Title: The English Girl
Author: Daniel Silva
First published July 16, 2013
482 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9780062073167 (ISBN10: 0062073168)
Rating: 4.16
Overview
When Madeline Hart, a rising star in British politics, goes missing, Prime Minister Jonathan Lancaster fears the worst. Madeline is not only his employee but also his secret lover, and her disappearance threatens to ruin his career.
To avoid a scandal, Lancaster turns to Gabriel Allon, a master assassin, art restorer, and spy. Gabriel’s mission is clear: bring Madeline home safely within seven days.
His search takes him from the criminal underworld of Paris to the isolated mountains of Provence and the corridors of power in London. But, as Gabriel discovers the shocking truth behind Madeline’s abduction, he realizes that his own life is in danger.
From the opening pages to the explosive finale, Daniel Silva’s The English Girl will keep readers on the edge of their seats. A timely reminder that power and money often trump ideology, this novel cements Daniel Silva’s reputation as one of the greatest thriller writers of our time.
About the Author
Daniel Silva, born in Michigan in 1960, grew up in California and earned his BA from Fresno State. He started his career as a journalist for United Press International (UPI), covering political conflicts, terrorism, and the Iran-Iraq war in the Middle East.
Later, he joined CNN and worked his way up to executive producer of public policy programming in Washington, D.C. In 1994, Silva began writing his first novel, The Unlikely Spy, which became a surprise bestseller and was critically acclaimed. He became a full-time writer in 1997 and all of his books have been translated into 25 languages, published worldwide, and became New York Times/national bestsellers.
Silva resides in Washington, D.C.
Editoral Review
The English Girl by Daniel Silva is a gripping addition to the spy thriller genre. Silva is a master of his craft, having penned over 20 novels in the Gabriel Allon series, and his latest work does not disappoint.
The book was first published on July 16, 2013, and since then has become a must-read for fans of espionage and international intrigue. The novel follows the story of a young British woman named Madeline Hart, who disappears while vacationing on the lush island of Corsica.
Her disappearance sparks an international manhunt, led by the legendary Israeli spy Gabriel Allon. Allon is joined in his pursuit by a cast of characters, including MI6 agent Graham Seymour and young computer hacker Christopher Keller.
As the team delves deeper into the case, they uncover a web of deceit and betrayal that threatens to upend governments and topple powerful institutions. Silva’s writing is nuanced and deftly handled, and his characters are richly drawn with complex motivations and flaws.
Allon, in particular, is a fascinating study in contrastsa brilliant spy and capable leader, but haunted by the weight of his past and the consequences of his actions. The pacing of the novel is superb, with heart-pumping action set pieces interspersed with quieter moments of introspection and reflection.
While The English Girl is first and foremost an entertaining thriller, it also touches on themes of power, corruption, and the fragility of trust. Silva’s writing is incisive and timely, drawing parallels between the world of espionage and the murky world of international politics.
The novel also explores the role of technology in modern espionage, highlighting the importance of hacking and cyberattacks in the modern era. One of the strengths of The English Girl is its ability to weave together multiple plot threads and disparate characters into a cohesive whole.
The book is a testament to Silva’s skill as a writer, and his ability to handle complex narrative arcs with ease. That being said, some readers may find the novel’s intricate plot and large cast of characters challenging to follow at times.
Overall, The English Girl is a standout addition to the spy thriller genre. Fans of Silva’s previous works will not be disappointed, and newcomers to the series will find themselves quickly drawn into the world of international espionage.
The book is a must-read for lovers of gripping, character-driven novels with a political edge. I give it 4 out of 5 stars, with the caveat that readers who are new to the series may want to start with one of Silva’s earlier works to fully appreciate the depth of his characters and world-building.