Title: The Aquitaine Progression
Author: Robert Ludlum
First published February 12, 1984
800 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9780752858524 (ISBN10: 0752858521)
Rating: 3.97
Overview
In “The Aquitaine Progression” by Robert Ludlum, Joel Converse is thrown into a dangerous world of secrets and violence when a covert operative dies at his feet, uttering just a few words before passing: “The generals…they’re back…Aquitaine!” Suddenly, Converse is on the run, pursued by deadly assassins across Europe. As he delves deeper into the mystery, he discovers a network of coordinated global violence that threatens to bring down governments worldwide.
With the help of the only woman he’s ever loved, Converse must navigate a treacherous game of survival and unravel the deadly progression at the heart of it all. Robert Ludlum delivers another heart-pounding thriller that will keep you up all night.
About the Author
Robert Ludlum, a prolific author, wrote a total of twenty-seven novels that were all bestsellers according to The New York Times. His books have been translated into thirty-two languages and more than 210 million copies have been printed.
Ludlum is known for writing The Scarlatti Inheritance, The Chancellor Manuscript, and the Jason Bourne series, which includes The Bourne Identity, The Bourne Supremacy, and The Bourne Ultimatum. Unfortunately, Ludlum passed away in March 2001.
Additionally, Ludlum published books under various pseudonyms.
Several of Ludlum’s novels have been adapted into films and mini-series, including some that were made after his death. One non-Ludlum book, supposedly based on his unused notes, was turned into a mini-series as well.
The movies based on Ludlum’s books, starring Matt Damon in the lead role, were both commercially and critically successful. The Bourne Ultimatum even won three Academy Awards in 2008, though the storylines were notably different from the source material.
Editoral Review
Robert Ludlum was a prolific author who churned out one international thriller after another during his career. His bestselling novel, The Aquitaine Progression, first published on February 12, 1984, is a typical example of his oeuvre, including intrigue, espionage, and high-stakes action, set in exotic locales around the world.
The Aquitaine Progression is a gripping tale, filled with non-stop action and conspiracy theories that take readers on a thrilling ride. The novel’s plot takes off when a young American attorney, Joel Converse, is summoned to a luxury hotel in Geneva, where he meets Michael Brent, a former acquaintance from his college days.
Brent is now a high-ranking official in a powerful organization known as the Aquitaine Progression, which intends to overthrow corrupt governments around the world. Brent asks Converse to help him find evidence of this corruption to expose it to the world media.
A reluctant Converse agrees, but soon finds himself a target of assassination, as well as hunted by Interpol and the CIA, who believe he is a spy for the Aquitaine Progression. As Converse travels across Europe trying to prove his innocence, he must evade his pursuers, uncover the truth behind the Aquitaine Progression, and prevent a global disaster.
Ludlum’s intricate plot is well-crafted, and the story moves at a breakneck pace that keeps the reader engaged until the end. The character development is compelling, with gripping twists and turns to keep the reader guessing.
Ludlum paints vivid pictures of the European cities and landscapes that serve as the backdrop for the action. The author has also placed a great deal of emphasis on the theme of corruption that runs through the novel, offering a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked global powers.
Despite the novel’s strengths, it suffers from some notable flaws. The prose is sometimes overly verbose, and the dialogue can come off as stilted and awkward.
The characters are often thinly sketched, and their motivations are not always clear. The novel’s pacing is also erratic, with slow sections interrupted by sudden bursts of frenzied action.
However, these criticisms are minor in comparison to the novel’s overall power to immerse and entertain. Ludlum is a master of the genre, and The Aquitaine Progression stands the test of time as a classic international thriller.
It rivals the likes of Ludlum’s other famous work, The Bourne Identity, in its complexity and suspense. The Aquitaine Progression, despite being set in the early 1980s, has an uncanny relevance in the present times given recent political events.
Its portrayal of the intricate conspiracy theories and underhanded tactics used by powerful interests has a resonance that reaches beyond its initial readership. The novel’s themes are timeless, and its message is as relevant today as it was over thirty years ago.
Overall, The Aquitaine Progression is a must-read for fans of the international thriller genre. Ludlum’s keen eye for detail and his masterful storytelling abilities keep readers engaged throughout.
The novel is exciting, and the twists and turns keep readers guessing until the very end.
The Washington Post rates The Aquitaine Progression as a solid 4 out of 5, although there are flaws, ultimately, it is a satisfying and enjoyable read.
So, for those seeking a thrilling ride in the world of international intrigue, The Aquitaine Progression comes highly recommended.
