ASK NO QUESTION

by Mary Hocking ‧ RELEASE DATE: April 25, 1967

A rather tepid spy novel written with a ladylike touch, this deals with the efforts of timorous biologist Alperin to defect. Alperin, an odd idealist who believes that ""hell was other people"" just wants to get away, although why he has decided that Communism represents a greener pasture is never made clear. Assigned to watch him are two British agents, Burke with the beautiful face and twisted body and mind, and Mitchell of the beautiful body and masculine sensitivity. The action takes place in a small town which is about to host a scientists' convention. Also on the scene is an old acquaintance of Mitchell's, Miriam Kratz, child of the concentration camps who has come to ask Mitchell for help in getting her husband out of an East German prison. The novel derives more from moral issues than action as the characters cope with conscience or lack of it, as Mitchell, fed up with his own country's betrayals and responsive both psychically and physically to Miriam, turns traitor. It's a sad, pensive study but just not involving enough for the reader.

Pub Date: April 25, 1967

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Morrow

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 1, 1967

Categories: FICTION