In The Hunt for Red October, a new Russian nuclear sub, the Red October, is attempting to defect to the United States during the Cold War. The United States wants to help her, but the Russians wants the sub destroyed before it can reach the hands of the “imperial enemy.” Jack Ryan, a CIA analyst gets dropped into the middle of all of this. The story constantly jumps back and forth between the subs, the White House, Moscow, and other places that are involved in the race to find the sub.

The novel is fast paced and Tom Clancy packs every chapter with overwhelming naval details. For me, the book offered a fascinating insight into the backward tangle of politics between the US and Russia during the Cold War.

Availability: SMCM
Review Submitted by: Lauren Grey
Rating: Recommended