David Unger

A great picture book biography that avoids tropes and clichés and presents José as a person whose background and life experiences shaped his outlook and views on the world. The author does a great job showing how José had to adapt to different catastrophes. The prose blends English and Spanish in a way that engages readers in a deep cultural understanding of the significance of food across cultures. The illustrations convey the beautiful and complex tapestry of our world. The illustrator show more does an excellent job of showing José growing over time. show less

Having heard nothing of The Mastermind or its author, David Unger, before reading the synopsis, my imagination was immediately captured by the concept of this novel. I was drawn first of all by the contemporary Guatemalan setting as depicted by an author intimately familiar with that society so as to provide the realistic texture and detail of the particular politics and culture. Moreover, the novel's categorization as a "literary thriller" matched my overall prefernce for literary fiction show more over otherwise appealing genre fiction, and the peculiar real-life story that inspired the book seemed to present an array of potentially fascinating psychological elements that could be featured in Unger's cast of characters. I entered to win an advance copy of the novel through LibraryThing's Early Reviewer program, in which winners are expected to provide honest reviews in return for the free new releases they receive, and I caught a lucky break.

Upon receiving the book this week, I commenced reading and consumed it whole in short order. I usually do not finish novels -- even relatively short ones in genres with fast-paced plots like this 330-page thriller -- in just one or two sittings. The Mastermind definitely engaged my interest and was a truly entertaining -- and therefore ultimately rewarding -- read for me.

That said, the book wasn't exactly what I expected it to be. I found that I was so engrossed in the protagonist's psychological experience (as intimately related by the third-person narrator) and the unfolding action itself that I didn't engage with any nuance in the text. Because of the narrative style, my intake of the story could almost be described as more experiential (i.e. seeing the action through the protagonist's eyes) than literary. Usually, I am able to engage empathetically with character perspectives, anticipate unfolding events in the story, as well as appreciate specific aspects of the author's craftsmanship in relating the narrative. Unger's writing just sucked me in, for better and for worse, I'd say.

I think I may re-read this novel to see if it bears more serious scrutiny. In the meantime, I would recommend it to all readers intrigued by the story-line who possess a tolerance for novels where events are filtered through the perspective of a largely unlikable and/or unrelatable main character. I did not find this protagonist personally endearing at all (but then again, I didn't get too irritated by any particular of this character either). I don't expect my negative general impression will be universal among readers, but I think it wise to warn those who cannot abide unsympathetic main characters to consider this issue in evaluating this potential read.

Thanks for reading my ideas; I hope they prove somehow useful for at least some of you! show less

The Mastermind by David Unger is based on the strange true story of a Guatemalan who planned his own death while leaving a video tape of accusations against the Guatemalan President.
The novel is well-written with third person narration that allows the reader to be both very close to the main character, Guillermo Rosensweig, and still at a distance. The author has managed to keep the main character compelling when he is essentially unlikable--Rosensweig doesn't respect his parents, feels show more superior to his peers, cheats on his wife and on his mistresses, and is disgusted by his country.
Although the first half is slow-moving it gives a good look at Rosensweig and his motivations as well as the political landscape that is developing around him. The second half moves into more action and focuses on the "thriller" and intrigue aspects of the tale.
This is not a title that I would recommend to everyone but those who are interested in modern day Guatemala or power dynamics both within relationships and larger societal constructs would likely find it an interesting read. show less

A strange story, based on a real 2009 event, of a Guatemalan lawyer who is drawn into planning his own assassination as a gesture of patriotism. It more than just patriotism, he is in grief over a devastating love affair.

I went back and forth on whether I liked the book and I almost didn't finish it. I did finish it and I'm glad I stayed with it. My main problem was with the depiction of the love affair--it seemed shallow and based only on sex. The death plot, however, was intricate and show more fascinating. Guatemala is a scary place and no one know who they can trust.

Advance review copy through LibraryThing. show less