Portrait of a Spy

Starred review from November 28, 2011
In this latest thriller to feature retired spy and art restorer Gabriel Allon, a new terrorist leader has surfaced in Yemen and it’s up to Allon to neutralize him. To do so, he’ll need the assistance of one of the richest women in the world, Nadia al-Bakari. The problem: years ago, Allon killed her terrorist father and she knows it. Simon Vance turns in a nuanced performance in this audio version. His narration is brisk and engaging, and his talent for creating different accents allows him to switch between Israeli, British, and American characters, almost in the same breath: Allon is cultured and thoughtful; his friend and mentor, Ari Shamron, has a pronounced accent and boisterous personality; London art dealer Julian Isherwood is blustery and British; and CIA chief Adrian Carter speaks with a deep American twang. And for Nadia, Vance provides a voice befitting a wealthy polyglot: refined and confident. Silva fans should be enraptured. A Harper hardcover.