American Spy by Lauren Wilkinson Published by Random House on February 12, 2019
Pages: 304
Genres: Historical Fiction
Format: Hardcover
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository
Goodreads
What if your sense of duty required you to betray the man you love? One woman struggles to choose between her honor and her heart in this enthralling espionage drama set against an unforgettable historical backdrop.
It's 1986, the heart of the Cold War, and Marie Mitchell is an intelligence officer with the FBI. She's brilliant but she's also a young black woman working in an old boys' club, and her career has stalled out; she's overlooked for every high profile squad, and her days are filled with monotonous paperwork. So when she's given the opportunity to join a shadowy task force aimed at undermining Thomas Sankara, the charismatic, revolutionary president of Burkina Faso, whose Communist ideology has made him a target for American intervention, she says yes. Yes, even though she secretly admires the work Thomas is doing for his country. Yes, even though she is still grieving the mysterious death of her sister, whose example led Marie to this career path in the first place. Yes, even though a furious part of her suspects she's being offered the job because of her appearance and not her talent.
In the year that follows, Marie will observe Thomas, seduce him, and ultimately, have a hand in the coup that will bring him down. But doing so will change everything she believes about what it means to be a spy, a lover, a sister, and a good American.
Inspired by true events--Thomas Sankara is known as "Africa's Che Guevara"--this novel knits together a gripping spy thriller, a heartbreaking family drama, and a passionate romance. This is a face of the Cold War you've never seen before, and it introduces a powerful new literary voice.
About Lauren Wilkinson
Lauren Wilkinson earned an MFA in fiction and literary translation from Columbia University, and has taught writing at Columbia and the Fashion Institute of Technology. She was a 2013 Center for Fiction Emerging Writer’s Fellow, and has received support from both the MacDowell Colony and the Djerassi Resident Artists Program. Her fiction and essays have appeared in or are forthcoming from Granta, The Believer, and The Millions, among other publications. American Spy, her first novel, is a Spring 2019 Barnes & Noble “Discover Great New Writers” pick. Lauren grew up in New York and lives on the Lower East Side.
What are you waiting on this Wednesday?
Very cool, this sounds pretty unique and I love that it’s based on real events. And it’s got a fantastic cover!
Tammy @ Books, Bones & Buffy recently posted…Waiting on Wednesday [330] THE GIRL IN RED by Christina Henry
This sounds really unique and it’s definitely going on the wishlist. Thanks for sharing it because it’s totally new to me.
Barb (boxermommyreads) recently posted…Can’t Wait Wednesday (189)
Well, this looks awesome.
Dani recently posted…My Favorite Half-Night Stand by Christina Lauren
Colour me intrigued! This sounds brilliant and captivating. Also, love the setup over the cover art. Swoon.
Jessica at Booked J recently posted…Five Audiobooks I Hope to Finish in 2019
oh I don’t think I have read ever read anything set during the cold war! this one sounds good! Hope you love it!
Daniela Ark recently posted…It’s a Wrap! Best Sci-Fi and Fantasy I read in 2018! Giveaway!