Gross takes readers back in time to a turbulent and terrifying era. Like his previous novel, The One Man, he immerses the reader in the 1940s with sympathetic characters while focusing on the lone wolf who faces impossible odds, but has no other choice. He also uses real historical figures and events with some slight name changes, demonstrating that with a talented writer at the helm, the past can truly come alive. The Saboteur is a terrific thriller.
The Saboteur is more historical than fiction, based strongly on actual raids during World War II in Vemork, Norway … The setting acts as a major supporting character, both antagonist and protagonist. The plant is set atop unscalable cliffs with an impenetrable gorge, connected by a single suspension bridge, and is under constant heavy guard. Both the surrounding terrain and the weather were unforgiving … Awe-inspiring, action-packed, and gripping.
While the account of the saboteur’s mission is real, making the ending known to many readers long before they pick the book up, Gross masterfully develops his characters –providing numerous reasons for readers to hang around for four hundred pages. He also brings the setting to life, plunging readers into the snow-covered Norwegian mountains where the frigid setting meets an equally chilling plot … The Saboteur, which reads like Mission: Impossible set in 1943, is another brilliant, action-packed, emotionally-charged thriller from Andrew Gross.
...a suspense-filled novel fueled by nonstop action that tells the story of the race between Hitler’s Germany and the Allies to develop the nuclear bomb, and how the bravery of a few men sabotaged the Nazi efforts … Gross tells the story of the sabotage of the Norsk Hydro factory and the sinking of the Hydro in the form of a fictional thriller—and an incredible thriller it is … The Saboteur by Andrew Gross is the best, most exciting novel published this year. Action, suspense, heroism, sacrifice for a cause greater than the individual are themes that make this novel the prototype for a true thriller.
The book’s sluggish first half centers on the team’s preparation for the mission and the wait for an ideal insertion moment. The second half also contains long periods of relative inactivity, though the action picks up whenever the valiant Norwegians encounter the Germans and their supporters, the Hirden of the Nasjonal Samling party … History buffs may appreciate the skill with which Gross combines fact and fiction.
Tension permeates the pages even for readers who know the historical outcome. The skill and bravery of the saboteurs are not exaggerated. The real saboteurs’ task was virtually impossible, and they did it anyway. So the author didn’t have to invent this plot—history handed it to him, and the story has been told before … A terrific story filled with tension and surprises right to the end. That’s two World War II winners in a row for Gross.
