The Afghan

By: Frederick Forsyth

Narrated by: Robert Powell

Length: 10 hrs and 42 mins

Publisher's summary

A chilling story of modern terrorism from the grandmaster of international intrigue.

The Day of the Jackal, The Dogs of War, The Odessa File: the books of Frederick Forsyth have helped define the international thriller as we know it today. Combining meticulous research with crisp narratives and plots as current as the headlines, Forsyth shows us the world as it is in a way that few have ever been able to equal.

And the world as it is today is a very scary place.

When British and American intelligence catch wind of a major Al Qaeda operation in the works, they instantly galvanize, but to do what? They know nothing about it: the what, where, or when. They have no sources in Al Qaeda, and it's impossible to plant someone. Or is it?

The Afghan is Izmat Khan, a five-year prisoner of Guantanamo Bay and a former senior commander of the Taliban. The Afghan is also Colonel Mike Martin, a 25-year-old veteran of war zones around the world; a dark, lean man born and raised in Iraq. In an attempt to stave off disaster, the intelligence agencies will try to do what no one has ever done before, pass off a Westerner as an Arab among Arabs, and pass off Martin as the trusted Khan.

It will require extraordinary preparation, and then extraordinary luck, for nothing can truly prepare Martin for the dark and shifting world into which he is about to enter. Or for the terrible things he will find there.

Filled with remarkable detail and compulsive drama, The Afghan is further proof that Forsyth is truly master of suspense.

©2006 Frederick Forsyth (P)2006 Penguin Audio, a member of Penguin Group (USA) Inc., and Recorded Books, LLC. All rights reserved.

Critic reviews

"A cut above...other post-9/11 spy thrillers." (Publishers Weekly)
"When it comes to espionage, international intrigue, and suspense, Frederick Forsyth is a master." (The Washington Post)

Super

I don't agree with the criticism of the reader - I found him to be very good, allowing me to hear the story without always being aware of the voice. He does quite well with the accents, too. The story is complicated, but kept my interest the whole time. Definitely worth the credit!!

Very Ho Hum

I must agree with everyone so far. The plot was very drawn out and somewhat boring. The author did do a nice job with some details, but otherwise do not waste a credit on the book!!!!

Disappointing but acceptable

Pretty good, but not up to Forsyth's usual standards. The first 2/3 of the book is typical FredFor... a detailed and intelligent set-up of the story, establishing interesting characters and drawing from major world events. However, the end of the book is disappointing. This includes a completely implausible coincidence (the plane crash)that detracts from the credibility of the author without adding much to the story. Most significantly, the ending fizzles and lacks the depth of the first half of the book. Overall, it seemed that either the publisher rushed the completiong of the book or the author lost interest in the story. Having said all of this, I would still buy the audiobook again as I think Forsyth on a bad day is better than most authors on a good one.

Excellent

I always like the well researched novels that make you feel smarter after reading them. This book builds the story so well by giving historical insights and details that create the story themselves. Add a few well designed characters and you have a thriller that makes you feel like you are in it. The tension is amazing and the suspense will hold you until the end . A well written book with great narration. The perfect voice for this performance. Recommend this to those that love to be involved with the characters and enjoy the adventure . Not a fluffy novel to casually browse through. It’s so much better!!

Incredible

Well written, incredibly read. Well worth every minute!

Great Adventure

This was a fun romp around the world but since I read it around 9/11 it was also very sobering how these terrorist operate. I fould it a really good yarn!!!

overall good

the story dragged at times and got bogged down in details but got more interesting the later it progressed

Too complicated

Although I love everything Forsyth,this book was too long, complicated and overdetailed. I kept falling asleep and losing my place. The narrator was excellent!

Great Book

Great audio book. I thouroughly enjoyed it. It has a compelling plot, good character creation and well researched details. The Narration was very well done and not overly acted.

Mediocre story line with predicable ending

Pros: Good Narration
Cons: very ordinary story. Not the normal Frederick Forsythe style. Story is not very engaging and not many twists and suspenses. Compared to other books of the same Author, this book had a very weak storyline.