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 famous author used his connections, resources, and sheer
force of personality to play amateur spy in Cuba. It sounds like pulp fiction,
but it’s based heavily on actual FBI files and historical sources.
What makes the book even more compelling is its
narrative perspective. Instead of telling the story directly through Hemingway,
Simmons writes from the point of view of Joe Lucas, a fictional FBI agent
dispatched by J. Edgar Hoover to surveil Hemingway. Lucas is no fan of
literature—he doesn’t read fiction and doesn’t see the point of it. His
perspective is practical, skeptical, and emotionally closed off.
And that’s exactly what makes him such an interesting
narrator.
Lucas vs. Hemingway: Two Worldviews Collide
The novel shines in its quieter moments, especially in
the conversations between Hemingway and Lucas. Hemingway, naturally, talks
about writing, art, and meaning. Lucas listens. And slowly, something shifts.
One of the most satisfying and unexpected turns is watching Lucas grow—not just
as a character, but as a narrator. There’s something powerful about seeing a
man who doesn't value fiction end up writing a book about a fictionalized
version of his experience.
It’s subtle, but Simmons uses that narrative arc to do
something clever: he lets Lucas become a writer, even if he doesn’t
realize it.
On Characters
All of the characters in this novel are incredibly well realized. Hemingway, of course, looms largest—charismatic, unpredictable, and consistently entertaining. Any scene with him crackles with energy, and fortunately, he's at the center of most of them. Simmons paints him as both mythic and deeply human, a compelling contradiction that drives much of the book's appeal.
The side characters are just as memorable. Cameo appearances from real historical figures like J. Edgar Hoover and a young Ian Fleming add texture and intrigue. The members of the Crook Factory itself—especially Santiago and Hemingway’s two sons—each have a presence and personality that feels distinct. Even those on the other side of the intelligence war, quietly working against Lucas and Hemingway’s efforts, are given depth and weight. Simmons gives every character, no matter how brief their role, a sense of authenticity and purpose that makes the world feel alive.
One standout scene that perfectly captures both the adventurous spirit of the book and its character dynamics involves Hemingway’s son catching fish while out on the Pilar. Instead of hauling the fish into the boat, he hooks them to himself and trails them in the water—a choice that quickly attracts a frenzy of sharks. What starts as a peaceful outing turns into a dangerously tense situation. The sharks swarm fast, drawn by the blood and motion, and suddenly, everyone is scrambling. Hemingway’s response is classic: bold, fearless, and utterly composed under pressure. But when the danger passes, the mood shifts. In a burst of parental fury and exasperation, Hemingway tears into his son, berating him for the reckless decision. It’s a powerful scene—thrilling, cinematic, and deeply human, showing both the magnetism and volatility that define Hemingway’s presence throughout the novel.
Where This Ranks in Simmons’ Body of Work
Having read Hyperion, Fall of Hyperion, Ilium, Drood, and Summer of Night, I can confidently say that The Crook Factory feels the least like Simmons in terms of voice—but that’s not a bad thing. He adapts his writing style to fit Lucas’s worldview, which means the prose is intentionally colder, clipped, and more procedural. While that makes the writing feel less lyrical or experimental than his other works, it feels right for this character.
Still, I did feel the writing was weaker compared to Simmons' other works I've read. That choice fits the story and its themes, but it limits the narrative’s emotional range and literary power. After the layered, lyrical prose of Drood or the philosophical richness of Hyperion, Lucas’ straightforward narration felt a bit flat. It’s a trade-off: we get a tightly grounded, espionage-toned novel but lose some of the stylistic depth Simmons usually brings.
Final Thoughts
What could have been a conventional WWII spy thriller
becomes something stranger and more thoughtful in Simmons’ hands. The Crook
Factory is about how people see the world—through fact or fiction, through
skepticism or imagination—and what happens when those views collide. Hemingway
represents the literary patriot, full of bravado and belief in stories. Lucas
represents the realist, the nonbeliever. But the fact that Lucas is the one
telling the story suggests that, in the end, fiction might win.
If you're already a Dan Simmons fan, this book will
surprise you. And if you're new to him, it's another entry point into a
fascinating and ever-changing body of work.
Comments
Post a Comment