The Einstein Plot: A Book Review

I found a copy of a book review I wrote in 2007. The book is entitled The Einstein Plot by Basil Heatter. Published in 1982, I admit it has tons of sections and information that almost had my brain circuits breaking down. I survived 384 of it though.

It's really worth the read. 

The Einstein Plot was first published in 1982.
It's a classic that never was.

It was the most deeply held secret of World War II. It was Germany’s last chance to change history.

Only 12 people understood Albert Einstein. His scientifically trimmed coiffure alone could be more complicated than a Britney Spears poster for Neiman Marcus’ risqué collection. Much more if this revered scientist wore the ‘do in the parliament had he accepted to be Israel’s Nasi (Head of State) in 1955. Surely, more could be awaited in a plot where Einstein is the plot himself rather than a part of it. It is a transformation of suspense novel to challenge the intellect: The Einstein Plot.

This 1982 novel by Basil Heatter is a perfect concoction of World War II intelligence collision and wartime romance. Of course, the story is sans Prince Charming’s drool-and-keel-worthy physique for all that are prominently featured are toothbrush mustaches, which is probably Hitler’s most hideous contribution to the fashion industry.

The Einstein Plot as clandestinely conceived by Dr. Karl Hauser, a Nazi scientist, and Admiral Canaris of the Abwehr Agency, Hitler’s intelligence department, aims to bring back Professor Einstein to Germany by using someone from the enemy’s yard.

The Nazi Empire is slowly ebbing against foe countries. The only chance of victory relies on a nuclear weapon. But enemies from London obliterated the Vemork power plant in Norway, the research center for their nukes.

The only solution: E=mc². Only Einstein understands the formula. He is the key.

Without the Fuehrer knowing it, the plan ensued. Einstein, then in Princeton University, is lured by the Krauts by using an old-time friend, Dr. David Stern of the British Government Research Team. Forcing an enemy to do a favor for the other camp is never an easy task. That is unless the life of his abducted and tortured unica hija is at stake. Michelle Stern, also the daughter of the girl whom Dr. Hauser once loved yet betrayed, is set up in France while about to help the Resistance.

To rescue her, Jens Larsens, the one who personally brought down the Vemork power plant to futile rubbles, goes on to another mission to France. To save Michelle… to save the girl he loves.

Einstein must be saved to prevent the Nazis from grasping the ultimate weapon of mass destruction. Along the way, deception is becoming the biggest business of war.

Each sewed connection between events and characters are unrelentingly done to ensure unpredictability and wit up to the last chapter. Every deceiving situation has a back door event leading to another shadow of motives you need to closely watch out for. Knowing the Nazis, the painstaking intricacy if not held properly can bleed you off your mind.

This story is not for the weak heart. A post-dinner exhibition of a betraying general while being electrocuted in private parts and in the bowel (yes, by a metal rod sheathed in the rectum sphincter) is not your typical classic soirée.

Interminable beating, stripping of the skin, hot irons applied to the soles of the feet – these tortures and ruthlessness Gestapos and Germans are fond of are enough to make one seethe in ire. Mental pictures of violence could only be worse from every turn of each leaf. Reality and war have merged.

The Einstein Plot is a novel bordering the hilt of the usual camaraderie, brutality, romance, and whodunit game. It is a game where trust is a luxury only few can afford. It is a game where killing and betrayal are matters of leisure. It is a game where clinging to life and every shred of sanity is the only hope of survival. It is the setting for The Einstein Plot.

I hate to sound like a fan of cruelty, but with all the meticulously and nefariously devised tortures and conspiracy theories, supercilious I would be but to laud Adolf Hitler for an ill-brilliant mind (or rather the author for a twisted mind). What do you expect? It is Hitler playing god in a time when every man is a possible suspect of treachery.

Kudos to Basil Heatter as he focused on a government-science type of story. It is my sought after reprisal from government-church feedings from all over the boob tube and papers. This is not the obvious scam-laden overseas meetings and contract dealings you are surely aware of.

I love this book for a suspense story that no one has ever done before. Its heart-pounding, mind-boggling plot and characters challenge my intellect. It proves puissance of mind worthy. To bear with the book until the end is an achievement for it is more complex as it seems. It is far more complex than the stuttering German names this book is abound.

Try reading The Einstein Plot and you’ll see that every rise of blood pressure is worth it. If you finish it, then lucky you. We might have been among the 12 people who understood Professor Albert Einstein and his genius lunacy.