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Westwind by Ian Rankin – Book Review

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Westwind by Ian Rankin

Amazon Link To Buy – Westwind by Ian Rankin

 

For me the concept that the military from the USA, UK and other countries, as described in Westwind by Ian Rankin,  would conspire to bring down the elected governments of the day is an anathema, however, we only have to look into history and what happened in German pre WW2 and the African sub-continent and its various countries and we can see parallels.

As an ex-soldier who has served in the UK and Germany, Canada and South America I could never conceive of a time in which the British Armed Services would allow this to happen and where they would give up their allegiance to the Crown (not the government).

The characters are reasonably well-drawn, but the main character Martin Hepton has questions to be asked.  How come a computer nerd, who does not seem to have any background in intelligence apart from watching a computer screen and interpreting pictures, suddenly develop a 6th sense in being able to handle a prime assassin?

Various other characters are brought into the story to add pace and distance, but the ‘badies’ are somewhat predictable as are the various stage sets and locations.

 

It is also interesting to look at age-old secret service writer’s ploy – namely that of levels within levels of the British Secret Service all looking over their shoulders to check who is watching whom!

And not to be forgotten is the age-old commentary on a person’s position in society – what university did one go to, which service did you belong to etc.

However, even with all these thoughts and reservations, I would still recommend this book.  It is a good thriller, well crafted and written, and it does pose questions – could it happen now?

To quote Wikipedia, Ian James Rankin OBE DL FRSE FRSL (born 28 April 1960) is a Scottish crime writer, best known for his Inspector Rebus novels… His range is prolific, from the series with Rebus, to stand-alone novels to collaboration on opera, to short stories.

 

Fun Extras and Links

I am a book blogger.  I am not paid to do this.  All opinions are my own.

Breach – A Movie Review

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BreachName of movie: Breach

Date: 2007

Length (hrs) Approx 1 hr 45 mins

Film genre: Biography, Crime, Drama, History, Thriller

 

 

 

 

 

Characters:

Chris Cooper as Robert Hanssen

Ryan Phillippe as Eric O’Neill

Laura Linney as Kate burroughs

 

Breach Breach

Awards: AARP Movies for Grownups Awards 2008 – Best Actor ‘Chris Cooper’

 

Setting: FBI Headquarters, Washington DC

Plot information: Robert Hanssen was a high level FBI agent who spied for Russia for money and other reasons.

When does the movie take place? Approximately 2000-2002

What happens in the movie? The plot is quite simple in that Robert Hanssen is transferred to FBI HQ to head up a new section, but in reality his move is to sideline him and to enable the FBI to monitor more closely his behaviour. To this end O’Neill is brought in as his gopher, but in reality again he is to observe and report on Hanssen’s moves.

What makes the movie interesting? The interesting features of the movie is that there is not action sequences, it is all based around character; and to this end both Chris Cooper as Hanssen, and Ryan Phillippe as O’Neill are brilliant. It is the development of the character of both of these men, of how they are both living double lives, and how eventually both come to the end of the story having moved their personal life in a totally different direction

I was really surprised at Ryan Phllippe’s handling and development of his character of O’Neill (a young, enthusiastic agent who is looking to grow within the agency), and look forward to him doing more work which is character led rather than some of the light weight items he has previously carried out.

How do you feel when the movie ended? The movie didn’t bring up any surprises, but it did leave some unanswered ones, especially since watching the movie I have read up on Hanssen.

I would recommend this movie to those who are will to watch and listen, and enjoy character led stories.

On a scale of 1 (don’t like) – 5 (like), for me I would give this movie a 4 out of 5

 

Further reading:

London Spy

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Gay Times Logo
 
 
 
 
 
BBC

Despite reports from The Sun and the Mail Online, broadcasting regulator Ofcom only received one complaint against BBC Two drama London Spy.

Both websites reported that Ofcom had received 13 complaints from viewers, who were allegedly ‘shocked’ by gay sex scenes and nudity in spy drama starring Ben Whishaw and Jim Broadbent. However, after speaking with Ofcom, GT can confirm that only one complaint was made against the programme.
An Ofcom spokesman told GT: “We’ve received one complaint about London Spy on BBC Two. We will assess this complaint before deciding whether to investigate or not.”
The regulator confirmed that the individual complaint was in relation to a sex scene after the 9pm watershed.
London Spy was broadcast after the 9pm watershed, and it was announced that the programme would contain scenes of a sexual nature. On the BBC iPlayer, where the programme is now available to watch, the content warning is reiterated to viewers.
Christian group the Evangelical Alliance told the Sun: “We should expect better from our publicly-funded broadcaster.”
The paper also reports that one viewer tweeted: “Was watching London Spy but that just got way to much to watch, especially with my mum.”
Despite the individual complaint and negative feedback to the Sun, the reaction to the first episode of London Spy was overwhelmingly positive, with many praising it’s approach to the lead character’s sexuality.
 
 
Further reading: