Red Rabbit

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Summary: Perfect for the commute
Review: I always enjoy a Tom Clancey thriller, so finding "Red Rabbit" on audio CD was perfect for a trip I planned to take. Since I had another audio book with me, "Red Rabbit" was postponed to my daily 90 minute commute. Each 45 minutes to and from work was packed with character developement, interesting spycraft and the continuing question "Why weren't they able to prevent the attempt on the Pope's life?" Knowing the history before the story unfolded made for anticipation each session. The voicing by actor Dennis Boutsikaris was excellent and helped keep the characters straight; sometimes difficult in audio. I enjoyed "Red Rabbit" and found the story flowed well and kept moving between the several venues seamlessly. Since this was an abrigdment, it may explain why it was not as cumbersome as some Clancy novels can be. The hind sight with which it was written made for interesting commentary on Poland, the effect of Solidarity, the Pope and the Soviet economy on history as we now know it. Enjoy this entertaining audio rendition of "Red Rabbit."

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Summary: Look what Tom Clancy found in his attic
Review: While looking aroung the attic one day, Tom Clancy found an old manuscript he wrote many years ago. The writing was boring, the plot dull and the characters unbelievable. "What the heck" he said to himself, "I'm famous". So the book was published, and millions of us bought and read (as much of it as we could) this drivel. Tom laughed all the way to the bank.

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Summary: Jack Ryan Plays James Bond
Review: Red Rabbit is a bit less exciting than some of Clancy's other books, reminding me a bit more of John LeCarre than Ian Fleming. We catch up with Jack Ryan in his younger years, posted to England for a bit of experience with those super sleuths from "6".

The plot is taken from the headlines of the mid-eighties, when Regan was crusading against the "evil empire", and Clancy blends his story in rather well with the events of that time.

The bad part is some poor editing in several places, with someone not catching what appear to be writing errors by the author. And several times, Clancy uses foreign words in his text without indicating with italics that the words are not English, and with no explanation for those non-linguists who read his work, Two examples are the use of "rodina" (home country) with no explanation and perhaps worse, "schadenfreude" (malicious joy), which is not in cheaper German-English dictionaries.

The story also gets to be a bit too much of a travelogue in places, with Clancy apparently wanting the reader to know about all the wonderful places he has seen in foreign countries. The story would not have suffered had some of that been left out. One gets the feeling that Clancy, like the writers of the 17th century, is getting paid by the word.

It is an interesting read, probably worth the time, in spite of these minor problems.

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Summary: Credit co-authors!
Review: Just read the book. I have been a huge Clancy fan for years. This time, as with Larry Bond and Hunt for Red October, he forgot to credit his co-authors. For Rabbit they are:
--Samuel Morse, for helping Clancy telegraph the ending at least 1/3 of the way through the book;
--Eli Lilly, for working with Tom to create the definitive written version of Prozac (or maybe even Thorazine!); and,
--Benjaming Franklin, creator of the Post Office, for aiding Clancy in mailing in yet another book.

Seriously, Mr. Clancy, re-read Red October. Taut, fast-paced, believable. Then re-examine Red Storm Rising, a great book as well, even with the "F-19 Frisbee". Compare them to Rabbit, with its pages and pages of characters having Marsha Brady moments, no plot twists, no suspense, geographical and historical screw-ups galore, and just plain lousy writing. Finally, call Larry Bond NOW! You two really ought to get together again.

Personally, I will not waste any money on future Clancy novels unless he gets returns to being passionate about his craft.

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Summary: Arrogance Showing
Review: Clancy is really starting to believe his own press. I saw him give a TV interview, and he was aloof, obnoxious, and downright arrogant. Red Rabbit is a complete failure of a book, filled with self-indulgent meandering and pontificating. What a waste of time, money, and paper. Go read LeCarre if you want to experience a sound demonstration of the use of language.

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Summary: Why oh why do I buy?
Review: Yet more regret in buying hardcover when I should have waited for a used paperback copy. ARGH! No suspense, no involvement for Jack Ryan, too much political blabber... I'm just simply disgusted.

Where the hell is the Clancy that wrote Cardinal and Patriot Games??? Where is the author that once excelled at plot? What drives a man into excessive exposition? ...

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Summary: Trust this Clancy fan, do NOT buy/read this book
Review: I echo what many others have said: I'm a huge Tom Clancy (and Larry Bond) fan, and read mosts books of this genre. I loved Red Storm Rising, Rainbow 6, etc. I own all Clancy's books -- in hardcover.

But, Oh My God is this book bad. Nothing happens for 500 pages. Ryan woolgathers in his head regarding married life, weather in England, coffee, Russia, the role of the CIA, it is just painful to read so many pages about so little.

Clancy's previous book (Bear and Dragon) was also sorely in need of an editor, but I was looking forward to that next Clancy book so much I didn't realize how bad it was as well, and that it foreshadowed a general downward slide.

Again, please trust a (formerly) huge Clancy fan when I say this book isn't worth your time for free. Get a copy of Without Remorse, Debt of Honor/Executive Orders, or any of the other Clancy books I've mentioned. (Hunt for Red October, too, of course, but that's almost too obvious to mention).

Rating:
Summary: Red Rabbit
Review: A BIG disappointment! Sure there is Clancy's trademark attention to detail and manly repartee, BUT... This failure of the imagination offers none of the panoramic excitement and suspense to be found in RED STORM RISING, et al.

One would think that a big event like the attempted murder of the Pontifex Maximus would provide the framework for a robust tale, not the anemic one found in RED RABBIT.

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Summary: Short Story Masquerades as Novel
Review: Worst Clancy book by far. I used to like Jack Ryan, but Clancy has turned his once strong character into an ever-whining, sniveling wuss. The book has steered away from action and become a vehicle for Clancy to preach about every ill that ever bothered him. If you skip this one, you won't miss a thing. This may very well be the last Clancy book I ever buy. I will definitely read the reviews before committing to another Clancy novel.

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Summary: Longing for the old Mr. Clancy
Review: Mr. Clancy remains a master story teller, however,the intrigue and the interwoven story lines are sadly missing in his latest offering. The style and the technique are vintage Clancy and keep the reader turning pages, but this novel did not keep me glued to the book.