PUBLISHER: ST MARTINS PRESS (2022)
“I never stopped dreaming as I grew up in Miami. The horizon always looked better than the ground I stood on.”
This book is about espionage, counterterrorism, revolution, and all.
But this book is also about freedom and dreams. Hope and determination.
It all began in Manicaragua, Cuba. Surrounded and overwhelmed by the communist uprising in Cuba, Ric Prado was put onto a plane by his father to reach an unknown country with no guarantee of him following his son and meeting him there. It required courage and belief.
And thus begins Ric Prado’s journey into freedom. And he valued it deeply, ingraining an extremely strong sense of patriotism for his country and a deep dedication to the cause of freedom and safety.
‘Black Ops’ is a memoir of the kid from Cuba who goes on to play a very vital role in fighting terrorism and conducting counterespionage to keep his country safe.
He began his career as a para rescue man as a part of the Air Force.
But his dream was always to be a part of CIA. And he did. Joining as a medic, he embarked on a career that spanned big historical moments of Cold War and the Age of Terror. His postings were all across. Central and South America, Philippines, Korea. Central American Jungle of Honduras, where he was the only CIA officer living in anti-Sandinista camps. Also, an unnamed hostile nation, one of his most dangerous assignment. He occupied an important position in CIA as the Deputy Chief of Station and was the founding member of the Bin Laden Task Force.
His indignation and fury at the 9/11 attack (which every American must have felt) fuelled a deep-rooted zeal to wipe out the enemy. Throughout the book, Ric Prado has consistently been overwhelmed by what America offered to him when he was escaping the harsh effects of communism in Cuba.
And maybe this is what makes him more accepting when he leaves the agency as his plans to take on terrorists were not accepted. “I cannot let bitterness destroy all that I gave. All that I love. There is no path forward from that destruction of my past.”
Throughout the book, he continuously emphasises how Hollywood representation of terrorism, counterterrorism, and espionage is so far removed from reality.
Talking about the book, Prado said in a statement, “I wrote Black Ops to clear the name of my agency. I know the untold sacrifices made for this country by devoted men and women who have served anonymously as quiet heroes.” http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/84061004.cms?utm_source=contentofinterest&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=cppst
The book has been subjected to agency scrutiny with many redactions in place.
Black Ops is an engrossing read for those fascinated by the espionage world.
Preeta Chag 