Lucky Bastard

by Charles McCarry

Book Overview

Lucky Bastard is the suspenseful and hilarious story of a gifted politician with dangerous friends and a zipper problem. The author is Charles McCarry, a writer widely acclaimed for his richly... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 067944761X
• ISBN13: 9780679447610
• Release Date: June 1998
• Publisher: Random House (NY)
• Length: 385 Pages
• Weight: 1.70 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.3" x 6.6" x 9.5"

Customer Reviews

His best since Shelley's Heart

Those that are giving this 1 star are inconsoloble Clinton lovers. This is the best book written about the Clinton's....yes the Clinton's. The deal with China in the book spells it all out and is historically accurate. I can't believe this is not in paperback, this is a great thriller and just plain intersting whether you love or hate Bill. Highly recommended. BUY IT!

Wickedly Witty, Fun, & Lite, Non-stop Read for McCarry Fans

Too close to reality? Speaking of China, Bill Clinton, W-88's and "technology transfer," If you have not read the novel Lucky Bastard by Charles McCarry, you owe it to yourself. It is a fast, witty, hilarious and phenomenal read. The book will have you rolling on the floor in laughter. (I waited anxiously for it and bought it as soon as it came out, then ripped through it in two days; a thoroughly enjoyable "could-not-put-it-down" reading experience.) But this book is also a serious study in politics, intelligence operations, subversion and corruption cloaked in light humor that is well crafted with more than a ring of truth derived from inside knowledge of the intelligence business. McCarry's portrayal of tradecraft is excellent. He draws from professional personal experience.From the book jacket: `Lucky Bastard is the ...story of a gifted politician with dangerous friends and a zipper problem.' `Lucky Bastard is ...a thrilling and imaginative vision of power and conspiracy in the "age of Clinton."' In hind sight perhaps a little too close to realty for comfort. Lucky Bastard is a thriller, full of suspense, following its anti-hero, Jack, the illegitimate son of of a famous political figure, from his early days as a draft dodger, who takes his best friend to the airport to ship out to Viet Nam, then "assaults" his loyal best friend's girl on the trip home. Jack goes to Europe on a foundation scholarship and becomes involved with a notorious German terrorist organization, then after a mysterious unaccounted for trip to Russia, returns and successfully enters politics. With the help of his wife (handler), (and some foreign monetary assistance), a machiavellian, strong willed, ardent radical who masterminds his political moves while guarding against the threat that his wild libido will destroy his career he becomes governor of his home state. Then against all odds, he becomes President of the United States. A surprise twist involves the Chinese, who cannot believe their good fortune. The girlfriend and wife of his best friend, knowing Jack for what he really is, takes great risks to expose him, but will anyone believe her. The novel has an interesting perspective as it is told from the point of view of Jack's maverick Russian intelligence service handlers.The prophetic Lucky Bastard is in hard back, published in 1998 by Random House and has been out about a year and a half. It was particularly timely in that it was released just before Bill Clinton's trip to China in 1998.Charles McCarry is (in my opinion) the best American author in the espionage/intelligence fiction genre. His tradecraft is a par excellence that has given him a deserved reputation with those in the know. McCarry is the author of seven works of non-fiction and 9 works of fiction. He has contributed to U.S. News & World Report and Esquire and was the first and only editor-at-large of National Geographic magazine. He draws on experience from

Interesting and well-written

I just learned today that the author was a ghost writer for President Eisenhower and others. This insider access gives the book a new slant for me.Some of it is improbable, but on the other hand who'd of thunk of Monica?A very interesting story line. The "charmed" aspect of the President and his connection to JFK (both literal and figurative) was very much on point. Nothing could stop this guy.Some of the sex is a little too graphic and too much, but on the other hand vital to the story.After the FALN pardon, I'd believe just about anything about the Clintons.Much shorter than "Shelley's Heart" but every bit as good.

One of the best books I've read!

Lucky Bastard is an excellent book. Can this quite possibly be a take on the story of Hill and Bill?----no. after all McCarry has the disclaimer in back!?!?----then again, why a disclaimer? READ THIS ONE, FOLKS!

Terrific

Well-writen, rapidly paced, thoughtful, enlightening...I could go on, but better you should just buy it and read it. I stayed up late to finish it. Bill and Hilary and those who support them will find this book distasteful and will want to argue with its premises, but if those of you in this category can read through to the end you just might learn something... Vietnam veterans will love it -- thanks, Mr. McCarry, for caring and for supporting us. I have read McCarry's other books; this is one of his best.