Despite the rather heavy subject matter, Karl’s plotting and storytelling are light and fun, with much of the novel caught up in descriptions of romance, parties, and social scenery. George himself swings from one love affair to the next, his social life at times seeming to take narrative precedence over his daring secret. The passages when Karl shifts focus to the ANC and their fight against apartheid, meanwhile, convincingly depict the system, its lived peculiarities, and what it took to stand up to it. Likewise, scenes involving political wrangling or the bureaucratic tangle of working abroad are distinguished by the author’s expertise.
Karl’s novel is no thriller fantasy, digging into life and spycraft as it’s actually lived, offering lively and in-depth insight into African politics, history, and culture rather than the plot twists of a potboiler. The dialogue and characterization both are sharp, and Karl’s smooth, unfussy prose keeps the story flowing smoothly as he illuminates a fresh milieu, avoiding the stereotypes or ginned-up suspense that often compromise stories of white Americans in Africa. Lovers of romance and spy novels with a real-world edge will enjoy this story, which is as light in its telling as it is weighty in its concerns.
Takeaway: A thoughtful novel of an American expat fighting apartheid in Africa, told with a light touch.
Great for fans of: Eleanor Morse’s White Dog Fell from the Sky, Graham Greene.
Production grades
Cover: A
Design and typography: A
Illustrations: N/A
Editing: A
Marketing copy: A-
