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Questions and Answers with New York
Times Q: Tell us about your latest thriller, GOLIATH. How were you able to make it so authentic? Alten: I was fortunate enough to meet the sister of a former commander of a Los Angeles class attack submarine at a book signing. Through her introduction, I sent him the manuscript, and man, did he do a great job. Some of the other experts I consulted were a university professor who’s an expert in biochemical computers, a U.S. Army Ranger, a correctional officer who works in a state maximum security penitentiary, a physics professor, and a parachute extremist. All were already fans of my work and had contacted me via e-mail. Q: Do you really think the government could have a submarine like GOLIATH on the drawing board? Alten: Our government is working on several stealth sub designs, so yes, you can expect to see something like GOLIATH in the near future. Q: Recently you were invited aboard the USS Scranton, a sub in GOLIATH, and met the officers and crew. How was that experience? Alten: It was an incredible experience and honor. Submariners are among the best of the best, and I felt more comfortable in that sub than on a plane. But I wouldn't want to serve on one for 4 months at a time. The living area for 130 men equals that of a two-story, 3,000 square foot home. Q: Publishers Weekly review said that GOLIATH gives the reader a lot to think about morally and politically. Is that what you intended to do? Alten: Though GOLIATH was written before the events of 9/11, much of what’s happened since occurs in the story. While GOLIATH deals with nuclear proliferation and the threat of biological weapons, the real theme is that the road to Hell is paved with good intentions. The antagonist, Simon Covah, isn’t really a bad guy, he’s a victim of terrorism who witnessed his wife and daughters killed, then was tortured himself. In an attempt to end violence and oppression, Covah hijacks the GOLIATH, the most dangerous nuclear stealth sub on the planet—a former Naval Warfare Center Project that he was part of. Covah releases a list of demands that read like a CIA wish list. When I wrote this section of the novel, I sort of anointed myself king of the day, and said, if I could do anything I wanted, what would I do? Try to make the world a better place. So I put together all these demands, and that’s where the trap comes in. See, the best of intentions can lead us down the path of nuclear destruction. Is President Bush’s campaign against Saddam leading us there? Is our push for a Missile Defense Shield doing it? The answers are frightening, and so is GOLIATH. * * * For interviews or photos, please contact: Leisa Cotner-Cobbs
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