The Ambler Warning

The “The Ambler Warning” written by Robert Ludlum is a crime fiction novel, about an ex-federal agent named Ambler. Ambler was involuntarily shipped off to an asylum where the Government holds high security risks, people who know too much. The only problem is, there is nothing wrong with him, and he is aided in his escape by a young nurse. He realizes he knows nothing about himself, even his real name; he has been erased from the world. He is being set up by higher powers, to assassinate a Chinese political leader, in hopes that it will start a world war. However, Ambler who can infallibly read people, he knows what they are thinking by their body movements. At the last moment, Ambler realizes he is being set-up and avoids the trap.

Robert Ludlum wrote this story as a crime fiction novel. This genre is meant to lead the reader into a suspenseful journey, in this books Ambler’s journey. Ludlum used the proper diction relating to the Army because Ambler was an ex-federal agent. This diction really allows the reader to be captivated by the novel and fall into the story. Ludlum also uses sensible hints that the reader tries to find in an attempt to solve the puzzle before Ambler does, leading the reader on a wild goose chase.

Robert Ludlum writes in a serious tone, but occasionally drops in a joke, to ease the mood. Ludlum portrays Ambler as a very intelligent, but lost man. Because of Ambler’s intelligence Ludlum is allowed to put in some wit, and quick comebacks. This use of comic relief is quite satisfying because 500 pages of seriousness are not what I am looking for.