This book is a telling commentary of why communist countries fell finally in 1989. In a simple language that describes in details the ordeals of the common man in Red Russia in 1986, the book is rich in historical facts, the politico-religious compulsions, cultural and moral dilemmas of the Soviets.
All the above sub-texts are just a part of a master thriller --a fascinating story told by a master novelist. The main plot of Charm School is based around captured American pilots of Vietnam war, who have been handed over to the KGB in 1970s ---- a best kept secret for 14 years. The 300 MIA( missing in action) pilots are made instructors at the Charm School where Russian pilots are taught the American way of life to finally infiltrate and live as native Americans to spy for mother Russia. 3000 such agents have already been sent to U.S.A.
The author uses humour, as in all his novels, to make the dialogues between characters rather interesting. For a Nelson fan, this book is tough to put down once started. The English language is superb. Technically, the book is perfect. Life in an embassy, especially in American ones, located in the eastern block countries will fascinate readers. It is tough for even those with diplomatic immunity to roam around towns formerly of the Red types. There are currency regulations, talking to locals is illegal. Travel itineraries have to be approved of before hand. Travel to rural area, even for a drive results in diplomatic backlash.
Set against the powerful and interesting historical and cultural background, the story itself moves at a scorching pace. A young American tourist is driving through Russia in 1986--with the proper permissions. He comes across an escaped prisoner of Charm school. What follows in a rapid sequence of events, resulting in the murder of the tourist, and a spy versus spy tale of griping suspense.
The tourist manages to convey a telephonic message to the American Embassy but this results in his death--made to look like an accident. The mystery is then solved by the intelligence personnel of the embassy.
The plot as narrated by me is revealed very early in the book, yet the suspense never ends. A 700 pages treat--- I strongly recommend it.
The book is a mandated reading material in many courses in American universities. The changing dynamics of American-Russia equations in pre and post cold war periods are excellently explained.