The Identity Man is a thriller. Its plot is driven by constant action, driven by unknown forces. John Shannon finds himself wanted for a crime he didn't commit, and is presented (and forced into) un-looked-for deliverance from a mysterious "identity man." Shannon has no idea why he's been given a new identity and a clean start. And he begins to settle in. But it turns out the identity isn't so new, or so clean. Has his past caught up with him? Has some other force ensnared him in something larger? Shannon is caught up in a game with rules he doesn't understand and seems dogged at every step by forces he can't control. The decay seems to surround him, and even invade him. This narrative of pursuit and evasion drives the story. But it is also a useful vehicle for an investigation of the concept of "identity" itself. "Identity like a stain," he keeps repeating to himself like a mantra. It seems the past can't be erased. But can it be redeemed? These are really the questions that animate the book, and Klavan's narrative provides a thought-provoking answer, through its twists and turns. This is a fun book, but it is also one that engages the mind. With all the brass and crass, shocking, etc. of style of reading, this was depravity that was truthful. Shannon the main character a two bit theif, who never thought of life being better is accused of murder when a robbery goes wrong. The story takes an unusal turn when he gets a text that someone is on is side. His life is changed or at least he hopes it is. I like the progression of this plot has it unfolds. He is looking for redemption but for what price. It seems in real life and a good story, redemption is costly. There is some quotes I want to add to this review, I am not sure if this was a political stance but it was interesting to say the least. A telling quote from the book...No No No Reverend Skyles, we don't take nothing from the white man. We got the black man in power now. We got Augie Lanchaster in power. He give us that money. He gives us them abortions. He give us some pro-grams! We do love us some pro-grams. Rev. Skyles, they set us right up. But I tell you truly. I tell you: Augie Lancaster is the white man. ..has made himself the tool of the white man's shame. He understands the agony of their sin. He goes right to Washington, he says. If you don't want me to call you racist, you better give me some of that money you take from people who earn their livings. You don't want that shame, you gotta give me some more jobs, some more pro-grams. That's how he buys his homes, etc....that's how he buys you.
What do You think about The Identity Man (2010)?
3.5 for non-stop action, a surprising hero, and the addition of a new author to my reading list!
—Sara
