Is there no stopping Jack Ryan? (Debt of Honour - Tom Clancy)

Name: arete

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Product:	Debt of Honour - Tom Clancy
Date:	09/12/00 (77 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: A well crafted novel

Disadvantages: Occasional mind numbing detail

“Debt of Honour” is a key chapter in the fictional life of Jack Ryan as it reveals how, in the space of one novel, Ryan goes from a Wall Street Stockbroker to National Security Advisor to saviour of the United States to President without even pausing for breath. Along the way there are trade and military confrontations with Japan, all handled with equal aplomb by our hero. Whilst being an admirer of Tom Clancy I have to admit that I did find two of his literary trademarks increasingly irritating as I read through the book. The first is that, aside from the flawed characters of ‘baddies’, is how all of the key players on Ryan’s side, as it were, displayed unbelievable macho idealism and how all had such flawless characters, all American heroes every last man jack of them – oh please. My second complaint would be with the way Mr. Clancy feels the need to prove his complete understanding of everything he writes about. Do we really need to hear the benefits of the type 22-harpoon torpedo mark 3 over the mark 2 explained in mind numbing detail? If I had wanted an education in such matters I would have purchased the relevant technical manual, instead I bought a novel and want to read a story and not just read Mr. Clancy prove to himself and his military friends just how much he does know and understand. These criticisms aside, “Debt of Honour” is a fine addition to the Jack Ryan series.

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