The Tangent Objective

by Lawrence Sanders

Book Overview

The negotiator for a large petroleum exploration project in Africa becomes embroiled in a hotbed of international intrigue and violence when he finds himself caught up in a political coup d'etat.... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0399117504
• ISBN13: 9780399117503
• Release Date: January 1976
• Publisher: Putnam Publishing Group
• Length: 312 Pages
• Weight: 0.35 lbs.

Customer Reviews

A Solid Read

Odd that these Tangent books of Sander's have dropped into the memory hole. They are still easy to find in chain book stores like Borders and B & N, but you wont see a fan site or much of a wikipedia entry. The plot is more grounded in reality than the better known McNalley books of the '90's and is more satisfying. Saunder still has the light touch to his writing that draws the reader through chapter to chapter before they know it. In this case the setting is post-Colonial Africa and Peter Tangent is an amoral oil company exec who uses his slush funds and make things a little better for the inhabitants while turning a profit in sewing up oil contracts for his company. He flys in and out from London private clubs to down trodden African villages tipping over a dictator with a whisper campaign, a little political posturing and some direct action in the form of arms smuggling. A good read, and probably some post colonial character you havent seen before. Its dated, but in some way that increases its charm.