An Honorable Man
Set in Washington, DC in 1953, this spy thriller depicts the CIA against the backdrop of the Cold War and McCarthyism. Killed agents and failed missions cue the presence of a double agent. George Mueller takes on uncovering this internal traitor as his last assignment before leaving the CIA for a teaching job. Disillusioned with his original lofty patriotism, George can no longer live with the “collateral” deaths and morally dubious choices. George seeks to turn a Soviet agent who will bring them the identification of the double agent. He also becomes involved with the sister of the old friend who brought him into the CIA originally, and that lapsed, complex friendship is renewed. Vidich raises several themes. What does the hypocrisy of McCarthyism show about Americans? Does a man owe more loyalty to his country or to a friend? Does spying undermine the moral structure of a man? Is there an honorable man?
Vidich’s style is spare, reflecting the character of these men who hide their true selves. Short sentences and functional lists of descriptive words carry the plot. “Mueller thought Walker flamboyant, enjoying his status as agent-in-charge, eager to hunt. He dressed the part: dark hair combed straight back, polished shoes, double-breasted suit, and thin moustache like a Hollywood leading man.” Key parts of this description of Walker are repeated for other characters – Altman, for example, is also “a Hollywood leading man” in appearance. There is a sameness to these men that fits with the theme – an honorable man is a rare thing. The plot has good twists after a slower opening build.
