In "American Spy" by Lauren Wilkinson, Marie Mitchell, a black woman in the 1960s, navigates the treacherous waters of espionage and identity as she is recruited by a secret intelligence agency. Set against the backdrop of the Cold War and racial tensions, Marie's journey intertwines personal struggles with high-stakes political intrigue. As she undertakes covert missions, she grapples with conflicting loyalties and the moral complexities of her work. With a rich blend of history, romance, and suspense, the novel explores themes of race, empowerment, and the search for belonging. This compelling narrative invites readers to question what it truly means to be an American and the sacrifices one must make for love and duty.
By Lauren Wilkinson
Published: 2018
""In a world where secrets are currency, the bravest act of all is to be true to oneself.""
1986, the heart of the Cold War. A young black woman working in an old boys' club, Marie Mitchell's FBI career has stalled out and her days are filled with monotonous paperwork. Given the opportunity to join a task force aimed at undermining Thomas Sankara, the charismatic revolutionary president of Burkina Faso whose Communist ideology has made him a target for American intervention, she says yes. In the year that follows Marie observes Sankara, seduces him-- and has a hand in the coup that will bring him down. But doing so will change everything she believes about what it means to be a spy, a lover, a sister, and a good American. -- adapted from jacket.
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“"In a world where secrets are currency, the bravest act of all is to be true to oneself."”
American Spy
By Lauren Wilkinson
Discover a world of knowledge through our extensive collection of book summaries.
Lauren Wilkinson is an accomplished author known for her poignant narratives and rich character development, often exploring themes of race, identity, and the complexities of human relationships. Her notable works include the critically acclaimed novel 'American Spy,' which intricately weaves the story of a young Black woman navigating the world of Cold War espionage, and 'The Last Black Unicorn,' which captures the struggles and triumphs of Black women in various aspects of life. Wilkinson's writing style is characterized by its lyrical prose and immersive storytelling, making her a significant voice in contemporary literature.
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