Released: 12th March 2020
Genre: Political Thriller, Fiction
Number of Pages: 436
Having been a regular contributor to The Guardian since 1997, Jonathan Freedland is one of
the leading left-wing voices in UK journalism. Writing under the pseudonym Sam Bourne, Freedland has also put out many an intriguing thriller with a heavy dose of realism to boot.
With his latest book, “To Kill A Man”, he turns his attention to the #MeToo movement which
serves a guiding focus for the story.
Natasha Winthrop (Known as Cynthia Wright in other versions) is a shrewd and dedicated
lawyer; she’s also being tipped as the next big presidential nominee for the United States.
When she kills a sadistic rapist in her own home, questions arise over the true nature of her
ordeal and her actions to defend herself. With political opponents and the police circling her
personal affairs, she hires the political trouble-shooter Maggie Costello to uncover the
answers and clear her name. The book unfolds from an array of perspectives; while we start
off in Winthrop’s shoes, the story moves over to Costello who conducts her one-woman
investigation. The national heroine at the book’s centre is very idealistic, a progressive role
model seemingly in the same vein as Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.
Many contemporary political issues including fake news, rampant misogyny and the onset of
data manipulation and dark ads are a regular presence. It’s meant to tie in closely with real
events which will diminish the book’s edge for those familiar with the real events. What the
book does do very well is shift the tone towards a female-oriented narrative. The many
obstacles and deceitful treatment both Natasha and Maggie go through are displayed in
uncomfortable detail. The horrors of sexual abuse are laid bare and an onset of vigilantism
ensues. As the information slowly comes to light, you root for both lead characters, not to
mention the wider struggles they look to tackle. The slow reveal of Winthrop’s backstory is a
particular highlight.
Recommended?
MAYBE: While I found the political elements of To Kill a Man more than a bit predictable,
the book’s feminist take on the thriller genre was still engaging. The alternative perspectives
could have used some tuning up; the side of the opposing President Harrison and Winthrop’s time out of the spotlight could have played larger roles to build further intrigue. Instead they are mostly put aside to focus mainly on Maggie Costello’s investigation. Be that as it may, the author’s direct experience of the Washington setting translates through nicely.
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