'The Veteran' (1961) by Frederick Forsyth

'The Veteran' is a collection of five gripping short stories, each exploring different themes, characters, and settings. With Forsyth’s signature style of meticulous detail and unexpected twists, the stories range from crime and justice to human drama and morality.

Summary of the Stories

The Veteran: A brutal assault and murder occur in a London street. When two seemingly altruistic witnesses identify the culprits, the police swiftly secure a conviction. However, the story takes a surprising turn when it is revealed that the "witnesses" are not who they appear to be, and their true motives unfold in a masterfully unexpected twist.

The Art of the Matter: A struggling art expert discovers a hidden masterpiece in the possession of an unsuspecting elderly man. While the expert orchestrates a clever scheme to acquire the painting for a fraction of its value, karma intervenes, leading to a poetic and ironic conclusion.

The Miracle: Set in a small Italian village during World War II, this story intertwines history, faith, and mystery. When a young boy is seemingly saved by divine intervention, the village celebrates the miracle. Decades later, the truth about the event comes to light, blending human ingenuity with a touch of the extraordinary.

The Citizen: A skilled and ruthless hitman meticulously plans and executes an assassination. However, the assassin's return flight to safety is interrupted by an immigration officer who recognizes a discrepancy in his documents. This leads to a thrilling and suspenseful cat-and-mouse game.

Whispering Wind: This story weaves history and romance with a touch of the supernatural. It follows a white scout who falls in love with a Native American woman during the Battle of Little Bighorn. Their doomed love transcends time, leading to an emotional and haunting conclusion.

Key Themes: Morality and Justice: Several stories explore complex moral dilemmas and the thin line between right and wrong.

Irony and Consequences: Forsyth uses twists to reveal that actions, often driven by greed or deception, have unexpected consequences.

Historical Context: Stories like The Miracle and Whispering Wind delve into historical settings, enriching the narrative with depth and authenticity.

The Veteran showcases Forsyth’s versatility as a storyteller, offering tales that are suspenseful, poignant, and thought-provoking. Each story leaves the reader with a sense of surprise and reflection on the human condition.