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North From Calcutta
In his first novel which could be ripped from today's headlines, former CIA officer, Duane Evans plunges readers into the dangerous and uncertain world of Tarek Durrani, a westernized Pakistani intelligence operative who races to stop an attack against India by a deadly terrorist group. If the attack succeeds it will lead to an all out war between India and Pakistan with nuclear ramifications for the entire world. Of more immediate concern to Durrani, the attack also will take the life of the beautiful Indian architect who has cracked the combination to his soul. As the terrorist plot unfolds, Durrani plays out one last deadly game, putting his cold, practiced intelligence skills to the ultimate test.
360 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 1, 2009
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
November 3, 2009
I read through ten reviews (see below) of North From Calcutta by Duane Evans before beginning my own review. All except for the one on Business World, an Indian site, were positive. While I am also giving North From Calcutta a negative review, my reasons are different.
The positive reviews site a fast paced plot, realistic dialogue and a unique plot. I must have been reading a different book because the plot for me crawled, the dialogue seemed wooden and written with an American ear and the plot while perhaps set in a part of the world not recently covered by espionage stories, isn't unique. Sure, there are nuclear weapons involved this time but otherwise it wasn't much different than the underlying plot of Kim.
More than anything, though, it was the narration (the how the story is told) instead of the narrative (the actual events in the plot) that made me put the book aside. Every page was filled with repetitive phrases to the point I wanted a red pen to edit on the fly. The action scenes didn't fare any better, being told in the passive voice and the subjunctive tense. Action scenes need action verbs. Short sentences and phrases. The rhythm of the words should match or mimic what's happening in the story. It doesn't in this book. Instead, the action scenes read like a book report, and a boring one at that.
I received a copy of the book for review. I have since released it through Bookcrossing.
The positive reviews site a fast paced plot, realistic dialogue and a unique plot. I must have been reading a different book because the plot for me crawled, the dialogue seemed wooden and written with an American ear and the plot while perhaps set in a part of the world not recently covered by espionage stories, isn't unique. Sure, there are nuclear weapons involved this time but otherwise it wasn't much different than the underlying plot of Kim.
More than anything, though, it was the narration (the how the story is told) instead of the narrative (the actual events in the plot) that made me put the book aside. Every page was filled with repetitive phrases to the point I wanted a red pen to edit on the fly. The action scenes didn't fare any better, being told in the passive voice and the subjunctive tense. Action scenes need action verbs. Short sentences and phrases. The rhythm of the words should match or mimic what's happening in the story. It doesn't in this book. Instead, the action scenes read like a book report, and a boring one at that.
I received a copy of the book for review. I have since released it through Bookcrossing.
October 1, 2017
A fascinating look at West Asia and South Asia and the political discord that has defined these countries. I could easily identify with the characters and fell right into the scenes that seemed rich with Asian tradition. An exciting plot, but not to the point of white-knuckle suspense. Instead, it follows the main conflict of stopping a potential outset of war, but at the same time, presents the reader with a look into the personal conflicts of the characters, especially the protagonist. An enjoyable read.
June 2, 2009
The Spy From the Other Side
Duane Evans has created an equally interesting and engaging story with his novel, NORTH FROM CALCUTTA. In a world of Islamic terrorism and Pakastani intelligence, this book reads like an espionage thriller on the other side of the world.
The main character, Tarek Durrani, is a believable, if not a troubled person in his own right. Fighting his own demons along the way to ensuring that India and Pakistan do not end up destroying each other (and the rest of the world) in nuclear war over Kashmir. Evans has a talent for painting a remarkably bleak picture with a hint of sunlight in the corner, and realizing this light in NORTH FROM CALCUTTA is as engaging as it gets.
One of the best features of NORTH FROM CALCUTTA is the pace at which the story is told. The story is engaging and builds chapter by chapter to an explosive conclusion that will be hard to forget. Every chapter is equally fulfilling and their is no down chapters or lagging that sometimes exists to move the plot along. The plot moves perfectly.
If you like espionage thrillers and you are looking for a change in venue for spy exploits, you should take a good look at NORTH FROM CALCUTTA. If you liked THE INCREMENT by David Ignatius you will enjoy NORTH FROM CALCUTTA and vice versa.
Good reading,
Plants and Books.
Visit My Book Review Blog For More Reviews
Duane Evans has created an equally interesting and engaging story with his novel, NORTH FROM CALCUTTA. In a world of Islamic terrorism and Pakastani intelligence, this book reads like an espionage thriller on the other side of the world.
The main character, Tarek Durrani, is a believable, if not a troubled person in his own right. Fighting his own demons along the way to ensuring that India and Pakistan do not end up destroying each other (and the rest of the world) in nuclear war over Kashmir. Evans has a talent for painting a remarkably bleak picture with a hint of sunlight in the corner, and realizing this light in NORTH FROM CALCUTTA is as engaging as it gets.
One of the best features of NORTH FROM CALCUTTA is the pace at which the story is told. The story is engaging and builds chapter by chapter to an explosive conclusion that will be hard to forget. Every chapter is equally fulfilling and their is no down chapters or lagging that sometimes exists to move the plot along. The plot moves perfectly.
If you like espionage thrillers and you are looking for a change in venue for spy exploits, you should take a good look at NORTH FROM CALCUTTA. If you liked THE INCREMENT by David Ignatius you will enjoy NORTH FROM CALCUTTA and vice versa.
