3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
A cracker paced political thriller, Aug 28 1999
By A Customer - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: The Color of Blood (Mass Market Paperback)
I was lucky to have found this out-of-print Booker Prize nominated title in a second hand bookshop. I was attracted to its setting in an unidentified Eastern bloc country and its tale of political intrigue involving the Church and the State. It also has at its centre the fascinating character of Cardinal Bem whose faith is fully tested as he battles dark forces threatening to unleash chaos on his tension fraught country. The plot moves at a frenetic pace which leaves you breathless. I found myself in the midst of an attempted assasination within the first pages of the novel and propelled into a plot which twists and turns and doesn't let go until the last shocking word is spilled. The ending had a sense of inevitability about it - you could smell it coming. I finished the book in one sitting. I just couldn't put it down. Moore's cracker paced thriller makes an excellent read. I can't recommend it highly enough.
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
A driving story of a good man in a world turned upside down., May 7 1999
By Margaret Fiore - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: The Color of Blood (Mass Market Paperback)
Though he is a cardinal, Bem has successfully managed to avoid the sin of pride, and is attempting to do the will of his god, within his church. Surrounded by gentle and religious people, immersed in the day-to-day details of his regime, he is totally unprepared for the sudden intrusion of personal violence in his life. An attempt is made on his life, followed by his kidnapping and incarceration. Suddenly, he finds himself struggling against hidden enemies, and struggling to find and feel the will of his god.
This is perhaps the most taut and action-packed of any Brian Moore novels. Right down to the last word, this book will keep you riveted and straining. And in Cardinal Bem, Moore has perhaps created one of his most simply admirable and likeable protagonists ever. But he lacks none of the inner honesty and complexity that mark Moore's protagonists. In addition to being an incredibly suspenseful thriller, the book is as emotive and thought-provoking as anyone could ask. It is a beauty.
5.0 out of 5 stars
exciting suspense novel from Brian Moore, May 18 1999
By A Customer - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: The Color of Blood (Mass Market Paperback)
Color of Blood is one of the more exciting books that I have read in a long time. The main character, Cardinal Bem, demonstrates to the reader his struggle of being on the run from those who look suspicious, which includes almost anyone. A good book to read when you want suspense with a surprise ending.