Most Helpful Customer Reviews
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21 of 21 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Ludlum's best, November 19, 2000
This is, to my mind, Robert Ludlum's best book ever. He has written some great work, most of it now about twenty years old. It still reads fresh, though. Ludlum has written some really fine books. They are, before anything else, incredibly compelling stories. Ludlum has never had to rely on the details of how to create an atomic bomb, or what the sights of a submachine gun are made of in order to create a great story. That is what sets his work apart from so many contemporary writers.The story starts 100 years ago, with the creation of a dynasty called the Matarese which is led by one incredibly insightful and equally evil man. It brings us to the a family chillingly close to the Kennedys, just a step from the White House. The protagonists are America's and the Soviet's top spies, who, hate each other and (of course) must work together to save their respective nation's interests. This is a great book to take on vactaion, when the reader has hours to devote. Don't start this unless you have time, and nothing pressing that must be done.
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10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Masterfully Crafted. Ludlum Leaves Nothing Behind., June 17, 2005
This book is the quintessential spy thriller. The plot seems outlandish at first, two spies who hate each other teaming up to destroy an evil organization hell-bent on taking over the world. Yet, Ludlum gives very reasonable explanations for every hole in the story. For instance, the American spy Scofield and the Russian spy Talaniekov would kill one another at first sight. However, Talaniekov receives word that he must find Scofield to take down this international organization of assassins. He can't simply walk up to Scofield and explain the situation without being killed so he sets up a situation where Scofield's only move will be to realize that Talaniekov and he must talk to each other civilly. The cat and mouse game that ensues between the two is, in my opinion, the best part of the book; each one trying to outmaneuver the other. One other blunder that most authors make and that I expected Ludlum to make was in the development of the two spies' character. Most authors will simply tell the reader that the character was "the most respected man in international espionage," the only evidence being that other spies will say that the person was the best. Ludlum really proves to the reader why Scofield and Talaniekov are the best, not with overwhelming physical capabilities(which they both possess) but with superior intelligence. The subtle moves they make that gives them an advantage over their enemies are very impressive.
I especially enjoyed the relationship between the two once they've allied together. It's not the amicable one that most authors would probably lean towards. It's tentative, but professional and respectful at the same time. We never see the two joking with one another. The result of that is the ability to communicate large amounts of information to each other in very few words. The addition of Antonia later on adds another dynamic to their relationship and raises the stakes of their mission.
Also, a lot of reviewers have commented about the superiority of this book to The Bourne Identity and have questioned the reasons why it hasn't been made into a movie and The Bourne Identity has. I think the reason is simply that this book wouldn't come off as well to a movie audience. The details in The Matarese Circle(especially concerning the Matarese itself), which are often inconsequential in other books, are so important that it would take a 3+ hour movie to do justice to the book. Even then, there would still be many scenes that would bore the movie audience.
This book isn't filled with the "so-called" unexpected twists and turns that perforate the plots of most books. It's just a solid novel saturated with colorful characters, interesting relationships and an above average plot. If you're looking for a thoughtful and engrossing page-turner, this one will not let you down.
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8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
WOW...Ten Times Better Than Bourne...Ludlum's Best, September 15, 2004
This book is a masterpiece of suspense, intrigue, excitement, intricate detail, spectacular action, and explosive scenes that make Jason Bourne look like a feeble character in comparison. By far the most spectacular Ludlum book in my opinion, the Matarese Circle starts with the two most incredible and delightfully violent scenes that I have ever read and, from that point on it simply does not stop. You will be pounded with intense scenes from the beginning to the end. WARNING: It is not for the faint of heart or the politically correct. This book has so many shocks and twists that by the end I felt like I had gone twenty rounds with Tyson in his prime.
It starts with two events that shock the American and Russian governments so deeply they are thrown into an uneasy balance with each other. Not to mention the book takes place at the height of the Cold War making their relationship even more delicate. Enter Scofield a.k.a Beowulf Agate and Talenikov a.k.a. The Serpent, the two best and most highly respected deep cover spies for their respective governments. After Talenikov is warned by an old spycraft teacher about a mysterious organization called the Matarese that threatens the stability of governments the world over, he must seek out Beowulf Agate. Only he and Beowulf can stop this overwhelmingly powerful organization that has infiltrated the highest levels of government. Only one problem: the two renowned spies are bitter enemies that bear a hatred towards each other deeper than the ocean.
Wonderfully written and artfully detailed, I only wish that Mr. Ludlum was alive to continue writing such awesome books. If you're a Ludlum fan or just looking for a book that gives delight throughout, read The Matarese Circle. It will not disappoint.
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