Title: Red Rabbit
Author: Tom Clancy
First published August 26, 2002
618 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9780399148705 (ISBN10: 0399148701)
Rating: 3.72
Overview
Before he became the President or an intelligence officer, before he thwarted terrorist plots on American soil or rescued hostages from foreign countries, Jack Ryan was a humble financial analyst working for a prestigious Wall Street firm. His expertise in Russian finance and politics caught the attention of the CIA’s Deputy Director, Vice Admiral James Greer – and when Greer asked him to join the agency as a freelance analyst, Jack didn’t think twice.
But as he delved deeper into the murky world of international espionage, he soon realized that his new job would test his limits in ways he never imagined. With danger lurking around every corner, Jack must use all his skills and training to survive – and protect the country he loves.
About the Author
Tom Clancy, a former English major at Loyola College in Baltimore, pursued his passion for naval history and wrote his first novel, The Hunt for Red October, in 1984. He went on to write over a dozen more novels, all known for their blend of realism, intricate plotting, and razor-sharp suspense.
Ten of his novels featured the character Jack Ryan, a former stockbroker and CIA employee, including (Berkley, 2004).
In addition to his fiction works, Clancy also wrote non-fiction books that served as guided tours of America’s warfighting assets, including Submarine, Armored Cav, Fighter Wing, Marine, and Airborne. He spent most of his life in Maryland.
Below is a list of Clancy’s books and the approximate time frame in which they were set:
Without Remorse 1969-73
Patriot Games 1981-82
Red Rabbit 1982
The Hunt for Red October 1984
The Cardinal of the Kremlin 1986
Clear and Present Danger 1988
The Sum of All Fears 1990-91
Debt of Honor 1995-96
Executive Orders 1996
Rainbow Six 1999-2000
The Bear and the Dragon 2002
The Teeth of the Tiger 2006
Dead or Alive 2007
Locked On 2007
Threat Vector 2009
Command Authority 2013
Support and Defend 2014
Full Force and Effect 2014
Editoral Review
Red Rabbit by Tom Clancy is a thrilling novel that takes readers on an intense journey through the world of espionage and international politics. Published on August 26, 2002, this bestselling book is a must-read for anyone who loves action, suspense, and intrigue.
Tom Clancy, the author of Red Rabbit, was a well-known American novelist and historian who focused on military fiction and techno-thrillers. Clancy, who died in 2013, was praised for his meticulous research and vivid storytelling, and Red Rabbit is no exception.
Set in the late 1980s, Red Rabbit tells the story of Jack Ryan, a former CIA analyst who becomes embroiled in a dangerous conspiracy involving the Soviet Union and the IRA. When a high-level KGB official defects to the United States, Ryan must navigate a complex web of deception and betrayal to prevent a catastrophic attack on American soil.
The book is written in Clancy’s signature style, with precise attention to detail and complex political intrigue. The pacing is fast and the action is unrelenting, making it difficult to put the book down once you’ve started.
The characters in Red Rabbit are strong and well-developed, with Ryan being the most prominent. His unapologetic patriotism and unwavering dedication to his job make him a compelling protagonist.
The secondary characters, such as the KGB defector and the IRA terrorists, are equally well-written and provide a rich backstory to the complex political situation at play. One of the strengths of Red Rabbit is the historical context in which it is set.
The novel takes place during a time when tensions between the United States and the Soviet Union were high, and the threat of nuclear war was ever-present. Clancy’s meticulous research into the political climate of the time helps to ground the book in reality and adds another layer of depth to the story.
However, the book is not without its flaws. Some readers may find the political jargon and technical details overwhelming or confusing, especially if they’re not familiar with the technical language used in the intelligence community.
Additionally, some of the characters, particularly the female characters, feel underdeveloped and one-dimensional. Overall, Red Rabbit is a thrilling and engaging read that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
While it may not be Clancy’s best work, it is certainly worth the read for fans of the genre. It is a masterclass in political intrigue and a sober reminder of the dangers of international politics.
I would highly recommend Red Rabbit to anyone who loves military fiction, political thrillers, or espionage novels. It’s a great choice for anyone looking for a book that is both entertaining and intellectually stimulating.
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars.
