Title: The Cordillera
Author: Luis Rousset
Publisher: AuthorHouse
ISBN: 978-1665560375
Genre: Action and Adventure / Fiction
Pages: 330
Reviewed by: Lily Amanda

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The Cordillera is a richly drawn and well-nuanced novel by Luis Rousset. The story begins with sixteen-year-old Jacques Laurent and his uncle Ignacio making the tedious trek of climbing Mount Fitz Roy, an appealing hobby he thoroughly enjoyed. The grandfather of Jacques was the brother of Ignacio’s father, both former junior officers in

the Red Army. They had immigrated from Russia to France in the late fifties, escaping one of Stalin’s purges. Jacques’ grandfather had remained in France, while Ignacio’s father went on to Argentina. He became the prosperous owner of two cattle ranches. Born in France, Jacques’ summers were spent with his uncle on his estancias in Argentina where they both explored the vast terrain, and the mountains surrounding the ranches and lovingly tended to the sheep, cattle, and horses. His dream was to attend France’s most prestigious college, École Polytechnique, to study engineering, one that is fulfilled after he passes the entrance exam.

Upon his completion, the young man receives an offer which he later accepts after much contemplation, consequently sending him to various missions as he is consequently thrown into a fast-spin world of sordid organized crime around the world; from the streets of Nicaragua, a rescue mission in the Amazon jungle, fighting terrorists in the Middle East to coming face-to-face with criminals with networks as far as Turkey. It is the difficult odds that Jacques grows up facing in the rocky terrain back in Patagonia, Argentina, which sharpens his courage and enables him to face the dangers he encounters in these missions.

Luis Rousett’s unparalleled work is a buoyant embroidery of romance, action, and adventure combined. The author wistfully brings to life awe-inspiring descriptions of jungles, landscapes, and sounds of different countries. I found the author to be extremely creative with the characters, especially in fleshing out the main protagonist Jacques Laurent.

You know you have read a good book when you turn the last page and feel a little as if you have lost a friend. The Cordillera is one such book. I highly recommend this salient novel to anyone looking for a good book with a stellar plot that defies quick solutions.