A review by lorinlee
Satori by Don Winslow

4.0

The story is based on the principal character in Trevanian's Shibumi, Nicholas Hel, and Winslow aces it. Satori is drenched in tension and the presentation of Nicholas has depth. After three years in solitary, Hel is given the chance of freedom if he will become an assassin for the US. He accepts and plunges into Communist China even as the Korean War continues. One incident after another, brushes with Russia, Chinese, American, Vietnamese, French and Mafia attempts to kill him...well, it's a breathless adventure. Winslow captures the taste of French Indochina and China in the early 50s. All in all a highly readable book. In some ways, Winslow has created a young Nicholas Hel who is more interesting than the original character.