Book Review: Code to Zero

Reviewed By: Harriet Klausner

Code to Zero     Amazon US HC Amazon UK PB Amazon Canada HC
Ken Follett
Class/Genre:   Fiction   Mystery   Thriller
Dutton, Dec 2000, $26.95, 369 pp.

In 1958, he awakens in the public toilet Of DC’s Union Station. In the mirror he looks at the reflection of a bum. Still, the image means nothing to him, as he has no idea who he is. A companion Pete informs him he is Luke, a wino and that they shared a bottle last night. However, in spite of his buddy’s insistence, being a derelict seems wrong to Luke and when he has no psychological need to find alcohol he concludes that Pete is a liar.

Luke begins to search for his lost identity and the someone who went to the trouble of setting up the tramp scenario. As he uncovers more and more of the truth, Luke realizes that he is somehow involved in the American space race to match the Russian successful launch of Sputnik. How and what his role was eludes Luke who remains unaware of the master plan to abort the space program.

Ken Follett returns to his most comfortable milieu, the heated period of the Cold War with a fabulous, fast-paced thriller. The story line moves forward quickly as readers obtain a look back to an era that seems so much like ancient history though it is only four decades ago. Though a bit formulaic, the plot keeps the attention of the audience due to Luke’s everyman fighting impossible odds a la Grant on Rushmore.

Harriet Klausner

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Harriet Klausner