The Road to Gandolfo

In this wickedly funny novel, Robert Ludlum combines the explosive pacing of The Bourne Identity and The Bourne Supremacy with a bitingly witty send-up of everything from government bureaucrats and pandering military men to the mob, the law, and organized religion. War hero and infamous ladies’ man, General MacKenzie Hawkins is a living legend. His life story had even been sold to Hollywood. But now he stands accused of defacing a historic monument in China’s Forbidden City. Under house arrest in Peking, with a case against him pending in Washington, it looks like the end of Mac’s illustrious career. But he has a plan of his own—and it includes kidnapping the Pope. What’s the ransom? Just one American dollar—for every show more Catholic in the world. Add to the mix a slew of shady “investors,” Hawkins’s four persuasive, well-endowed ex-wives, and a young lawyer and fellow soldier who wants nothing more than to return to private life—and you’ve got one relentlessly irreverent page-turner. show less

Not the typical Ludlum novel.

Its hard to believe that a Robert Ludlum book can make you laugh, but "The Road to Gandolfo" made me chuckle more than once. Don't be fooled by the humor, because this book has the Ludlum's touch for creating a well written story that is meant to be amusing. For example, in this satire, the guy is discharged from the Army for becoming a political embarrassment. He later decides to do something even more politically embarrassing by kidnapping the Pope. Who would think of something like this? Ludlum did. So, once the Pope is kidnapped, one would think that he would be upset, but he isn't. In fact the Pope rather enjoys the idea of being away from all the headaches and stress of the Vatican. He relaxes, gabs show more away while downing some beers. Then there is ranson for the Pope. Someone must pay, but who?
Read on to find out. Great story. Enjoy. show less

This was a nostalgia read, as my Dad loved this book and I always remember seeing that paperback copy hanging around at a few different abodes.

It's a departure for Ludlum, as this is an over-the-top comedy. It's definitely dated, as there are some real eye-rolling scenes with a some of the female characters, and there are some of them that aren't terribly discernible from the others, but even with that I feel it's worth the read, if only for the character of General MacKenzie Hawkins. If you've ever played the hilariously, tongue-in-cheek video game, Broforce?

Here's a video of the gameplay in all of its wondrous pixelated gore: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vwg1fz7cUaM

Yeah, Hawkins would feel at home in that world.

So yeah, a fun read.

Silly. If you need one word to describe this book that is it. Mind you when the author preface claims he was giggling whilst writing it, what can you expect?

Mac is an ultra-experianced Army officer drummed out for over enthusiastic behavior whilst on duty in Asia. Sam is a career lawyer on secondment to the army for a couple of years, nearing the end of his term. Sent to perseude Mac to leave quietly, he rapidly becomes entangled in Mac's escapade. How to raise enough money to live in the lifestyle he is accustomed to? A quick dip through his past reports with the contrivance of Sam and he is ready to go.

Also present are Mac's four non-acrimonious ex-wives, the Pope and just about anybody else. There are plot holes you could drive a show more tank through, but the overall tone is lighthearted and it is fun to read. It is also short, which is a blessing because if it were any longer disbelief wouldn't just have to be suspended it would have to be cancelled altogether.

Mac's rough style contrasts nicely with Sam's polished urbanity and the nobdy else really gets a voice.

Silly but fun. show less

Humorous and a Great Read

My good friend was clearing out some of his old books and gave me this book to read. I enjoyed the book and I found it to be a very entertaining read. I always appreciate a bit of humor in stories and this book had a number of humorous moments. I laughed at some of the scenes and kept reading and laughed at the characters.
I understand that there is a sequel to the book so I'll probably ask my friend if he has it. Assuming he can remember the title.

A fun, if somewhat dated, farce where a disgraced American general decides to kidnap the pope for major ransom money. Pretty silly, but Ludlum's somewhat bombastic style works pretty well in self-parody mode.

A delightful rolicking tale, with twists and turns in the plot which will amuse, challenge, and intrigue. A cast of characters which include the Pope, an American General and several of his ex-wives provide a stretch of imagination for backdrop.