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3.49 AVERAGE
3.49 AVERAGE
medium-paced
American Spy is a novel the spy genre has desperately needed to add to its ranks. Unfortunately, while there are many moments of greatness in this book (particularly at the beginning), the novel overall falls a bit short. There were one too many coincidences and unexplained plot points that gave me pause while reading. For a novel that had a lot of grounding in the gritty reality of spying from the overlooked and under appreciated perspective of Marie, it became downright unbelievable at points. Of course, reality has to be suspended somewhat in fiction in order to entertain the audience, but I felt that often times the plot was rushed when it should have been more flushed out. However, despite these criticisms of the novel I really must say I enjoyed it and recommend it. Is it perfect? No. But does it start a conversation and open up the spy genre to more stories like Marie's? Absolutely. And as I previously mentioned, there were actually several moments in the book that were quite outstanding.
adventurous
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Novel about a black female spy and her efforts to carve out a space for herself in an old boys club. She works in NY and then is recruited to go overseas to Burkina Faso where things are not so black and white as she may have initially thought. The book presents the circumstances to her children to help tell her story.
I especially liked her accounts of being in an environment really foreign to her that was a challenge to her senses and internal compass. It rang true that travel forces you out of your comfort zones in ways you often can't anticipate, but you learn more about yourself as a result.
I especially liked her accounts of being in an environment really foreign to her that was a challenge to her senses and internal compass. It rang true that travel forces you out of your comfort zones in ways you often can't anticipate, but you learn more about yourself as a result.
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
slow-paced
Great story ... strong main character ... interesting twists!
The book left ends loose and left me feeling unsatisfied. Was there foul play in Helene's death? How did she get back into the US and stay in hiding in the first place? Why was she so sprung over Thomas in the first place? I wanted more character development.