Sirk TV Book Review: TIBETAN CROSS [Big City]
The context of a book lost in time allows one to guage when it in fact becomes less than prevalent in terms of relevance. Tibetan Cross (Mike Bond/Big City Press/402pgs] sends it lead character through the ringer. While the set up in Tibet in terms of a CIA operation and how this reluctant hero gets involved comes off as a happenstance at most in the beginning, the way he eludes his pursuers is not. The way author Bond interweaves Cohen as a man of many talents while simultaneously being a master of none, reverberates in that he has to make decisions that are sometimes vicious, sometimes mildly homicidal and other times simply part of survival. Bond paints the different areas Cohen visits on his path to a rendezvous in Paris with a bit of danger but alot of societal intrigue. Each country presents its own challenges, strengths and topography. The most dynamic relationship is the one he has with Claire, both a foe and a friend at times. Certain parts of his journey have a dreamlike quality but many times it comes off more as wishful thinking of the author. The dialogue strains between credible, subtle and too over the top in its would-be exposition and melodrama.
The bad guys have their reasons for doing things but the overall subterfuge (even for the time it is set in...which is around the mid-80s) leave a bit of motivational desire. The intrigue level is right but the chain of command is less so. The more intrinisic parts of the novel which take place on the border of Europe and the Middle East show the split context of what it means to live and escape versus simply survive. Cohen as a character recognizes his shortcomings but also the empathy and compassion of others who are not directly affected by his situation. However, a big context of the novel is collateral damage which is more than specifically angled to a consequence of Cohen's actions. He only has one goal in mind, but even that is not assured and many people get hurt in the process. The quid pro quo and internalization of his mission helps even as the novel shifts a certain gear in the third act which feels more like "Olympus Has Fallen". This leads to a finale that is more hopeful than it is diametric. "Tibetan Cross" in that way accomplishes some of its goals while at other times delving into too pulpy a description while loosening its dialogue without adequate reasoning. B-
By Tim Wassberg
