Ken Follett's 'Code to Zero' follows the story of Luke, a man who wakes up with amnesia in Union Station in Washington, D.C. in January 1958. As he tries to piece together his identity, he discovers his connections to major players in his life, leading to a thrilling countdown to a significant event. The plot unfolds with espionage, suspense, and a touch of romance, set against the backdrop of the Cold War and the race to space, making for an engaging and thought-provoking read.

Follett's writing style in 'Code to Zero' is characterized by well-paced plot development, intricate characterizations, and a blend of history and fiction. The narrative gradually builds towards a crescendo in the last 50 pages, keeping readers hooked with its suspenseful elements and engaging storytelling. The book explores themes of identity, loyalty, espionage, and the sacrifices made during times of conflict, offering a unique perspective on the space race era.

Characters:

The characters are complex with intricate relationships, although some may not come across as believable in their espionage roles.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is engaging and gripping at times, though occasionally simplistic and predictable.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot centers on a protagonist with amnesia who uncovers his identity during a critical moment in the space race, navigating relationships and espionage.

Setting:

The setting is early 1958, highlighting the Cold War and the space race, with Washington DC and Cape Canaveral as key locations.

Pacing:

The pacing is quick and well-structured, culminating in a suspenseful climax, although some readers find the alternating timelines distracting.

The Jupiter C missile stands on the launch pad at Complex 26, Cape Canaveral. For secrecy, it is draped in vast canvas shrouds that hide everything but its tail, which is that of the Army’s familiar R...

Notes:

Code to Zero is Ken Follett's first spy novel after many historical novels.

The story is set shortly before the launch of Explorer I in 1958, during the Space Race.

The protagonist, Luke Lucas, wakes up in Union Station with amnesia, dressed poorly and confused.

Luke possesses unusual skills, including exceptional crossword puzzle abilities, despite his memory loss.

He gradually uncovers his identity as a renowned rocket scientist working with Werner von Braun.

The plot involves espionage, with twists regarding loyalty and betrayal among friends.

Luke's former colleague believes he may be a Russian spy but is also trying to protect him.

Each chapter begins with details about rocket mechanisms, although some reviewers noted inaccuracies.

The narrative weaves together personal relationships, highlighting the emotional stakes of the Cold War.

Some readers found the book entertaining and fast-paced, while others thought it was predictable and lacking depth.

Errors noted include a car model that didn't exist in the 1950s and a timeline inconsistency in the epilogue with the moon landing.

Overall, the book mixes elements of suspense, romance, and historical context, making it a unique read for fans of thrillers.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

The book contains elements of violence and psychological manipulation related to espionage, as well as themes of betrayal and memory loss.

Has Romance?

Romance plays a significant role in the plot, weaving through the main character's complex relationships.

From The Publisher:

In this classic Cold War thriller, #1 New York Times bestselling author Ken Follett puts his own electrifying twist on the space race between the U.S. and the Soviet Union. As the clock counts down to a shocking climax, "Code to Zero's split-second suspense proves that . . . [Follett is] still a hell of a storyteller" (Entertainment Weekly).

January, 1958-the darkest hour of the Cold War and the early dawn of the space race. On the launch pad at Cape Canaveral sits America's best hope to catch up with the Russians: the Explorer I satellite. But at the last moment, the launch is delayed due to weather, even though everyone can see it is a perfectly sunny day.

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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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Code to Zero

Ken Follett