The Insider: A Novel

Rating:
Summary: Truth, lies, faith, and power . . .
Review: Presented as a "gripping read" with a "stunning" conclusion, this book doesn't quite earn the praises of its back cover. The author precariously walks the wire between plot depth and excessive length, and his repetitive, sometimes rambling style dampens some of the suspense that a more concise writer could have given the story. However, the plot itself is sufficiently tight, and smart, with no room for sentimentality (in fact, a bit of insight into Jon's emotions, in addition to his intellectual struggles with morality, would have been nice). And though the characters don't immediately make us care, they do fascinate and keep our interest. The conclusion is not altogether unexpected, but the story itself is unique enough that this is more than forgiveable. The gradual way that power and position seduce Jon away from his faith is presented believably, and almost makes us wonder why he takes so long to see the truth. An engaging "what-would-I-do?" story in a setting that most of us will never enter. In this novel, we find politics, power, puzzles, and one man's struggle with right and wrong; and if you pay attention, you might even learn something about your own government.

Rating:
Summary: Truth, lies, faith, and power . . .
Review: Presented as a "gripping read" with a "stunning" conclusion, this book doesn't quite earn the praises of its back cover. The author precariously walks the wire between plot depth and excessive length, and his repetitive, sometimes rambling style dampens some of the suspense that a more concise writer could have given the story. However, the plot itself is sufficiently tight, and smart, with no room for sentimentality (in fact, a bit of insight into Jon's emotions, in addition to his intellectual struggles with morality, would have been nice). And though the characters don't immediately make us care, they do fascinate and keep our interest. The conclusion is not altogether unexpected, but the story itself is unique enough that this is more than forgiveable. The gradual way that power and position seduce Jon away from his faith is presented believably, and almost makes us wonder why he takes so long to see the truth. An engaging "what-would-I-do?" story in a setting that most of us will never enter. In this novel, we find politics, power, puzzles, and one man's struggle with right and wrong; and if you pay attention, you might even learn something about your own government.