Good reading,
Plants and Books.
Visit My Book Review Blog For More Reviews
February 28, 2016
This book took me completely by surprise in that what I was expecting it to be turned out to be totally different. I thought it would be a macho book, with plenty of bad language, have an extremely complicated plot, torture scenes with gory details, etc. but it contained none of those which was possibly one of the reasons why I enjoyed it so much.
I thought the slow and steady build up was compelling throughout (the explanation at the beginning regarding the situation with Kashmir was a nice touch as the reader doesn't always know everything and I found it invaluable to refer back to while reading the book).
The writing flowed easily and the main character, Tarek Durrani, the Pakistani Intelligence Officer, was both believable and very likeable. His love for the beautiful Indian Sahar gave him an extra reason for trying to stop the attack.
This is a thrilling action tale (with a little romance) that I wouldn't hesitate to recommend.
I thought the slow and steady build up was compelling throughout (the explanation at the beginning regarding the situation with Kashmir was a nice touch as the reader doesn't always know everything and I found it invaluable to refer back to while reading the book).
The writing flowed easily and the main character, Tarek Durrani, the Pakistani Intelligence Officer, was both believable and very likeable. His love for the beautiful Indian Sahar gave him an extra reason for trying to stop the attack.
Ambassador Salim watched Tarek's arrival and took advantage of his momentary distraction to take his first hard look at this man on whom so much would depend. As Tarek's gaze swung round to meet his own, a slight smile came to Salim's lips. Yes, he knew in an instant, Major Durrani was the man for the job.
This is a thrilling action tale (with a little romance) that I wouldn't hesitate to recommend.
October 6, 2009
Who would've thought that I would enjoy a book that takes place in Pakistan, India and Saudi Arabia and that revolves around terrorism? Not me that is for sure, but I've realized that if it is a well-written book about espionage, terrorism, and has some great characters then I just may enjoy myself!! Tarek Durrani is a man that I would like to meet, I found him to be a fantastic and intriguing main character. I'm not familiar with Muslim names so it was slightly hard to keep track of who were the good guys and which ones were the bad guys, but that really is the only negative thing I can say about this book. Duane Evans knows his stuff and I felt like this (terrorism plot) was a scenario that has played itself out in various locations throughout the world. This book not only educates you, but it entertains you along the way.
January 13, 2013
Having read many Fredrick Forsyths and Ludlum, the typical perception of international espionage thrillers is those involving the CIA and MI6, etc. So, to come across a top quality and well received thriller of similar genre set in the Indian sub-continent, was an exciting change.
The plot is believable, but not exceptionally complex or sophisticated, and that for me turned out to be the disappointment with this novel. The element of top-notch suspense and mystery is missing, and the storyline is very predictable (overall), and hence it falls short of being amongst the best one can possibly read. Having said that, the pace is fast enough, and turn of events is quick enough, to keep the reader intrigued. Characterisation is reasonably in-depth, in the relative context of a thriller where typically action and events take precedence over character development. Four stars.
The plot is believable, but not exceptionally complex or sophisticated, and that for me turned out to be the disappointment with this novel. The element of top-notch suspense and mystery is missing, and the storyline is very predictable (overall), and hence it falls short of being amongst the best one can possibly read. Having said that, the pace is fast enough, and turn of events is quick enough, to keep the reader intrigued. Characterisation is reasonably in-depth, in the relative context of a thriller where typically action and events take precedence over character development. Four stars.
January 26, 2010
What an incredible journey into another world.
It takes a talented writer to take an ordinary person from North America and plunk them down in the middle of the Middle East with all their politics and belief systems. Duane Evans does that very effectively in North from Calcutta.
One of the reasons I was drawn to this book was Evans' real-life CIA experience. I knew that would add a surreal edge to this story. Through a cast of true-to-life characters, Evans takes the reader on a journey into India and a dam that if destroyed could change the balance of power in the region.
A great debut espionage thriller!
It takes a talented writer to take an ordinary person from North America and plunk them down in the middle of the Middle East with all their politics and belief systems. Duane Evans does that very effectively in North from Calcutta.
One of the reasons I was drawn to this book was Evans' real-life CIA experience. I knew that would add a surreal edge to this story. Through a cast of true-to-life characters, Evans takes the reader on a journey into India and a dam that if destroyed could change the balance of power in the region.
A great debut espionage thriller!
June 3, 2009
This book was a very pleasant surprise. I enjoy "Intelligence Services" type of novels, but they were normally centered around the CIA, KGB or Mossad. This is the first one I have read concerning another country. It will hold your interest very well. It is a combination spy and love story. The action is very realistic and believable. I definitely would read another novel by this author.
August 24, 2009
A gripping story ripped from today's headlines. A web of murder, intrigue and deceit that stretches from the palaces of Pakistan to the slumbs of Bangladesh, vrom the villas of India to the power corridors of Washington. The story builds inexorably to an explosive and unexpected climax, while one man races to avert a nucleur catastrophe, and save the woman he loves.
An exciting new talent.
An exciting new talent.
January 21, 2013
Dragging for me. Hoping it gets better.
Dropped a start because it's not getting any better. Very lost during it
One of the most hard to understand books I've ever read
Dropped a start because it's not getting any better. Very lost during it
One of the most hard to understand books I've ever read
February 19, 2013
A good read. The beginning took a little bit of time, but as the book progressed, the action picked up and I thought the ending was good.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews