Eclipse

By: Richard North Patterson

Narrated by: Peter Francis James

Bestselling author Richard North Patterson's Eclipse tells the spellbinding story of an American lawyer who takes on a nearly impossible case—the defense of an African freedom fighter against his corrupt government's charge of murder.

Damon Pierce's life has just reached a defining moment: a gifted California lawyer, he's being divorced by his wife and his work often seems soulless. Then he receives a frantic e-mail from Marissa Brand Okari—a woman he loved years ago—and decides to risk everything to respond to her plea for help.

Marissa's husband, Bobby Okari, is the charismatic leader of a freedom movement in the volatile west African nation of Luandia, which is being torn apart by the world's craving for its vast supply of oil. Bobby's outspoken opposition to the exploitation of his homeland by PetroGlobal—a giant American oil company with close ties to Luandia's brutal government—has enraged General Savior Karama, the country's autocratic ruler. After Bobby leads a protest rally during a full eclipse of the sun, everyone in his home village is massacred by government troops. And now Bobby has been arrested and charged with the murder of three PetroGlobal workers. Still drawn to Marissa, Pierce agrees to defend Bobby, hoping to save both Bobby and Marissa from almost certain death. But the lethal politics of Luandia may cost Pierce his life instead.

Culminating in a dramatic show trial and a desperate race against time, Eclipse combines a thrilling narrative with a vivid look at the human cost of the global lust for oil. Here is Richard North Patterson at his compelling best, confirming his place as our most provocative author of popular fiction.

©2009 Richard North Patterson (P)2009 Macmillan Audio

Critic reviews

“Peter Francis James's powerful characterization of the oppressed Luandian population – rich in oil reserves but experiencing ecological disasters – is especially believable…Patterson fans are in for a treat with James's powerful performance, and the nightmare atmosphere the duo creates will live long in listeners' memories” —AudioFile Magazine

“Peter Francis James takes command of the material, offering up realistic African dialects that chillingly convey the hostage's terror and the ruthlessness of his captors. James's vocal ability creates a stirring experience that is at once personal and emotional while entertaining and theatrical, making for a truly rousing performance.” —Publishers Weekly, Starred Review

“Wonderfully performed by Peter Francis James with perfectly rendered accents galore… [ECLIPSE is] a wild ride through vile human behavior, abject greed and disdain for justice that carries a profound message from the heart of darkness.” —BookPage

Eclipse

A well researched book and interesting. I almost wish there had been part 3 with an ending that left you feeling better. I would recommend this book.

An eyeopener!

It was also an eyeopener for me. I was horrified by the lives these people live. The story was so sad and so passionately written. I can't wait for the next book.

Great writer getting even greater ...

I've always enjoy Richard North Patterson's books, but his recent ones where he takes on major social issues are truly brilliant without being preachy. Great characters, plots that hang together, fine research ... A very gratifying (if intense) read in every way. Maybe not everyone's cup of tea. Subject matter isn't easy to deal with emotionally. No cop out ending, either.

Great book and you can learn a lot!

Although this book is very long, I enjoyed it very much. Of course I already knew there are big problems in Palestine and Israel, but this book gave me a much understanding of the issue, while being interesting and entertaining, too. An intelligent novel.

Well Written BUT

This book seems to be one of those books where the author wants his name to be associated with 'literature' (picture snobby Englishman with his nose upturned pronouncing it) rather than just plain fun. Patterson is a good author and has written a number of novels that I have been highly entertained by.

This is more of an issue driven book than it is a Mystery/Thriller which is my preferred genre. He is taking on a cause of an African fighting the injustice of a system where his country has been bought and paid for by oil money and all decisions and all commerce, both legal and illicit, are funneled through the oil wells in the country. A little legal drama thrown in for good measure.

This isn't my normal cup of tea, but it was very well researched, written, and performed.

Passionate and Gripping

This book was wonderful. It was also an eyeopener for me. I was truly horrified by the lives these people live - the corruption and murder as a way of life. The story was so sad and so passionately written, I actually cried. I did not believe the author could equal or outdo "Exile" but this book was absolutely just as good. I can't wait for his next book!

Moral Justice

Very thought provoking but the book dragged on too long.

a formula plot

Before Eclipse I read Exile, which made it a bit impossible to really get in to Eclipse because it seemed like the same story; American male attorney friends with a married female activist in danger, [insert human rights crisis here]. All it all it was good however I could not help but feel like I was in a formula rather than a story, Eclipse is the Africa version of Exile, and Exile the Middle East version of Eclipse more or less.

An authentic feel to it

This is an interesting story of conspiracy, greed and corruption in an autocracy. At first I was disappointed but then the book started to grow on me and I started looking forward to lessening during my lunch hour. The story has an authentic feel to it. Well done.

High Price of Oil

Compelling contrasts of commitment and conscience hold the listener as this expert reading reveals RNP's character and plot development based on actual people and events in Nigeria. Money and power attract and brutalize people touched by the oil market in a society without the rule of law. Patterson deftly engages us in the high-priced reality of American demand for cheap oil.