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Sins of The Fathers

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When the United States finally re-establishes diplomatic relations with Cuba, John Blackthorn should be on the "short list" of ambassador candidates. Blackthorn, according to the bookjacket a pseudonym for a political figure, writes expertly and compassionatley about the country and its people in his novel, "Sins of the Father." The book crackles with authenticity in describing present day Cuba, and the story line -- involving left behind warheads from the missile crisis and a plot by Cuban refugees to "blow up" the 40th anniversary celebration of the revolution -- comes across as very plausible. But its Blackthorn's obvious compassion for the people of the country that rings loudest. The poverty inflicted by the Hobson's choice between a Communist-government that cannot adequately provide for its people and foreign (U.S.) domination is brilliantly depicted. The novel reads truest when focusing on historical matters and reportage. The thriller aspects are, frankly, a little to pat. Still, "Sins of the Father" should appeal to anyone with even a passing interest in the missile crisis and the political-economic-social conditions of our offshore neighbor.

Whoever John Blackthorn is (my guess is an ex-CIA chief or White House Executive), he has given an amazing introspection into one of this century's most critical and intense moments. Written much like a well played chess game, which coincidentally is worked masterfully in a brilliant scene in the text, Blackthorn has taken the fairly well trodden spy thriller genre into a complex yet artfully placed backdrop of historical and political perspective. He ties this into a modern thriller using an intricate plot line and even manages to play to Hollywood by introducing the required love story for the main characters. Much like the Three Days of the Condor style of intrigue and espionage, he seems to be readying himself for the inevitable move to the big screen. While I was too young to remember the exact details of the Russian/Cuban Missile Crisis that acted out some of the best political drama in the second part of the twentieth century, Blackthorn shocks you into realizing how 'white knuckled' and decisive a period of time this really was. He obviously has some 'insight' into the behind the scenes goings on during this time, or else he is one hell of a researcher. All in all, I am quite impressed with his work and not only hope to find out who he is (is it the same 'Anonymous' that stirred up such controversy a while back?), but more importantly hopes he follows up with other works just as exciting. If you are into an impossible to put down book that is reminiscent of the style of Le Carre and also manages to exquisitely tie in actual historical accounts, do not hesitate to pick this one up.

After listening to the audio "Sins of the Fathers" written by a mystery politician - I wonder who it could be??? - I am really seeing Cuba and it's people in a different light. "John Blackthorn" (possibly G. Bush?) writes a story that you don't want to leave. Filled with historical and geographical images, I have never before been made aware of, with characters I could really feel, I was mesmerized by the story this author weaves. Having been but a baby when the Cuban Missile Crisis occurred, I never fully grasped what it was all about. Now I am hungry to read and learn more about this historic episode in World history. I highly recommend this audio to anyone interested in a great mystery, based on actual historical and political events.

Now that we know "John Blackthorn" is Gary Hart - I am not surprised it was so good! Few know Hart the novelist. This book is an excellent read concerning issues so vital put into a context of intrigue and suspense. Also check out "I, Che Guevera" (using the Blackthorn psuedo)and "Strategies of Zeus" written under his own name - AND - "The Double Man" written with William Cohen. This book again proves Hart was a man ahead of his time and had the potential for great leadership - not to mention a great moonlighting job as a writer of novels!

I had the chance to travel to Cuba a couple of years ago and with "Sins of the Fathers" I felt that I was back to that marvellous place. A very realistic novel and why not possible, of what may or may not happened regarding the Missile crisis in late 1962. I really enjoyed reading the book !!!

This is one of Gary Hart's best works