I did not read this for this discussion. I did read it years ago and at the time found it very suspenseful. Of course with such books that can only happen on the first read.

It's sort of off topic, but the whole history of the of how Algeria became independent if fascinating. Not only were the 'native' Algerians split on the issue of independence, but a large contingent of European-Algerians (Pieds-noirs, Albert Camus was one) that had lived there a long time with some even born there felt betrayed by France and de Gaulle. Hence the OAS. Anyway to get to a point . ..

Those who have never seen The Battle of Algiers, a fictional film about the last stages of the independence fight, should consider it. It seems entirely real.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0058946/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1