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

Authors

  • Ricardo Viola Lecturer, PhD, Department of Linguistic and Literary Studies, University of Padua, Italy
  • Chen Huy PhD Candidate, Department of Linguistic and Literary Studies, University of Padua, Italy

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.46827/ejls.v5i2.526

Keywords:

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

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.

 

Author Biographies

  • Ricardo Viola, Lecturer, PhD, Department of Linguistic and Literary Studies, University of Padua, Italy

    Dr. Ricardo Viola works for the Department of Linguistic and Literary Studies at the University of Padua, Italy. His research interests include historical fiction, psycholinguistics, multiculturalism, and visual storytelling interpretation.

  • Chen Huy, PhD Candidate, Department of Linguistic and Literary Studies, University of Padua, Italy

    Chen Huy works for the Department of Linguistic and Literary Studies at the University of Padua, Italy. His research interests include historical fiction, literary journalism, language education, world literature, and sociolinguistics.

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Published

2024-05-19

Issue

Vol. 5 No. 2 (2024)

Section

Articles

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