Like so many successful novelists before and after him, Frederick Forsyth began as a journalist. He has won several awards in the thriller genre. His first novel, The Day of the Jackal, was a best seller, as were many of his subsequent efforts. Seven have been adapted to the big or small screen. The Afghan, published in 2005, was his 18th book. He has written two more since then. I just finished it. The plot is basic -- the foiling of a terrorist attack. The devil’s in the details. The author obviously did painstaking research on the agencies and hardware that counter the fiends bent on mass destruction and homicide. He applies them in the narrative, almost too much so. Although the outcome is never really in doubt, it is still a good read, viscerally satisfying. The events are entirely plausible except for one, and that incident has no real bearing other than to bring more tension to the story. The novel is grounded in a realism that makes it effective. Osama Bin Laden and other historical figures have cameos. Was this an actual event that never made it to the press? I doubt it, but the fact that the thought occurs is testament to the work’s convincing thoroughness. The prose is okay, the dialogue fine. It is 343 pages, minus several for chapter breaks. I believe this is the right length for such fare. On a scale of five, I rate The Afghan 3.25.
While channel surfing last night, I ran into a delightful BBC TV movie, Framed (2009), and was hooked immediately. I've always regretted not having devoted more time to art appreciation, so the story was a natural draw for me. When the National Gallery in London floods, its paintings are brought to the same Welsh cave in which they were housed during WWII. The man in charge must deal with the locals in the nearby small town. Several are quirky. The scenario maintains a positive, amusing tone throughout, despite the financial problems of one family of six. It features a cast of familiar faces from British TV. The children are charming. It is a refreshing change of pace from the usual UK shows that cross the sea, entertaining though they are. It is rated 6.8 of ten at IMDb. On a scale of five, I rate it 3.5. Anyone tired of the downbeat, and aching for a work with a pronounced sentimental feel will enjoy it. Such fare is always in danger of becoming cloying, but this one never does. Kudos to screenwriter Frank Cotrell Boyce and director Andy De Emmony.
The floating book shop was rained out today. To fill time, I did my taxes, and I’m not pleased about having to fork over money to the state of New York. It’s only $17, but, given my paltry income, it’s tantamount to taking blood from a stone. I did the right thing and reported what I earned on the street. I’m not sure it was the smart thing, especially when the Turbotax fee was $60. Last year the state return was free, and I came out ahead about $40. It is a convenient way to do an uncomplicated return, though. I was done in an hour. I was asked if I had health insurance, but I don’t know if I was fined for not having it. Maybe the levies begin on 2014 returns.
Vic's 4th Novel: http://tinyurl.com/bszwlxh
Vic's 3rd Novel: http://tinyurl.com/7e9jty3
Vic's Website: http://members.tripod.com/vic_fortezza/Literature/
Vic's Short Story Collection (Print or Kindle): http://www.tiny.cc/Oycgb
Vic's 2nd Novel: http://tinyurl.com/6b86st6
Vic's 1st Novel: http://tiny.cc/94t5h
Vic's Horror Screenplay on Kindle: http://tinyurl.com/cyckn3
Vic's Rom-Com Screenplay on Kindle: http://tinyurl.com/kny5llp
Vic’s Short Story on Kindle: http://tinyurl.com/k95k3nx
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