Those who have paid even a little attention to politics and the national news during the last ten years will recognize the main storyline in “The American Crusade.” Many people had strong feelings one way or the other surrounding the Iraq invasion (or however you want to term it) starting in March 2003, and author Mark Spivak brings the topic back to fictional life with expertise through a cast of characters who are easily recognizable (George W. Bush, Dick Cheney, Colin Powell, etc.). The main plot plays out in a predictable way and gave this reader a familiar and foreboding feeling reminiscent of when the U.S. entered Iraq and then the months of messy headlines following the invasion.
The “Iraq” invasion is spawned in Spivak’s book on the heels of a 9/11-style attack that occurred in Minnesota. The two events take place in much faster succession in the book than they did in real life, but the author’s point is well taken: Many U.S. citizens questioned the wisdom of invading Iraq instead of tracking down the true terrorists who caused America harm after 9/11.
Though many have lived through these stories before, Spivak deftly inserts several intriguing subplots that are also riveting. My favorite one is about Abdul, a boy whose family lives in the country with the harsh regime that is being invaded (fictional Iraq) and next door to the country that has a rising insurgency (fictional Afghanistan). The names of the countries are changed for fictional purposes, but the narrative still feels authentic and has an uncomfortable familiarity throughout.
“The American Crusade” contains fast and exciting chapters with characters who all seem to have a cynical bent, as if everyone knows he or she is the bad guy in some way. The speeches from the president and the articles in the newspaper are vintage early 2000s material that readers who are old enough will remember well. Spivak even includes fictitious characters who represent Bill and Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama. The book is at once dated and somehow fresh because jaded politics is ever present and always ripe for controversy in this country.
Great dialogue and plenty of surprises, including at the end, make “The American Crusade” a worthwhile read. Spivak is a master writer in the political-thriller genre who knows how to keep readers entertained.
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Reviews with images
Cleverly written, entertaining and thought-provoking book. Political junkies, this one’s for you!
If you’re a political junkie, or a history buff, or just enjoy smart, fast-paced, well-written political thrillers, this book is for you. Spivak intertwines a few familiar storylines from not-too-distant American politics and personas, key historical references and compelling passages, and colorful characters with clever plots and twists that make this book both entertaining and thought-provoking. Can’t wait to read the sequel!!
Top reviews from other countries
Squeaky Joe
Too many long, boring speeches.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on July 16, 2020