Are you a fan of thriller novels? Have you read Marathon Man by William Goldman or Burn by Lars Emmerich? If not, this article will give you a comprehensive understanding of both books and help you decide which one to read first.
The Plot: A Comparative Analysis
Marathon Man is a complex tale of espionage, betrayal, and murder, while Burn is a modern thriller that explores themes of terrorism and modern technology. Both novels are suspense-filled with unexpected plot twists that keep readers on the edge of their seats.
In Marathon Man, the protagonist, Thomas “Babe” Levy, a Ph.D. candidate and runner, becomes embroiled in a web of deceit and betrayal when his brother, a government agent, is murdered by a Nazi war criminal. Hunted by the same man, Babe must navigate the murky waters of his brother’s secrets while being pursued by the assassins who want him dead.
Burn, on the other hand, follows an MI6 agent, Ben Webster, as he tracks down a terrorist group that has taken control of an American drone. Webster teams up with a cybercriminal to take down the terrorists, but things go awry when the hacker’s past catches up with him.
Despite their differences, both Marathon Man and Burn share a common theme of the protagonist being caught up in a dangerous situation that they did not anticipate. In Marathon Man, Babe is forced to confront his family’s dark past and the consequences of his brother’s actions, while in Burn, Ben must navigate the dangerous world of cybercrime and terrorism to save innocent lives.
Another similarity between the two novels is the use of technology as a plot device. In Marathon Man, the Nazi war criminal uses dental technology to extract information from his victims, while in Burn, the terrorists use modern technology to control the American drone. Both novels highlight the power of technology and its potential for both good and evil.
Character Development: Examining the Protagonists and Antagonists
Goldman’s Marathon Man is known for its well-drawn characters. Babe Levy is a well-crafted character who is fleshed out as the story unfolds, and his antagonist, Szell, is one of the most iconic villains in literature.
Emmerich’s Burn also has well-developed characters, but they are not as complex as those in Marathon Man. Webster is a classic hero, and while the villains in Burn are not as memorable as those in Marathon Man, they serve their purpose in moving the story forward.
Another example of exceptional character development can be found in Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird. The protagonist, Scout Finch, is a young girl who learns about the harsh realities of racism and injustice in her small town. Her father, Atticus Finch, is a well-respected lawyer who stands up for what is right, even when it is unpopular. The antagonist, Bob Ewell, is a despicable character who represents the worst aspects of the town’s prejudice and ignorance.
In contrast, J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series features a wide range of characters, each with their own unique personalities and motivations. The protagonist, Harry Potter, is a brave and determined young wizard who must face off against the evil Lord Voldemort and his followers. The antagonists in the series are complex and multifaceted, with characters like Severus Snape and Draco Malfoy blurring the lines between good and evil.
Writing Style: Goldman’s Classic vs. Emmerich’s Modern Approach
Marathon Man was published in 1974, and Goldman’s writing style reflects the era. The book is written in a classic style with a slower pace than modern thrillers. Goldman’s prose is descriptive, and he takes the time to set the scene, which helps to build the tension.
Emmerich’s Burn, published in 2019, is contemporary and fast-paced. Emmerich uses short and snappy sentences, which keeps the reader gripped and builds suspense. His writing style reflects the technological advancements of this era, and his book features drones, cybercrime and hackers.
Goldman’s classic approach to writing allows the reader to fully immerse themselves in the story and the characters. His descriptive language paints a vivid picture of the setting and the emotions of the characters. This style of writing is perfect for readers who enjoy taking their time with a book and savoring every detail.
On the other hand, Emmerich’s modern approach is perfect for readers who enjoy a fast-paced, action-packed thriller. His use of short sentences and quick dialogue keeps the reader on the edge of their seat, and his incorporation of technology adds an extra layer of excitement to the story.
The Settings: New York City in the 1970s vs. Contemporary Europe
Marathon Man is set in New York City in the 1970s, a time of great social change in America. Goldman’s descriptions of the city paint a vivid picture of a time long gone by. The gritty and dark side of New York City is portrayed exceptionally well.
Burn takes place in various locations in Europe and the Middle East. Emmerich’s descriptions of different cities and cultures are insightful. He brings to life the different settings and cultures, which helps the reader to visualize the story.
In Marathon Man, the setting of New York City in the 1970s is not only a backdrop for the story, but it also serves as a character in its own right. The city is portrayed as a place of danger and uncertainty, where anything can happen. The contrast between the wealthy Upper East Side and the seedy underworld of the city is stark and adds to the tension of the story.
In Burn, the various locations in Europe and the Middle East are not just exotic backdrops, but they also play a significant role in the plot. The cultural differences between the characters and the places they visit create conflict and add to the complexity of the story. Emmerich’s descriptions of the cities and their landmarks are so vivid that the reader can almost feel like they are there, experiencing the sights and sounds of each location.
Themes: Power, Corruption, and Betrayal in Marathon Man
Marathon Man explores themes of power, corruption, and betrayal. It delves into the dark side of politics and the government’s involvement in illegal activities. Goldman does an excellent job of showing how easily power can corrupt people, and the lengths they will go to protect themselves and their interests.
Themes: Revenge, Terrorism, and Technological Advancements in Burn
Burn, on the other hand, deals with themes of revenge, terrorism, and technological advancements. Emmerich explores how technology can be used for both good and evil and its impact on society. He also delves into the topic of revenge and how it can affect people’s lives.
Pacing and Suspense: How Goldman and Emmerich Keep Readers Hooked
Both Goldman and Emmerich are masters at building suspense and keeping the reader hooked. Marathon Man is slower-paced than Burn, but it still manages to keep readers on the edge of their seats. Goldman’s use of cliffhangers and foreshadowing helps to maintain the tension throughout the book.
Emmerich, on the other hand, takes a more modern approach to pacing and suspense. The book is fast-paced, and the short chapters keep the reader engaged. The tension builds slowly but surely, and the climax is explosive.
Reception and Legacy: How Marathon Man and Burn Have Impacted the Thriller Genre
Marathon Man is considered a classic in the thriller genre and has been adapted for a successful movie. It has influenced many writers, and its impact can still be felt today.
Burn is a modern thriller that has been acclaimed for its portrayal of the contemporary world. It has been compared to the works of Dan Brown and John Grisham and is seen as a worthy addition to the thriller genre.
Which One to Read First? A Recommendation for Fans of Thriller Novels
If you are a fan of slow-burning thrillers with well-drawn characters, then Marathon Man is the book for you. However, if you are more interested in fast-paced, contemporary thrillers with cutting-edge technology, then Burn is a must-read. Both novels offer unique and compelling stories that will leave readers satisfied.
In conclusion, Marathon Man and Burn are both excellent examples of the thriller genre. Whether you prefer classic slow-burners or more fast-paced contemporary thrillers, both books deliver gripping and compelling stories that will keep you hooked until the very end.