IN THE SHADOW OF DECEPTION: A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW OF NORMAN MAILER'S "HARLOT'S GHOST” / ALL'OMBRA DELL'INGANNO: UNA RECENSIONE ESAUSTIVA DI "HARLOT'S GHOST" DI NORMAN MAILER

Ricardo Viola, Chen Huy

Abstract


Norman Mailer's "Harlot's Ghost" is a monumental exploration of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) set against the backdrop of Cold War America. Spanning over 1,300 pages, the novel intricately weaves historical events with fictional narratives, tracing the career of CIA officer Harry Hubbard. Mailer's ambitious storytelling, complex character development, and deep thematic inquiries into truth, loyalty, and moral ambiguity offer readers a profound meditation on espionage and its psychological impacts. This review delves into the novel's narrative structure, character arcs, thematic depth, historical accuracy, and prose style, highlighting its significance and legacy in espionage literature.

"Harlot's Ghost" di Norman Mailer è un'esplorazione monumentale della Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) ambientata sullo sfondo dell'America della Guerra Fredda. Con oltre 1.300 pagine, il romanzo intreccia in modo intricato eventi storici con narrazioni fittizie, tracciando la carriera dell'ufficiale della CIA Harry Hubbard. La narrazione ambiziosa di Mailer, lo sviluppo complesso dei personaggi e le profonde indagini tematiche sulla verità, la lealtà e l'ambiguità morale offrono ai lettori una profonda meditazione sullo spionaggio e i suoi impatti psicologici. Questa recensione analizza la struttura narrativa del romanzo, gli archi dei personaggi, la profondità tematica, l'accuratezza storica e lo stile della prosa, evidenziando la sua importanza e il suo lascito nella letteratura di spionaggio.

 

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espionage, CIA, Norman Mailer, historical fiction / spionaggio, CIA, Norman Mailer, narrativa storica

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DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.46827/ejls.v5i2.526

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