One sentence summary
An innocent CIA analyst becomes embroiled in a high-stakes, international game of espionage and must stop a Soviet plot to assassinate the Pope in Tom Clancy’s ‘Red Rabbit’.
Book genre
Thriller, Spy Fiction
Main topic of the book
CIA operations during the Cold War and the threat of a Soviet plot to assassinate the Pope
Key ideas
- The Cold War and its impact on international relations and espionage
- The role of the CIA and its operations during the 1980s
- The complex web of alliances and conflicts between the United States, Soviet Union, and various European countries
- The vulnerability of world leaders and the threat of assassination plots
- The personal and moral struggle of an individual caught up in a dangerous game of politics and espionage
Main parts of the book and a short summary
- Part One: Rabbit’s Foot – CIA analyst Jack Ryan uncovers a Soviet plot to assassinate the Pope during his upcoming visit to the United States. Despite his reservations, Ryan is tasked with stopping the assassination and becomes a target himself.
- Part Two: Fleetex – As Ryan works to unravel the details of the Soviet plot, tensions rise between the United States and the Soviet Union during a naval exercise in the Atlantic. Ryan must navigate through political red tape and false leads while racing against time to prevent the assassination.
- Part Three: The Prince and the Pope – The plot thickens as Ryan discovers that the assassination attempt is not just a Soviet operation, but also involves elements within the Vatican. With the help of a female KGB agent, Ryan must find a way to stop the assassination and prevent an all-out war between the US and USSR.
Key takeaways
- The complex and dangerous world of international espionage during the Cold War
- The power and influence of political alliances and the lengths individuals will go to protect their interests
- The personal and moral struggles of those caught up in the world of espionage and politics
Author’s background and qualifications
Tom Clancy was an American author known for his bestselling thriller and espionage novels. He was also a political commentator and military strategist, known for his detailed and accurate portrayal of military operations and technology in his novels. Clancy’s background in the military greatly influenced the authenticity and accuracy of his writing.
Target audience
Fans of spy novels and political thrillers, as well as readers interested in the Cold War and international relations.
Publisher and first publication date
Published by G.P. Putnam’s Sons in 2002.