description The Devil's Alternative Overview
The Devil's Alternative is a 1979 political thriller by British author Frederick Forsyth. Set during a Cold War crisis, the novel links a threatened Soviet grain shortage, international negotiations, Ukrainian dissidents, intelligence operations, and the seizure of an oil tanker, forcing political leaders to choose among damaging alternatives. It is written for readers of geopolitical suspense and combines fictional characters with institutions and strategic tensions recognizable from the period.
help The Devil's Alternative FAQ
What is the central conflict in The Devil's Alternative by Frederick Forsyth?
The plot centers on a massive grain shortage in the Soviet Union during the Cold War, forcing the Kremlin to negotiate secretly with the West. This crisis is further complicated by the actions of Ukrainian dissidents who hijack a massive Russian oil tanker in the North Sea.
What does the 'Devil's Alternative' refer to in the novel?
The phrase refers to the agonizing dilemma faced by the United States and British governments regarding the hijacking. They must choose between letting the Soviet Union starve, going to war, or submitting to the demands of the ruthless terrorists who seized the tanker.
When was The Devil's Alternative published?
The book was published in 1979, reflecting the peak geopolitical tensions of the Cold War era. Forsyth weaves actual historical anxieties about Russian agriculture and NATO intelligence into the fictional narrative.
Who is the main protagonist in The Devil's Alternative?
The narrative focuses heavily on Adam Munro, a British intelligence officer who previously defected a high-ranking Ukrainian dissident named Dracovich. Munro is recalled from retirement to help the British government navigate the escalating crisis.
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