John Le Carre, The Mission Song

The Mission Song

John Le Carre

Little, Brown, September 2006, $26.99

ISBN: 0316016748

Twenty-nine year old half-British half Congolese Bruno "Salvo" Salvador earns a lucrative living as an interpreter of several African dialects. He is married to an upper crust English woman Penelope, and is in demand by corporations and the government for his language skills in Swahili and lesser known East Congolese dialects. Salvo lives a comfortable life at the top of London, thanks to his roots of a missionary father mating with a Congolese villager. However, he also feels shallow as he enjoys the good life, while he ignores the plight of his maternal people.

At a black tie gala honoring his wife, a renowned tabloid reporter, Mr. Anderson sends Salvo from the party to work a covert mission. Salvo flies to a remote island to serve as interpreter for a group of African nationals who apparently plan to overthrow the corrupt Congolese government and bring needed stability to the region. Frightened by what he hears and fearful the plotters may eliminate any witness, Salvo wants to decamp, but also wants to help his people, but is not sure what is best for them.

This is a terrific thriller that condemns attempts to "westernize" other regions of the world, especially Africa, while at the same protecting western business interests at the costs of the locals. The storyline is action-packed, but it also contains John Le Carre's biting humor, as he lampoons those who insist western democracies will save the world; Mr. Le Carre pushes that first you must feed the person before you can teach them to fish so they can feed themselves. This is a great work starring a terrific protagonist with feet in two distinct worlds.