Thrilling International Intrigue
Volume 49, Issue 5
By Charlotte Prywes

“Prince of Fire” by Daniel Silva

If Yasir Arafat had accepted the Oslo peace agreement, “Prince of Fire” might not have been written. Daniel Silva, a former Middle East correspondent for United Press International and investigative journalist for CNN, was very much in favor of the Oslo peace process. “I had placed faith in Yasir Arafat. I believed Arafat wanted peace at the time of Oslo. I believe now he viewed the peace process as part of the phased strategy of destroying the state of Israel.” In Silva’s view, the struggle for peace between the Palestinians and Israel may be a problem without a solution. That viewpoint is felt throughout this novel.

The protagonist of Silva’s most recent book is Gabriel Allon, a Mossad agent who goes by the name of Mario Delvecchio. As a result of a car bomb that killed his son and put his wife in a psychiatric facility, Allon wants nothing to do with the spy business. He had always been a reluctant spy. He now lives a quiet life as an art restorer in Venice. A man who doesn’t easily form relationships, he’s devoted to his mentor, Ari Shamron. When Shamron needs him, Gideon allows himself to be called in.

When the Israeli embassy in Rome is bombed, it appears to be the work of a terrorist named Khaled, a man who has murdered hundreds of people. Gabriel Allon’s dossier is discovered in a suspect’s home and his cover is blown, forcing him to be reeled back in by Ari Shamron. (“Gabriel…You’re the one who defends Israel against its accusers…the Prince of Fire.”) He returns to Israel reluctantly, putting aside his art restoration and Chiara, a woman with whom he has fallen in love.

Khaled, determined to avenge his Palestinian grandfather, was raised from childhood by Arafat. The story of Khaled’s grandfather is fascinating and helps us understand how a terrorist came to be. (According to Silva, there actually was a boy of this description. He was Black September’s Ali Hassan Salameh, architect of the Munich Olympics massacre, who was killed in Beirut by Israeli intelligence in 1979.)

Intelligence information indicates the French subway system is Khaled’s next target. Gabriel puts together a team of agents and they track down the terrorists. However, Gabriel and Khaled are well matched and each is certain of his ability to eliminate the other. Gabriel is racing against the clock because he realizes that the date and hour of the suicide bombing has enormous significance and the time is coming very soon. However, it becomes clear that there may be a traitor on Gabriel’s team.

Reminiscent of John le Carré, Silva’s novels are somewhat akin to a thrilling ride on a roller coaster. “Prince of Fire” is no exception. As always, Silva’s writing is exciting, intricate, taut and fast-paced.