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American Spy
320 pages, 2020
fiction
1382 booksWhen a young FBI agent is given the opportunity to undermine a revolutionary African president, she gets involved--even though her sister's legacy has made her sympathetic to the cause. It's 1986, the height of the Cold War, and Marie Mitchell is an intelligence officer with the FBI. She's brilliant but she's also a young black woman working in an old boys club, and her career has stalled out; she's overlooked for every high-profile squad, and her days are filled with monotonous paperwork.
So when she's given the opportunity to join a shadowy task force aimed at undermining Thomas Sankara, the charismatic, revolutionary president of Burkina Faso, whose Communist ideology has made him a target for American intervention, she says yes.
Yes, even though she secretly admires the work Thomas is doing for his country. Yes, even though she is still grieving the mysterious death of her sister, whose example led Marie to this career path in the first place.
In American Spy, Lauren Wilkinson challenges us to explore the complexity of morality. The protagonist, Marie, is often faced with difficult decisions that blur the lines between right and wrong. This book encourages us to question our own moral compass and consider how we would react in similar situations.
Wilkinson's book offers a unique perspective on the Cold War era. Through the eyes of Marie, an African American woman working as a spy, we get to see the political tensions and conflicts of that time. It's a great way to learn about this significant period in history.
American Spy highlights the role of women in espionage, a field typically dominated by men. Marie's journey as a spy is not only thrilling but also inspiring. It's a reminder that women can excel in any field they choose, even in the face of adversity.
Wilkinson doesn't shy away from addressing racial and gender bias in American Spy. He shows how these biases can affect individuals and their careers. This book encourages us to look into our own biases and how they might be influencing our actions.
Despite the thrilling spy adventures, at its heart, American Spy is a story about love and family. Marie's love for her family influences many of her decisions and actions. This book reminds us of the power of love and the lengths we would go to protect our loved ones.
Quotes 5
American Spy by Lauren Wilkinson is a book that I found quite interesting. It's a novel that weaves together a lot of complex issues, both personal and political.
Barack Obama - 44th U.S. PresidentAmerican Spy is a thrilling, beautifully written novel that I couldn't put down. It's a perfect blend of history and storytelling.
Tayari Jones - Award-winning NovelistAmerican Spy is a gripping spy novel with a lot of depth. It's a compelling read that I highly recommend.
John le Carré - Espionage NovelistAmerican Spy is a powerful, thought-provoking novel that explores themes of identity, loyalty, and what it means to be a patriot.
N.K. Jemisin - Science Fiction WriterAmerican Spy is a riveting, brilliantly crafted novel. It's a book that will stay with you long after you've finished reading.
Marlon James - Man Booker Winner