Lie Down with Lions by Ken Follett is a gripping espionage thriller set during the Russian invasion of Afghanistan in the late 1970s and early 1980s. The story follows a complex love triangle involving Jane, an English nurse, Ellis, a CIA agent, and Jean Pierre, a French physician, as they navigate treacherous political landscapes and personal betrayals in the midst of war. With detailed descriptions of the Afghan culture and the harsh realities of the conflict, the book weaves together elements of romance, espionage, and suspense to create a captivating narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.

The plot of Lie Down with Lions unfolds through multiple perspectives, offering insights into the characters' motivations and the intricacies of their relationships. As the story delves into themes of deception, loyalty, and survival, it builds tension through unexpected plot twists and high-stakes confrontations. Ken Follett's writing style is characterized by its evocative descriptions, well-developed characters, and intricate storytelling, making it a compelling read for fans of espionage thrillers and historical fiction.

Characters:

The characters are complex, with Jane as a central figure navigating betrayal, while Ellis and Jean Pierre represent opposing ideological forces.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is characterized by graphic and engaging prose, intertwining suspense with rich descriptions.

Plot/Storyline:

The narrative revolves around a love triangle set against the backdrop of the Afghan-Soviet conflict, highlighting betrayal, espionage, and a thrilling escape.

Setting:

The setting captures the early 1980s Afghanistan, providing a context of conflict and cultural exploration.

Pacing:

Pacing in the book is generally fast, particularly towards the climax, although some sections may feel slow.

The men who wanted to kill Ahmet Yilmaz were serious people. They were exiled Turkish students living in Paris, and they had already murdered an attaché at the Turkish Embassy and fire-bombed the home...

Notes:

The novel is set during the 1980s amidst the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan.

Jane, the main character, starts as an English nurse in Paris but ends up in Afghanistan.

Ellis, Jane's lover, is initially introduced as a CIA agent.

Jean Pierre, Jane's husband, is a French doctor secretly working for the Russians.

The story portrays a love triangle involving espionage and betrayal.

Follett weaves themes of feminism into Jane's character and her experiences in a patriarchal society.

The book features graphic romance and sex scenes, which some readers found excessive.

The narrative includes a chase through the mountains of Afghanistan, enhancing the tension of the story.

The novel emphasizes the struggles and complexities faced by women in Afghan culture during wartime.

Follett's writing includes detailed descriptions of Afghanistan's culture and the Russian invasion's impact.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

The content warnings include explicit sex scenes, themes of betrayal, and depictions of war and violence.

Has Romance?

The story contains a significant romantic subplot that evolves amidst the backdrop of espionage.

explicit steam level

From The Publisher:

"Vintage Follett . . . This is his most ambitious novel and it succeeds admirably." -USA Today

Ellis, the American. Jean-Pierre, the Frenchman. They were two men on opposite sides of the Cold War, with a woman torn between them. Together, they formed a triangle of passion and deception, racing from terrorist bombs in Paris to the violence and intrigue of Afghanistan-to the moment of truth and deadly decision for all of them. . . .

Reader Stats (4):

Want To Read (3)
Not Interested (1)

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About the Author:

Ken Follett is one of the world's best-loved authors, selling more than 170 million copies of his thirty-two books. Follett's first bestseller was Eye of the Needle, a spy story set in the Second World War. In 1989, The Pillars of the…

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Lie Down with Lions

Ken Follett