Book Thoughts: The Crook Factory by Dan Simmons What could have been a typical thriller about espionage in WWII turns into something far more literary, and surprisingly intimate. Introduction: Who is Dan Simmons? Dan Simmons is one of those rare authors who defies categorization—A literary chameleon. He’s written everything from genre-defining science fiction in the Hyperion Cantos , to classical reimagining in Ilium , to gothic horror in Drood , and nostalgic coming-of-age chills in Summer of Night . Each book feels like it was written by a completely different person—but in the best possible way. The Crook Factory , a work of historical fiction centered around Ernest Hemingway’s real-life counterespionage activities in WWII Cuba, only reinforces Simmons’ status as one of the most versatile authors I’ve ever read. Espionage, Literature, and a Strange Partnership The Crook Factory documents the short-lived but real intelligence network created by Hemingway in 1942–1943, where the f...
A Blog on Books is where I share my thoughts on the books I’ve read. Each post offers a deep dive into my insights, opinions and experiences with a diverse array of literature. Join me as I explore and reflect on the books that have left a mark on me, and engage in a shared love of reading.