The UnAmericans

by Michael Carter

Max Agnew defected from the USA to Russia in the 60s, leaving behind his wife, baby and a shocked nation. Three decades later, stranded in Georgia after the Soviet Empire’s tide has washed away, Max’s past finally catches up with him.

192 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 12, 2015

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Reviews

[Fr. Andrew · Rating 4 out of 5]

In trying to understand the lower ratings for this book, I suspect it may be in good part due to the unfortunate expectation the packaging creates that this is a spy novel. It's not a spy novel. It's a literary novel about family estrangement which happens to prominently feature a spy - or, rather, a former spy. As such, I think it works quite well. The writing is lovely, the main character is especially well-developed, and the sense of place is accomplished. My only quibble comes with the epilogue, which strikes me as too long and ultimately a bit too forced. I would have been content with the novel had there been no epilogue, to be honest. Max has faced his demons, and there need not be a dramatic finish to force the point.

Very good book, in my opinion.

[Marcy · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm not sure how or why I picked up this book. Strange and with improbable storyline, improbable events -- ex-CIA double agent during Cold War meets adult daughter he abandoned as an infant when he defected...... whatever. Something about the story kept me reading. The writing style was at times direct and at times peppered with odd, unnecessarily academic vocabulary. The internal mindset and thinking of the alcoholic daughter felt very real. After reading this book, I would love to visit Tbilisi and the Georgia coast.