Gail Egan, U.K. producer of 20 films, including John LeCarre’s THE CONSTANT GARDNER, and independent producer Tracy Bing, have optioned the film rights to ACTS OF FAITH, which I consider my best novel. If it is ever brought to the screen — and believe me that’s a long shot — this story would have the epic scope and sweep of LAWRENCE OF ARABIA. I say it’s a long shot because ACTS OF FAITH has been optioned a couple of times since its hardcover publication in 2005 — Ms. Bing was involved in the past, when she was with Warner Bros. Independent. Robert Rodat, who wrote the script for SAVING PRIVATE RYAN, had been attached as a screenwriter, but, alas, nothing came of it. This time around, I’m hoping that Ms. Bing’s steadfast belief in the book, and Ms. Egan’s enthusiasm for it, will make it a go.

I will add that the dreadful attack in Paris, where several friends and colleagues live, tempers my excitement. It almost feels morally wrong to feel any joy or pleasure at such a time. My thoughts and prayers are with the victims’ families, and — sorry to add this harsh note — one of my prayers is that the U.S. will join forces with France and whoever else is willing to sign on, to wipe the scourge of Islamist Radicalism (now incarnate in ISIS) from the face of the earth. Together, we crushed Naziism; together, we can crush this hideous political-religious ideology. There is a connection between these sentiments and the above announcement: ACTS OF FAITH’s underlying theme expresses the dangers of belief when it leads to fanaticism.

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