Overview
The spellbinding story of an American lawyer who takes on a nearly impossible case—the defense of an African freedom fighter against his corrupt government’s charge of murder
Damon Pierce’s life has just reached a defining moment: a gifted California lawyer, he’s being divorced by his wife and his work often seems soulless. Then he receives a frantic e-mail from Marissa Brand Okari—a woman he loved years ago—and decides to risk everything to respond to her plea for help.
Marissa’s husband, Bobby Okari, is the charismatic leader of a freedom movement in the volatile west African nation of Luandia, which is being torn apart by the world’s craving for its vast supply of oil. Bobby’s outspoken opposition to the exploitation of his homeland by PetroGlobal—a giant American oil company with close ties to Luandia’s brutal government—has enraged General Savior Karama, the country’s autocratic ruler. After Bobby leads a protest rally during a full eclipse of the sun, everyone in his home village is massacred by government troops. And now Bobby has been arrested and charged with the murder of three PetroGlobal workers. Still drawn to Marissa, Pierce agrees to defend Bobby, hoping to save both Bobby and Marissa from almost certain death. But the lethal politics of Luandia may cost Pierce his life instead.
Culminating in a dramatic show trial and a desperate race against time, Eclipse combines a thrilling narrative with a vivid look at the human cost of the global lust for oil. Here is Richard North Patterson at his compelling best, confirming his place as our most provocative author of popular fiction.
Synopsis
The spellbinding story of an American lawyer who takes on the defense of an African freedom fighter against his corrupt government’s charge of murder
The Washington Post - Art Taylor
Eclipse aspires to be any number of books: a novel of political intrigue, an international conspiracy thriller, a courtroom drama, a romance, even a straightforward murder mystery…To Patterson's credit, the novel succeeds on all counts. While Pierce struggles to dodge the next danger barreling his way, Patterson never loses sight of the big picture: the region's history, the nuances of international law, the subtleties of oil futures trading. He brings his knowledge to the book with a sense of urgency far beyond the plot at hand, depicting complex legal issues and the larger geopolitical situation with authority and clarity.
Editorials
From the Publisher
“Passionate…exciting [and] eye-opening, page by page.”—Washington Post
“Compelling and credible…guaranteed to rouse you to thought.”—Richmond Times-Dispatch
“This stellar legal thriller both informs and entertains… Patterson has exerted all his considerable skill in creating a nightmare atmosphere that will cling to readers long after the last page is turned.”—Publishers Weekly (starred review)
“A satisfying fable that pits a hero who deeply believes in the rule of law against a violent, lawless regime that holds all the cards.”—Kirkus Reviews
“Nearly flawless—by the time you realize how well Patterson is writing, you are already caught up in this novel.”—San Francisco Chronicle
“Suspenseful—pervasive danger as real as the actual reality.”—New York Daily News
“A terrific legal thriller populated by rich, well drawn characters [Patterson] magnificently brings to life. Not to be missed.”—Providence Sunday Journal
“Fascinating.”—Booklist
“[A] compelling legal thriller, reminiscent of Exile. Patterson once again brings a timely, controversial subject—America’s dependence on foreign oil—to the forefront in this…engrossing read.” —Library Journal
Art Taylor
Eclipse aspires to be any number of books: a novel of political intrigue, an international conspiracy thriller, a courtroom drama, a romance, even a straightforward murder mystery…To Patterson's credit, the novel succeeds on all counts. While Pierce struggles to dodge the next danger barreling his way, Patterson never loses sight of the big picture: the region's history, the nuances of international law, the subtleties of oil futures trading. He brings his knowledge to the book with a sense of urgency far beyond the plot at hand, depicting complex legal issues and the larger geopolitical situation with authority and clarity.—The Washington Post
Publishers Weekly
Patterson, a former lawyer turned bestselling fiction author, returns with his latest thriller featuring Damon Pierce, a down-and-out lawyer who finds fresh purpose when contacted by a former lover whose husband is being held captive in the West African nation of Luandi. Peter Francis James takes command of the material, offering up realistic African dialects that chillingly convey the hostage's terror and the ruthlessness of his captors. James's vocal ability creates a stirring experience that is at once personal and emotional while entertaining and theatrical, making for a truly rousing performance. A Holt hardcover (Reviews, Oct. 20). (Jan.)
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.Library Journal
Patterson pens another compelling legal thriller, reminiscent of Exile. Successful lawyer Damon Pierce had an unrequited love affair with Marissa Brand, but she was in love with a cause in the West African nation of Luandia (think Nigeria) and its leader, Bobby Okari. The divorcing Damon receives a plea for help from Marissa, so he flies off to Africa and learns that the head of the government is tied into PetroGlobal, the American oil company making billions from West African oil. He also finds that the water supply has been repeatedly compromised by oil, there is no infrastructure, and the people are starving and disease-ridden while being brutalized by the government. Bobby had led a demonstration during the night of the eclipse, and then the government slaughtered everyone in his village and tortured and arrested him, accusing him of murder. Damon has his hands full trying to get a fair trial for Bobby, and because Marissa is an American, the world is watching. Patterson once again brings a timely, controversial subject-America's dependence on foreign oil-to the forefront in this troubling yet engrossing read. Highly recommended for all public libraries. [See Prepub Alert, LJ9/15/08; this novel draws on the actual case of writer and activist Ken Saro-Wiwa, who was hanged by the Nigerian military in 1995 despite international protests.-Ed.]
—Stacy Alesi