Based on true events in Iran during the Islamic Revolution, "On Wings of Eagles" has a very interesting plot. In 1978, a bunch of American executives working for EDS realize that their project of computerizing Iran's social security data is going be thrown aside due to the political turmoil in the country. Ross Perot, the founder of EDS, is debating whether the EDS employees in Iran should evacuate the country or stay on. Meanwhile, two of the top EDS executives in Iran detained by a powerful bureaucrat who charges them with corruption. When EDS management exhaust all the legal recourses, Perot makes up his mind that the executives have to be rescued from Iran even if it means a jail break. He hires an ex-Colonel, Bull Simons, famous for his rescue attempts in Vietnam to help him with the situation. A handful of EDS employees with army experience are grouped in a rag-tag team for the mission. Thus, a battle-hardened ex-commando and a bunch of white-collared computer executives land in Tehran and plot to get their colleagues out of jail. All this while the Shah is being deposed and the Ayatollah is returning back to Iran. Follett claims that the novel is largely "non-fiction". Given that, it is a kick-ass novel. However, it doesn't quite reach Follett's "Triple"'s standards. There are too many people to remember and too many parallel plots - most boring except for the occasional thrill. There is very limited swashbuckling and a lot of failed plans, which gives the story a lot of character. Overall a good read, but rather long at 600+ pages.
This book was not fiction, but written in a way that was very readable. It is the story of two hostages taken in Iran in the late 70's, while Jimmy Carter was President. (These hostages preceded the large group taken when the Shah left and Khomeni rule began). The two men were employees of EDS, Electronic Data Systems, founded and run by Ross Perot out of Dallas, Texas. EDS had been contracted by Iran to set up a computerized system of Social Security and Medicare similar to the American systems. As revolution and turmoil erupted in Iran, Perot tried everything he could to get the men released, but the task proved impossible. Consequently, Perot chose several good men among his employees to form a rescue team, and called in a retired military man who was an expert in impossible rescues, to lead the team. Perot knew he was breaking many laws by attempting this rescue, but he would not rest until his men were safe and home with their families. This story gave me some good insight into the culture in Iran that I can project onto current international problems. Also, an interesting look at Ross Perot and his life story. Interesting read and well worth your time. Follett says this story is absolutely true as told to him by the participants, and the only liberties he took were to make the story readable. He kept my attention, and I do not like to read non-fiction.
What do You think about On Wings Of Eagles (2004)?
At first I was thinking that this is the worst book Mr. Follett has written but...after getting into it a ways I realized that he had to lay down the tedious ground work before getting to the nitty gritty. I had to read the last 20% non-stop and the last 5% was with tears literally streaming g down my face! Not because it's sad but because of the release of emotion. There are parts where you are holding your breath, others where you are thinking,"What in the hell do they think they are doing? Are they crazy?" Mr. Follett was able to get into the hearts and minds of all of the participants and lay all bare to we the readers. I HATE politics!!! And this is all about politics but Mr. Follett made it interesting by yelling the story from those who were living through it. Awesome story of no guts, no glory! I have a totally different perspective of Ross Perot and definitely a lot of respect. He's the kind of boss everyone should be lucky enough to work for.
—Mindy
The story was fascinating. I spent the entire time trying and failing to imagine middle managers I know going into a war zone to rescue their colleagues. I was on the edge of my seat hoping everyone got out OK and was eating up the details about a time and place I knew very little about. And I really liked Bull Simons and Rashid, who were vivid and fascinating characters. Still, as good at the story was, the book was just a little too long and detailed for my taste. I wanted to know the story but not get into the details of every single person involved--in many ways it felt like a yearbook tribute trying to give everyone a bit of coverage for the sake of including them. My main takeaways are that I should not take jobs in countries with unstable governments, and that the best way to get out of trouble is to be very, very rich.
—Sarah
I have read several Ken Follett's previous works and just happened upon this one. This was an excellent book from start to finish. It was made better by the fact that the story was true. The story boils down to Americans stuck in Iran before and during the revolution. I especially enjoyed Ross Perot. What a guy. I knew him from when he ran for president in 1992 but had no idea of his background. After reading this, I have a new appreciation for him. He stood by his employees and made tough choice to rescue them. Also appreciate his support of the troops and POW's during the Vietnam war. Great story and told wonderfully by Follett.
—Robert Sparrenberger
