pickExcellent nonfiction for history nerds like me. This is the story of a KGB double agent working for Britain during the 70s and 80s Cold War Era. With big time leaders such as Andropov, Thatcher, Reagan and Gorbachev leading the free and not so free world, Oleg Gordievsky risked his life, sacrificed his personal peace and helped orchestrate the downfall of the Soviet Empire. This book reads much like a novel. I was entranced by the spy world.
pickThe only thing I love more than a good spy novel is a good nonfiction account. The main focus here is Gary Powers and his U-2, but expands to include the backstories of the other men exchanged between the USSR and the US in a prisoner swap that included Powers. Detailed and riveting, the audiobook is narrated superbly by Jonathan Keeble, who is one of my favorites. There‘s even a David Cornwell cameo. 😎
pickWow! What a book. I couldn't put it down. The story reminded me of ATOMIC BLONDE in many ways, but obviously, the book is better! le Carre doesn't flinch from the brutal reality of the spy business and the atrocity that was the Berlin Wall, and both sides are equally to blame. What an excellent book to teach point-of-view. Author Graham Greene said of this 1963 novel, that it was “the best spy story I have ever read.“ I have to agree.
“Leamas said nothing, just stared through the window of the checkpoint, along the empty street.“
Another potential spy book for our book club.
pickFascinating read.
Wise Gals is informative, engaging, and extremely entertaining. Nathalia Holt did a wonderful job with the research and presents a strong supportive look into female spies and the influence they had. I loved getting to know these women both professionally and personally.
My only small complaint is that there are a lot of names and missions discussed and keeping tracking of them all was rather difficult.
@Sharpeipup
Kim Philby—from my #auldlangspine list—with the author of the tagged book.
The author was head of the foreign intelligence division of the Stasi for most of the Cold War.
“In the West he was known as ‘the man without a face‘ due to his elusiveness.” (Wikipedia)
#currentlyreading #marchrso2023 #historical #coldwar #survival all these March books are about war and survival. Not bad, just sad.
so-so
