty has not seen the light of day. General Hawkins aka Madman, self proclaimed fighter of the oppressed sets in motion a well thought out plan though dangerous but he remains undeterred, very characteristic of the Madman. He indeed shows his through courage and strategy that his title as General was earned.

There are forces within the US government who are bent on thwarting the plans of the General. They will use all means necessary to silence the Madman and his aides including the respected lawyer Aaron Pinkus, Sunrise Jennifer Redwing and Sam Lansing Devereaux.

This thriller is full of suspense and humour. “The Road to Omaha” cements Ludlum on a high pedestal as a Thriller King. The denouement is totally unexpected but realistic.

“Friday’s Child” – A review

“Friday’s Child” is one of the finest novels by Georgette Heyer. Isabel Milborne is referred to as the Incomparable. She was very beautiful  and hence nicknamed the Incomparable. Every suitor wealth his salt and heritage desired to win her over and make her his better half. Winning her over was much more difficult than searching for a needle in a haystack.

Among the suitors competing for her hand were three frontrunners Lord Sheringham, Lord Wrotham and the Duke of Severn. Lord Sheringham could best be described as very daring  and the novel opens with the Lord asking for her hand in marriage. As expected from a lady well aware of her superior physical qualities as well class, she does not desire to be taken easily and refuses Lord Sheringham.

As to whether the Lord will persevere for her hand or give up, I live it for you to discover through the interesting pages of the novel.  Though a thriller aficionado I find this novel very exciting, well written with a nice story line and plot. Other characters other than the major characters are added to spice up the novel and give it a realistic outlook.

 “Friday’s Child is a classic in every sense of the word. It is readable and simple but with an exciting plot which appeals to readers of other genres.

Review of “The Hope”

The Hope is a historical novel by Herman Wouk set in the Middle East during the time of the establishment during the state of Israel. It is a very moving story based on historical facts. It chronicles the sacrifices, dedication, tenacity and hope of the Israelis in the midst of overwhelming opposition to the founding of the state of Israel.

The resilience, pride and dedication to the Israeli cause are astonishing. Zev Barak, Don Kishote, Yael Luria are characters who in diverse ways dedicate their lives for the cause. Historical characters such as Ben Gurion among others feature prominently in the novel.

The fight against the Arab States, the strategy and sheer audacity in the face of what seemed like inevitable defeat make this defeat highly commendable. The writing style of Wouk is very lively. He breathes life into his characters. He mixes fiction with history in a very interesting and commendable way. The novel is thrilling and full of suspense.

The reader feels the pain, hope, sadness, loss in the novel. The reader more or less feels part of the unfolding story. The ability of Herman Wouk to make you feel like a witness or a participant in the unfolding events makes “The Hope” a must read.

However, some characters made the ultimate sacrifice in order that others may live and realize the dream. This is a story that saddens as well as inspires. It proves that no matters the odds, you can shatter the odds create hope and win through imagination, dedication and audacity.