The Amateur Audiobook By Robert Littell cover art

The Amateur

A Novel of Revenge

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The Amateur

By: Robert Littell
Narrated by: Scott Brick
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About this listen

In a world of professionals, Charlie Heller is the Amateur, and he's at the center of a chillingly engrossing tale of espionage and intrigue, written by master-of-the-genre Robert Littell.

In this "first-rate thriller" (Chicago Tribune), Charlie Heller is an ace cryptographer for the Company. He's a quiet man with a quiet job in a back office. But when terrorists shoot his fiancee in cold blood and Heller learns that the Agency has decided not to pursue those responsible, his life takes an abrupt turn. He was not a blackmailer but he will force the CIA's hand. He was not an assassin but he will penetrate the Iron Curtain with the intent to kill. Driven by an obsessive need for revenge, targeted for elimination by the CIA itself, Heller is an amateur with a one-in-a-million chance of success.

With last year's publication of his New York Times best seller The Company, Robert Littell reestablished his position as one of our top writers of intelligent, ironic, and always entertaining espionage thrillers. After many years The Amateur, a cult classic among aficionados, is finally available in audio.

©1981 Robert Littell (P)2003 New Millenium Audio, All Rights Reserved.
Suspense Thriller & Suspense Espionage Exciting Witty
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Critic reviews

"Superb...real terror...a hall-of-mirrors showdown...plus last-minute twists...Littell is in top form." (Kirkus)

"A taut, chilling plot and a protagonist as memorable as one of Len Deighton's, or le Carre's George Smiley." (The New York Times Book Review)

Engaging Espionage Tale • Well-developed Characters • Intriguing Premise • Unexpected Twists • Masterful Writing
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This is an interesting view of intrigue, loss, cynicism, romance, and finding the way back from the dead -to a new life.
My recomendations.

Intriguing paths.

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Not sure what to make of this book. It definitely dated since it takes place in the Nixon era. And not sure what to make of some of the repetitive details. Author describes several characters with “Mona Lisa-like smile”. Obsessed with it! Why do that? By the 10th time I was rolling my eyes. But it kept me entertained as I wanted to see how much more I can take.

Just ok

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I finished listening to this book, but at times it was seriously aggravating to listen to the authors absolute obsession with overused detail(My opinion). Other than that the subject and content was good. I would be hesitant to listen to another book from this author if he has the same style on the rest of his books.

Obsessed detail

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This was a great book! My mind was constantly racing trying to figure out each twist. In the end the book came together wonderfully.

Scott Brick's narration is the best I've heard.

A must read!

Great book!

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I'm thinking closer to 3 1/2 stars. I almost quit listening about 1/2 way thru because it was getting pretty boring, but then things started to pick up a bit. I doubt I'd listen to this book again, and while I don't feel like I wasted a credit, I didn't get as much book as I had hoped for.

A Little Better than Just OK

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<B><U>The Amateur</U></B> is an engaging short story, by Littell's standards - see <B><U>The Company</U></B> - that is a predictable but enjoyable listen. Much of the action after Heller's plans are in motion is telegraphed during his extorted training from the CIA. If you are into vengance, there is plenty of it here, but not many surprises.

Impeccable narration is provided by Scott Brick as usual.

Short Work for Littell

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This was a fantastic download. Narrated by Scott Brick. Great story, quick and gripping. Really held my attention. Five stars.

Quick read. Highly recommended.

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It is an interesting book. I like that revenge is satisfied. Though, the intricacies of "The Company" are wholly different then what happens in the Amateur. I do not think that is reason, not to read it, but to better set your expectations.

Good Littel Writing Not "The Company"

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This novel contemplates the nature of good and evil, and the tendency of enemies to come to resemble each other in their pragmatic use of violence for state ends. What makes it outstanding is the evocative writing, descriptions of place and time and the brilliantly drawn characters. At times, it felt like a Wes Anderson movie. There are plenty of fascinating rabbit holes, a Littell trademark. And the prerequisite tension and twists. However it surpasses the run-of-the-mill all twists all plot novels that move fast but have nothing to say and leave you empty and queasy, like fast food.

Evocative and atmospheric, with eccentric heroes

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I enjoyed this book thoroughly, as I did "The Company". Littell has the consistent ability to make his characters come alive and includes some interesting development of a few of the characters found in "The Company". I particularly enjoyed the very last line of this book - it made me laugh out loud. The narration by Scott Brick was, as usual, exceptional.

A great listen!

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