- Hardcover: 601 pages
- Publisher: Putnam Pub Group (T) (February 1979)
- Language: English
- ISBN-10: 0399900438
- ISBN-13: 978-0399900433
- Product Dimensions: 22.1 x 16.3 x 4.8 cm
- Shipping Weight: 975 g
- Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars See all reviews (49 customer reviews)
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: #622,596 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
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Product Details |
Product Description
Book Description
A former director of the KGB and the West's most professional assassin join forces against a common enemy, the Matarese Circle.
From the Publisher
Only two rival spies--and one mysterious woman--can stop them: Scofield, CIA, and Talaniekov, KGB. They share a genius for espionage--and a life of terror and explosive violence. Sworn enemies, they have vowed to terminate each other--yet now they must become allies. Because only they possess the brutal skills and ice-cold nerves vital to destroy an international circle of killers, the Matarese.
--This text refers to the
Paperback
edition.
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Most helpful customer reviews
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
4.0 out of 5 stars
One of the best in the cold war espionage genre.,
This review is from: The Matarese Circle (Paperback)
Many novels have been written in the espionage genre using the cold war as a backdrop, but Robert Ludlum's "The Matarese Circle" is one of the best. It features two elite hit men - a Russian and an American, both regarded as the very best that their countries have produced. The Russian KGB agent Vasili Talaniekov and the American CIA agent Brandon Scofield have no love for each other because of deep grudges. But when their own countries put out execution orders for both their own men, the two arch-rivals and enemies are forced go on the run and to band together. In a remarkable alliance, they slowly uncover a global conspiracy with tentacles in Moscow and Washington. They expose the roots of this conspiracy in Corsica, where they discover the terrible secret of the Matarese: a Council of chosen ones who have power in the highest levels of government around the world, and who are unfolding their plan of world domination - starting at the very highest level in the USA. But the Matarese are faceless men, and although their dogged research imperils the lives of all they talk to, and they are constantly challenged by the hidden army of people with the secret blue Matarese circle tattooed on their chest, eventually Talaniekov and Scofield uncover the real threat and objective of the Matarese, as the identity of the Shepherd Boy who leads the Matarese is finally revealed. But how to expose this terrible truth? - for that Valienkov and Schofield have to take desperate measures, resulting in a thrilling final conclusion.Readers should expect the features that are typical of the espionage genre - there is a significant amount of blasphemy (although not much other foul language), the odd unchaste behaviour (although this is more incidental and very infrequent), and frequent deaths (although this is not described in gory detail, but more as showing the extent to which defenders of global conspiracy will go to protect their cause). Aside from this, we are treated to typical cold war espionage fare - secret phone calls between Washington and Moscow, false identities, clandestine contacts, double agents and spies, defectors, surveillance, and hitmen and men on the run. It's not always entirely believable, but who cares, it's terrifically entertaining! The twists and turns in this novel are never-ending, the excitement breath taking, and you'll find it incredibly difficult to put this book down once you've started. Ludlum is a master of suspense and intrigue. Unlike writers like Tom Clancy, it doesn't feature the techno-jargon and detailed research about fancy weapons that give more depth but bog down the plot. Don't read this book for depth of characters, espionage realism or profound literary insights, but if you want a book with an exciting and entertaining plot laden with heart-stopping tension, this is it. Many claim "The Matarese Circle" to be one of Robert Ludlum's best. But maybe it would be more accurate to say that it's one of the genre's best.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Must Read Ludlum!,
By
This review is from: The Matarese Circle (Paperback)
This is Ludlum as his best. A great narrative where realistic characters use their brains and their abilities to overcome overwhelming circumstances.Ludlum is the thinking mans action adventure writer. He is unmatched in his capacity to weave intricate plots. The Matarese Circle is one of his most dramatic and compelling novels. I love any book that keeps me on my toes, never knowing what is real and what is not. I found this novel did that as well as the Aquitaine Progression which was phenominal. I enjoy the way Ludlum is able to maintain intense dramatic action while allowing us to empathize with the characters at the same time. In the Matarise Circle even the most evil characters have developed profiles that alow the reader to understand their motivation. A brilliant read. A must for any Ludlum fan. Check out my other reviews for more Ludlum hit's and misses.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Amazing use of figurative images,
By Ryan Brog (Littleton, Colorado United States) - See all my reviews
This review is from: The Matarese Circle (Paperback)
In The Matarese Circle by Robert Ludlum, figurative images (literary devices) are used much in conversation between the two rival spies, Brandon Scofield and Dimitri Talaneikov. This language much strengthens the novel. First, it gives the reader a glimpse into the main characters' professions. Second, it shows the reader how both the characters think and how similar their thoughts are. And finally, the reader sees how these two spies can send each other messages according to unique understandings.The first way figurative images strengthen the novel is that they give the reader a glimpse into the two spies' professions. The reader learns what kind of code spies use in messages; how code words have double meanings just like a figurative image. They ultimately pull the reader in this way rather than leaving him/her confused. The second way figurative images strengthen the novel is that they show how both of the main characters think and how similar their thoughts are. In the beginning when their meeting place is room 505, both characters are caught up in the idea that they are going to kill each other since they both realize that the number "0" must mean death. This gets the reader more in touch with the two characters, and even though they are enemies, how alarmingly similar they are. The final way figurative images strengthen the novel is that the main characters are shown to be very alike and aware of each other's thoughts because of their ability to send each other messages based on unique understandings. Numerous times throughout the novel messages are sent to one another using figurative images instead of decipherable writing, and the recipient is able to figure out the message without blinking, because the images are related to past events in their mutual history, not on code regularly used by spies.
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