The Whole Truth
by David Baldacci
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Book Reviews of The Whole Truth
Book Review: A little too close to "the whole truth" for comfort
Summary: 5 Stars
Now that we all know how the White House "perception managed" us right into the Iraq War, Baldacci's story seems almost too plausible, too realistic, as if he's stolen his plot from newspaper clippings and recent history. Exchange "Ares" for "Haliburton," and it's not even fiction any longer.
I've never read Baldacci before, and I am pleasantly surprised by this book. His "hero" in this novel (A Shaw -- that "A" is not an initial, btw; the orphan had only his surname, so named himself "a Shaw") reminds me of one of my other favorite anti-heroes, Jack Reacher. Shaw's a bit more likable and, unlike Reacher, is actually able to make a connection with another human being; but they are both physically imposing, taciturn, intelligent men, both saving the world single-handedly, one-bad-guy-diverted, one-war-averted at a time. A note about Baldacci's characters in general: I'm listening to the audio version of this book on my commute. Perhaps the reader makes the characters come alive; unlike other reviewers, I find the main characters to be complicated and thoughtful. Even Nicholas Creel has his merits (he spends $80MM on a children's cancer hospital) and Katie, the alcoholic, intrepid, Pulitzer-prize-winning investigative reporter, is all too human as she sits facing a bottle of gin, a glass half-full of tonic and ice, and the dead Afghan child who haunts her.
I read a lot (which doesn't make me less picky) and this book had me hooked by the 2nd chapter. Hope A Shaw returns.
Book Review: Evil Corporate Chieftain, Shadowy Police Agency, and Driven Hero in Conflict Because of a New Threat
Summary: 4 Stars
This thriller has a lot to commend it: An evil corporate chieftain worthy of Ian Fleming at his best, a sinister police agency that seems worse than crime in some ways, a hero who doesn't want to be one facing a fate like the gladiators slaves did in ancient Rome, a plot to manipulate world opinion, and dire consequences at stake. These elements don't often all make it into the same thriller. Overhanging the story is a profound sense of doom that makes the page-turning appeal higher.
Like the best thrillers, you'll also learn about behind-the-scenes technology that will fascinate you . . . in this case relating to how public opinion can be formed and manipulated. I was also pleased to see that David Baldacci provided lots of memorable locales for his assignations and events.
What's to complain about? The story is built up too big: It's beyond being as credible as a good thriller should be. The basic premise is that no one ever checks anything that shows up on the Internet. While that premise makes for good satire, it doesn't provide a sound-enough foundation for a thriller. In addition, Baldacci takes liberties with how things work in the arms industry: U.S. arms makers aren't free to peddle whatever they want to anyone else. There are significant restrictions on advanced military technology.
I do hope that this will be the start of a series. The leading characters could provide a good center of focus for many other thrillers. Bring them on, Mr. Baldacci!
Book Review: Does anyone know THE WHOLE TRUTH?
Summary: 4 Stars
If you were a fan of Robert Ludlum, the late, great espionage writer, there's reason to cheer. Even though the Cold War days are over, there are still a bevy of bad guys out there - and this time they don't have turbans on their heads.
David Baldacci's "The Whole Truth" will make you sit back and take a long look at who's really running the show and who's reporting the news these days.
Gazllionaire Nicholas Creel (even his name sounds smarmy), the world's largest defense contractor, doesn't like the way things are going. Russia's been too quiet and China's not currently mad at anyone. He pays a "perception management" team to stir the pot, with violent and fatal results.
In the middle of the action is Katie James, a journalist whose dependency on alcohol has landed her at the obit desk of her newspaper. After covering the funeral of a Scottish hero, James lands in the middle of what she thinks is an international drug smuggling ring. A chance encounter with Shaw (no first name) pulls James into the biggest story of her life, if she can live to tell the tale.
While you'll need to suspend your attachment to reality and there are times the writing goes stale, with "The Whole Truth," Baldacci has established himself as a big man on campus when it comes to political terrorism.
Book Review: Truth or Fiction?
Summary: 4 Stars
In every story there is a premise. The plot can be real or a figment of one's imagination. If it is unreal or illogical, it can interfere with the reader's enjoyment. Such is, perhaps, the case with this novel.
The plot is a fairly simple one. Nicolas Creel, the head of a large defense contractor somewhat on the skids, undertakes to recreate the Cold War to encourage another arms race. Along the way, to accomplish this aim, the collateral damage is widespread, with many people left dead, Russia and China at each other's throats. Only Shaw, a larger-than-life protagonist, and Katie James, a two-time Pulitzer Prize journalist turned unemployed alcoholic (along with a little help) can uncover the plot and prevent Armageddon. Meanwhile, trillions of dollars of arms contracts flow to the instigator of the plot, as well as other defense companies.
The problem is, the premise is highly improbable. For a defense contractor to sell weapons and other materiel overseas, permission and a license has to be granted by the United States Government. Without such an OK, no sale. So the truth is the premise for this novel is pure fiction. But, after all, that's what novels are for. So, if the reader can by-pass this little impediment, a highly charged and entertaining read is available.
Book Review: Baldacci is back - if you liked The Winner.
Summary: 4 Stars
Many other reviewers complain that the characters are cartoonish and the plot and it's twists implausibile. I don't entirely disagree. I do disagree that it was done in such a way that it lessened my enjoyment.
It's wonderfully over-the-top evil villian, "James Bond" like over-the-top hero combined with an over-the-top concept (A chess-like approach to creating war --- or at least a cold war) and fast-paced action (every few pages someone's life is hanging in the balance - physically and literally) make for a great ride, that keeps the pages turning.
Did I care a great deal when someone died? No. Like James Bond movies - bodies were dropping like flies. And just like those movies, there are just a few you care about their growth, motivations and that they survive.
I'm not, like some, a big fan of the Camel Club series - or even many of Baldacci's later works. This is far more reminiscent, with all of it's "over-the-topedness", of The Winner - a book I loved.
If you like the greater elements of cartoons and James Bonds movies--- truly evil villians, super heroes and great world-safety shattering plots - you'll enjoy this one!