Trevayne: A Novel Paperback – September 29, 2015

I really liked this story of the corrupt machinery behind the political world. Different to most Ludlum novels, the author wrote this to highlight the undemocratic way that politics can be manipulated by unseen people and groups. The main character Trevayne is believable and likeable, and though the plot is not filled with action, there is plenty of intrigue to keep the reader hooked.

(Spoilers) The plot is exquisitely laid out, the characters are painted vividly- you can really see them-, as well as feel the tensions between governmental entities. From a character development sense, Trevayne and other characters come to see, for instance, Army personnel, in a more compassionate way (and vice versa with some of the Army personnel).The reason I give this book 4 Stars is the ending. After Trevayne reaches the Presidency, he is able to address to some extent some of the issues he's been fighting for throughout the novel, but, from what I can tell, hasn't been able to reign in Gennessee Industries, his main goal in the book. Thus, the ending, although maybe "realistic," was very anti-climactic for me. The ending was so underspoken and briefly expedited with, that I kept reading a few pages after the ending before realizing I was reading the "extra" of the first chapter of the Bourne Identity that the publishers had inserted at the end! (Made me laugh!) There were also a few minor plot strands that weren't tied up, something I've found in other Ludlum books; for instance, you end up connecting with Bonner, but there's no final conversation or connection between Bonner and Trevayne at the end, given their significant connection throughout the book.These last criticisms I've found in many of Ludlum's books: a drive to finish the ending of a book as soon as possible, and sometimes not tying up loose ends. Perhaps he felt the reader would be impatient by that point and would just want it over as soon as possible, or maybe he himself just wanted it done with, or maybe his publisher said, "Bob, deadline . . . we got a deadline here!"

a real challenging theme but far fetched even for Ludlum. Usual great suspect and leaves you wondering if something like the result could actually occur. I my view not one of his top works

Copyright 1973 with publication in 1988, this story describes today's Federal government, shadow dealings, and military/corporate networks. Only missing are female power players with elite backgrounds, exclusive education, and abundant funding. I finished this book during the week of the State of the Union 2020, Iowa caucus chaos, and Romney martyrdom; the book offers plausible background material for all of the above. Just as Ludlum wrote about a need for viable Presidential candidates back then, so it seems the nation faces a similar void. How did I miss this book when it first came out?

Excellent book. The whole plot was excellent.. like the way they intertwined Alex with the political players. The way they investigated Genesis Industries. Then the way they played Alex and Ian with his trying to become president. 5 stars Carl Clause

The writing style has evolved in newer books by Ludlum. It took longer to be enthralled.The book evolved the plot in stages, sometimes it seemed like large gaps left out exist. The characters were interesting. The perspective on government of the USA presented leads to pondering whether it is this way, or should it be, or ????To summarize , the book was interesting, enjoyable and recommendable.

Plausible when written and plausible and frightening today. Will not disappoint. Page turner and enjoyable. Ludlum always delivers. Highly Recommend!

Compared with other Ludlum titles this novel came below par. It has a surprise ending but getting there was a bit plodding. There wasn't the usual excitement I've experienced reading other titles of his.

A novel in true Ludlum style

bon suspence

I read this book first in the early 1990's. I have enjoyed it just as much again. A page turner. I had forgotten how much I enjoy Robert Ludlum's novels!Recommended!

Difficult sometimes to understand the ‘Americanisms’

Good book