THE FOX is the
latest espionage thriller by Frederick Forsyth whose best sellers (including
The Day of the Jackal) have sold more
than 70 million copies worldwide. In this novel, Forsyth introduces a British
teen on the autism spectrum, Luke Jennings, who is able to work around
firewalls and protocols that stump experts in the field of cyberterrorism. Gradually, a relationship develops and is
managed by a former UK spy with Luke (code name: The Fox) ultimately cooperating with Western powers
to have an impact on the weapon systems of countries like Russia, Iran, and North
Korea. In the process, Luke’s life and that of his family come under threat.
It is difficult for me to make a full
comparison to earlier works by Forsyth, but this one kept my interest, particularly
due to its contemporary setting, and should satisfy his loyal readers as well
as newer ones like many of our students. Throughout Forsyth wryly comments on international
relationships as shown by a couple of quick quotes: “The logical are always
frightened of the insane” (referring to tension between North Korea and the
United States) and, regarding past espionage adventures: “There is a moment to
stay put and a moment to move. Pick the
right one and you will see old age.” THE FOX received a starred review
from Publishers Weekly.
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