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1.4k reviews for:
The Spy and the Traitor: The Greatest Espionage Story of the Cold War
Ben Macintyre
4.47 AVERAGE
1.4k reviews for:
The Spy and the Traitor: The Greatest Espionage Story of the Cold War
Ben Macintyre
4.47 AVERAGE
what a treat to read this book! It is much more than a spy history documentary, it lays out international politics during my life time and some of it in my hometown of Copenhagen - living through the cold war as a child and ypung man, this books explains a lot of things I have lived with as threaths and anxiety!
One of the best nonfiction books I've read recently. The account reads almost like a spy novel and keeps the reader engaged. There were times I wished the earlier chapters had been shorter, perhaps broken up, not eliminating material. But that preference might be more my reading style. The last part of the book the author effectively used much shorter chapters to keep the suspense at a fever pitch...even though a reader might already know the ending...the account was compelling reading.
Very interesting and slightly disconcerting. I hate, hate, hate politics and the "actors" controlling not only the U.S., but the world. It's sad to know that there are so many shady things that go on between those in control.. all the while regular, everyday people just want to be and live as they choose to. Sadder yet to know that, realistically, we are all just pawns in their games. Yikes, I know I sound a bit cynical, but I'm not wrong, lol. Anyhow, I can't imagine being in a position where I could trust no one and always had to be looking over my shoulder. It's sad, too, that people get sucked into these things without meaning to.
Fantastic read! I want to read more by Ben Macintyre now.
The story of Oleg Gordievsky and those whe were involved in his extraordinary career as a spy for MI6 within KGB is told in a no frills, straight forward way, which works very effectively (albeit with some whimsical asides, like the story behind, and content of, cheese and onion flavoured crisps). This story doesn't need embellishments. It really is an example of how truth is often more incredible than fiction - if a fiction writer had come up with the detail of Gordievsky almost missing a crucial rendez-vous because he felt like hitch-hiking to the nearest town for a drink, it would seem bizarrely unbelievable.
Highly recommended!
Highly recommended!
Gripping, full of incredible detail and amazed to read the massive effect a single spy can have on world events. Final act also incredibly tense despite knowing the outcome beforehand.
Loved it! Kept me on the edge of my seat, even though I had a general idea of the ending. Fascinating glimpse into the world of spy craft and the USSR.
Pro tip: do not read this as relaxing bedtime reading. The second half especially will keep you turning pages and holding your breath.
Simply excellent! The entire time I was reading this I had to remind myself that this is a true story. The author’s writing style as he captures the intrigue, the suspense, the high stakes, truly makes this feel like a work of fiction. A-plus!