Rating: 
Summary: Frightening and irritating - 2 exhausting qualities
Review: This clearly had a political agenda, and so sympathetic to the American cold war maxim that I question whether Demille does not share some of Sam Hollis' (lead character) attitudes towards the Russians. The book deliberates over a fantasy KGB training school aimed at producing cultural clones of American citizens. Demille suggests how easily the American mind can be copied, which may anger many US citizens. Charm School is mentally violent and brings graphic descriptions of torture, rape and murder to the delight of many a sick and twisted reader who could not find such well written desciptions in cheaper but equally popular spy novels. I am amused by how the main man is referred to by his last name, yet his sidekick "Lisa" is known to us by her first name. Sexism here? In any event, its a damn good book, almost on par with Ken Follett's Pillars of the Earth, but does not quite match the greatness of Leon Uris' The Hajj.
Rating: 
Summary: Simply stated, DeMille's best.
Review: Simply stated, DeMille's best. A riveting novel from a master storyteller. Engaging from page one, this book takes the reader on a revealing and gripping journey of life and espionage in Cold War era Soviet Union. DeMille combines descriptive prose and convincing characters with lots of action and much suspense. This is truly a page-turner that you won't want to put down.
Rating:
Summary: You¿ll wonder, ¿What if it¿s true??
Review: I've become a big fan of DeMille's smart, wisecracking characters. Lately, in books like Plum Island, he puts those attitudes out front. You can see them developing in Colonel Sam Hollis, the hero of The Charm School. The book was written before the fall Communism in Russia and that made it an even more interesting read for me. A perfect package: a story to make you think ... characters who jump to life off the page ... a marvelous tour of Moscow ... a beautiful portrait of the Russian people ... and, an ending you won't be able to put down.
Rating: 
Summary: Cold war thriller with stereotypical characters
Review: Demille's books are always a good read, and The Charm School is no exception. This is the first one I've read, however, where the main characters didn't have an iota of a sense of humor. (Minor U.S. Embassy characters were hilarious in during a farewell party scene, but that was the only bit of humor in the novel. The main characters are so serious, earnest, brave...and dumb. They do things that brave, serious, and intelligent people would not do. To think that an Embassy Air Force attache and a USIS information officer would not arouse KGB suspicion when they are doing essentially consular work (i.e. handling the death of an American citizen abroad) is just silly. What kind tradecraft is this? The ending while a cliff hanger is unsatisfying and not plausible in the era of Iran/Contra, Watergate, and other failed coverups. An interesting sequel would be the exposure of the U.S. Government's disposal of the Charm School and its aftermath.
Rating:
Summary: Intriguing
Review: It was very ironic to read such an accurate fiction piece. My name is Jim Hull a character in the book and having been employed by the U.S government in the Soviet Union when this book was published had its pluses. This book is dead on as far as its portrayel of peopleand politics at that time and place. Way to go!
Rating:
Summary: The finest book this avid reader has ever read!!!
Review: How can you describe a book that is so involving, so incredibly readable, so interesting that it inspires you to actually began trying to learn to speak another language? Nelson DeMille so thoroughly describes Russia and Russian culture that I have decided I want to learn to speak the language. The Charm School is really the Sugar Ray Robinson of Novels. Meaning it is in a class by itself. I have never before felt so much feelings, tension, joy, horror, etc than when I read this book. I truly felt like I had lost a friend when it had ended. I will most certainly read this book several times over and must say that I envy someone who is reading it for the first time. Aside from being an incredible storyteller, DeMille must get all the credit in the world for the awesome amount of research he had to have conducted in order to write such a multi-layered story. He is a true genius and we are lucky to have discovered him!!!
Rating:
Summary: Definately one of the most intrigueing books I have read
Review: DeMille is in a class by himself, this is my first book of his to read but definastely will not be the last. I am looking forward to reading all his books and see if the others can compare.
Rating:
Summary: One of my all-time favorites
Review: This book is defintely one of my all-time favorites if not number one on my list. The suspense is awesome. Just when you think it reaches its climax, you discover that you have 200 pages more to read! DeMille is a wonderful writer - highly recommend all of his books. The Charm School would make a great movie!
Rating:
Summary: Charm School is the flagship of the impressive DeMille line
Review: This is the first book I read of this superb writer and I soon found myself at the bookshop buying anything that had his name on it. I'm an avid reader of thrillers and military/techno, so this book was perfect. If you haven't read it, what are you waiting for???!!!
Rating:
Summary: Heart-pounding Thriller
Review: My third of Mr DeMille's book, though nothing beats The Gold Coast, this one actually made my heart pound! Couldn't bare to put the book aside! An excellent read and an extra bonus if you love espionage thrillers.
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