The Afghan

This book was fantastic in many ways. Fast paced, lots of details about the character's history and also the rise of the Taliban and Al Quieda. The narration was excellent and the plot kept me on the edge of my seat all the way through. The only thing I found disappointing and why I decided to rate it 4 out of 5 stars was the ending. I just felt like after the effort the author had obviously gone to in his research in to the army, MI5 and terrorist groups the ending let the book down a lot. Don't let this discourage you though, it is overall a fabulous and thrilling read, just don't expect a huge climactic ending.

As with all of Mr Forsyth's novels, it is very detailed and assuming (which I do) his research is accurate, informative. The problem is, too many trees and not enough wood for my liking. It kept me interested, but the ending is anticlimactic. The narrator is excellent.

Whilst I consider Forsyth a guilty pleasure, no doubt my own pathetic snobbery this novel as with most of his others reels you in and makes you accept his world entirely from its smallest details to the larger world view it extends. An excellent example of the genre.

Frederick Forsyth has taken great pains to ensure that his plot details are both convincing and based on fact. A magnificent construction and those that claim the ending was disappointing were clearly not in tune with the many hints that Mr Forsyth had given through this compelling narrative. Indeed not all the work of the special services is a boy's own adventure wreathed in success. Some men are lost failing to get very far and some are lost after the mission has been accomplished.
The narration was excellent and the read most compelling.

I still give this book 5 stars despite the lacklustre ending. A superbly narrated and an incredibly detailed book. No doubt the author knows his stuff however I found the ending to be a touch disappointing almost like a firework display when you anticipate the great big finale and it fizzles out. Nonetheless, this is a great book that the narrator brings to life.

Frederick Forsyth is accepted as being one of the best, but he maintains his standard in this work. It's interesting, credible and well constructed. Worth every penny.