Customer Reviews

Who's on First

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This Blackford Oakes thriller explores what might have taken place on the run-up to the launching of Sputnik and the space age on Oct. 4, 1957. The plot centers on the efforts of the Soviet Union and the U.S. to obtain -- illicitly -- needed info that would enable either one to be the first into space. Oakes plays a major role in this intrigue. I found the book interesting for its characterization of some famous players in those days as well as for some plot twists. It's a typical Buckley book -- good characterization, sparse description, spotty mood setting and a plot which plows ahead slowly but steadily. I'm beginning to see that the Oakes books are more Cold War period pieces than blood-stirring thrillers. But I'll read the rest of them nevertheless.

I was pleasantly surprised with "Who's On First," my first Blackford Oakes novel as well as my first reading of WFB. This is along the lines of Graham Greene, John Le Carre, and David Ignatius but with a slight conservative bent. This is the type of CIA spy novel written by someone who has been a CIA officer (WFB was for 2 years), not a Hollywood version of the CIA. As such, its more realistic and more fun and is told against the backdrop of the Cold War's space race. The references to real historical figures were an added bonus. The main character is what you'd expect of a 1960's CIA officer. The story was such that its the type of thing that probably happened and may still happen. Very enjoyable--can't wait to get into the rest of the series. I actually found this novel better than the handful of Le Carre novels I've read.

"Who's on First" was difficult to get into at first. It is the first of Buckley's books I have read. Once I was into it, I was fascinated by his character portrayals of men in recent history as well as the story line. It is easy to put our heroes on marble pedestals, and Buckley realistically knocks them off. Whether he portrays them correctly or not, they are believeable. I may have to look for another Blackford Oakes novel.

this series is really great. especially for older people who remember the events and people mentioned.the ssame applies to the other 2 I read.

With Buckley's recent death, I thought I'd give one of his books a read. Now I see why he was better known for his political writing. The book was slow, uneventful, and almost totally lacking in suspense. No character development. I stuck it out to the end but it wasn't a page turner. Is there anyone out there who is a serious Blackford Oakes fan? If so, why?