Body of Lies: A Novel
by David Ignatius
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Book Summary Information
Author: David IgnatiusEdition: Paperback
Audio: English (Original Language); English (Unknown); English (Published)
Published: 2008-04-07
ISBN: 039333158X
Number of pages: 352
Publisher: W. W. Norton
Book Reviews of Body of Lies: A Novel
Book Review: Instantly gripping, yet in the end it doesn't fully live up...
Summary: 3 Stars
Not many novels have been able to grip me from the very first sentence like `Body of Lies'. From that first word almost I felt as though I was being compelled to turn each page and finish each chapter. The opening sequence is mapped out so beautifully, with enough detail to satisfy our curiosity yet enough mystery to keep us interested, and I am happy to say that for the most part Ignatius keeps up that pace and delivers an enjoyable, albeit forgettable, ride.
I think that is the major problem with `Body of Lies'. It is enjoyable, but when all is said and done, that's about all that can be said; it was merely enjoyable.
`Body of Lies' tells the story of CIA agent Roger Ferris, who comes equipped with Bondesque credentials and a wounded marriage. Ferris was injured in Iraq and since has been trying to capture terrorist Suleiman. His attempts are continuingly failing and placing him and the ones he loves in even more danger. That's when Ferris and his boss Ed Hoffman concoct a plan that has enough edge to really do the trick. They create a fa?ade, a faux agent who has supposedly penetrated Suleiman's network and is supplying the CIA with information. Ferris and Hoffman both know that the threat of betrayal will undoubtedly cause Suleiman to surface, and when he does they can pounce.
There are many obstacles that Ferris must face in order to fulfill his job. He has to contend with the threats from his wife Gretchen that are a result of his asking for a divorce; threats that threaten his job and his freedom. He has to deal with the imposing opinions of Hani Salaam from Jordanian Intelligence.
And then there is Alice, Ferris' one true love and the major chink in this otherwise enjoyable chain. The problem I have with Alice is that her inclusion in the novel creates a thick layer of clich?d familiarity that I really didn't want to have to read. The ending is completely ruined because of her existence. I know that it is supposed to add some depth to Ferris and his actions, but his final actions are less than satisfying. If Ignatius had left this novel an action/thriller and not a romance novel it would have gone down a little easier, because when Ignatius leaves Alice out of the picture the novel maintains an admirable pace.
Sure, the novel is not perfect, and there are areas that could have been cleaned up, but for the most part it is entertaining and enjoyable. I was not really a fan of Ferris' character (a lot of that due to his `puppy-dog' lovelorn relationship with Alice) and actually found Hani the most interesting character in the book. His character was mysteriously intriguing and really stays with the reader long after the novel is finished.
Sadly though, not much else sticks. The novel is a fun ride, but once the ride is over there really isn't anything to remember. It's a breezy read (only took me a weekend) and Ignatius writing style (apart from his ridiculous romantic segments) is engrossing and almost effortless. It truly draws you in to each page, there is no denying that, but the end result is less than what one would expect.
Summary of Body of Lies: A Novel
"Clever [and] well-paced, Body of Lies is hard to put down."-John Miller, Wall Street JournalCIA soldier Roger Ferris has come out of Iraq with a shattered leg and an intense mission-to penetrate the network of a master terrorist known only as "Suleiman." Ferris's plan is inspired by a masterpiece of British intelligence during World War II: He prepares a body of lies, literally the corpse of an imaginary CIA officer who appears to have accomplished the impossible by recruiting an agent within the enemy's ranks.
This scheme binds friend and foe in a web of extraordinary subtlety and complexity. When it begins to unravel, Ferris finds himself flying blind into a hurricane. His only hope is the urbane head of Jordan's intelligence service. But can Ferris trust him?
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