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Review
" When it comes to espionage, international intrigue and suspense, Frederick Forsyth is a master." --"The Washington Post"
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
Review
"When it comes to espionage, international intrigue and suspense, Frederick Forsyth is a master."--"The Washington Post"
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
Format:Paperback
I am aware that there are many excellent spy books, but in my modest opinion this is the one that describes the best this strange and dangerous universe that is secret war.
Frederick Forsyth wrote a couple of even better books ("The day of the Jackal", "The dogs of war") but they were not exactly about spying. In this book, written in the 80s, he describes a very clever and dangerous plot of KGB, which, if successful, could really break NATO and leave Western Europe vulnerable to a possible Soviet takeover. The description of Soviet inner circles of power are very good, much better that in the usual spy stuff - Frederick Forsyth was one of the few Cold War spy writers who had a really good understanding of USSR and it shows here. The story is very coherent, the plot is plausible and technically possible and its execution is described in incredibly professional way.
There are however other stories circling around the main plot which describe some of the horribly dirty tricks used by the intelligence communities all around the world (the story takes us from United Kingdom to Soviet Union and then to Africa, before coming back to UK). There are no superheroes in this book (although there are superlosers) and this is definitely not a James Bond movie material - there is however a masterly executed description of the gray, shadowy, dirty and smelly world, where virtually nothing is what it appears and every double bottom has a third bottom... I will absolutely not reveal anything about the plot, but prepare to be surprised. Many times. There are humouristic moments in this book, although this is a dark humour - there is much more tragic fragments, some of which can break the heart.
This is a dark, somber, rare and precious jewel, which didn't age at all since 80s. Excellent to read on holidays or on a rainy weekend. Once you finished it, a good idea could be to read some other early Forsyth books, like "The Day of the Jackal". If by any chance you saw already the movie, with Pierce Brosnan and Michael Caine, please be aware, that although a honest effort this film was only a shadow of this great book.
Frederick Forsyth wrote a couple of even better books ("The day of the Jackal", "The dogs of war") but they were not exactly about spying. In this book, written in the 80s, he describes a very clever and dangerous plot of KGB, which, if successful, could really break NATO and leave Western Europe vulnerable to a possible Soviet takeover. The description of Soviet inner circles of power are very good, much better that in the usual spy stuff - Frederick Forsyth was one of the few Cold War spy writers who had a really good understanding of USSR and it shows here. The story is very coherent, the plot is plausible and technically possible and its execution is described in incredibly professional way.
There are however other stories circling around the main plot which describe some of the horribly dirty tricks used by the intelligence communities all around the world (the story takes us from United Kingdom to Soviet Union and then to Africa, before coming back to UK). There are no superheroes in this book (although there are superlosers) and this is definitely not a James Bond movie material - there is however a masterly executed description of the gray, shadowy, dirty and smelly world, where virtually nothing is what it appears and every double bottom has a third bottom... I will absolutely not reveal anything about the plot, but prepare to be surprised. Many times. There are humouristic moments in this book, although this is a dark humour - there is much more tragic fragments, some of which can break the heart.
This is a dark, somber, rare and precious jewel, which didn't age at all since 80s. Excellent to read on holidays or on a rainy weekend. Once you finished it, a good idea could be to read some other early Forsyth books, like "The Day of the Jackal". If by any chance you saw already the movie, with Pierce Brosnan and Michael Caine, please be aware, that although a honest effort this film was only a shadow of this great book.
Format:Paperback
I first read this book about 20 years ago, and since then have not only reread this countless times, but have read all of Forsyth's work. They are all excellent reads, and far above the commercialiastic commonplace crud of other more "popular" writers. There is a sense of timelessness in his writings that transports you across continents and eras! Beautiful and enthralling!
Format:Paperback
Wen I was young (20 years ago), my two favourite books were this one and Ludlum's Parsifal Mosaic. Hundreds of thrillers later, they remain in the top five. The 4th protocol contains lots of clever twists, it is much better than the (not bad) movie they made with Pierce Brosnan and Michael Caine out of it. It is probably dated now, cold war is over, but it still remains a top book for me. I shall re-read it someday. If you have never read it you should, Forsyth could write good stories at that time (now he has lost his edge but who does not age ?).
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
masterfully written
This book is set in Britain, South Africa and Russia in the 1980s. Unlike other agent stories, which I had tried in the past, the necessary background information for this... Read more
Published on 10 Feb 2009 by wma33
Fourth Protocol ... and Fifth Success for Forsyth
I'm reading my Freddie Forsyth novels in sequence. This is his fifth thriller, and it maintains the even standard of excellence he established with his first and seminal work The... Read more
Published on 11 Aug 2008 by Mark Slattery
There may be 4 Protocols but there are only 3 stars here.
If you approach this book as a piece of entertaining escapism then you will not be let down. It's an undemanding but enjoyable read although don't come to it expecting the... Read more
Published on 23 Dec 2003 by Mr Jason Westerman
A bore
I will never fault Forsyth for his simply incredible knowledge and research that goes into his novels , but this novel is very boring indeed. Read more
Published on 16 Dec 2003 by Mr. Paul M. Sheehan
Right up there with 'Icon'
If you enjoy a well researched and plausible spy thriller (such as Icon by the same author) this novel will not dissappoint you. Read more
Published on 1 Aug 2002 by Cat
Great book, well worth taking on a long journey
This is a very entertaining novel. Forsyth appears to know his stuff about the British, American and Soviet secret services and in lots of ways the book as a "Bravo Two... Read more
Published on 29 Oct 2000 by keir@virgin.net
Brilliant
Superbly paced and an excellent story; the man's knowledge, attention to detail and research are second to none and made interesting reading some 15 years on from when the story is... Read more
Published on 7 July 2000
Amazing kept me rivetted throughout
A book flowing with constant action and excitment brought to a thrilling climax by a superb author
Published on 14 Feb 2000
Forsyth at his best
A superb book. It was recommended to me by three people before I read it. The soviet plans are set in so intricate detail that as usual with Forsyth we have to ask 'is this... Read more
Published on 30 Oct 1999
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