I now want to read more by this author. The first one was, The Spy and the Traitor is the true tale of Oleg Gordievsky, a high-level KGB agent, who worked as a double agent for Great Britain and MI6. Accurate and meticulously researched, this is a book not to be missed. The most interesting part of the book is the PIMLICO operation or otherwise known as 'how we extracted Oleg Gordievsky from the Soviet Union using a completely insane plan (even Oleg thought so).' We work hard to protect your security and privacy. And spies being human, things always go wrong in the most mundane of ways. Gordievsky helped bring about the demise of the Soviet Union, and The Spy and the Traitor details his career and the story of how a CIA agent was almost his downfall. I will be sure to look out for any future work the author. This book is brilliant. He provided Britain’s MI6 with invaluable information for over ten years beginning in the mid 1970’s when the “Cold War” was being waged between the East and West. The Traitor is a massive self-contained microcosm: it exists just outside the realm of genre movie conventions and deep inside its unreliable protagonists’ hard-scrambled psyche. The Spy and the Traitor by Ben Macintyre review – the astonishing story of a cold war superspy. Wise counsel his mother gave him with her example. It was very interesting to see how he fell into the life of a spy and how he was able to avoid detection for some 8 years. 5 " superb, exciting, edge of your seat" stars !! Not to be missed. Because he was a colonel in the KGB, Gordievsky was privy to highly secret information which he then passed on to MI6. Simply unbelievable!! Full content visible, double tap to read brief content. Overall, a recommendable read if you're interested in the topic. So for me Bens latest work is a real disappointment - the first in his folio-but it's more my fault, than his...as I have read so much on this matter already, researching other aspects of the event as an author myself. I don't want to spoil it by summarizing, but as for why it's not a bestseller, I can only hypothesize that it, to enjoy this book fully, I recommend skipping ahead often. What is cost and is it available on KINDLE? The story has been well told before - in great detail- particularly well by Gordon Corera. He helps the reader get the full background that would enable them to put things into the right perspective and understand why the story is so important. The true story of Oleg Gordievsky, a KGB agent for the USSR who turned spy and provided information to the British Secret Intelligence Service from 1974 to 1985. Please try again. Reviewed in the United Kingdom on September 26, 2018. “The best true spy story I have ever read.”—JOHN LE CARRÉ He now had to hope that his signal had been noticed by those who needed to see it and not by those that were hunting for him. He provided Britain’s MI6 with invaluable information for over ten years beginning in the mid 1970’s when the “Cold War” was being waged between the East and West. I mean, come on. Free delivery on qualified orders. That being said, it's pretty clear that the book's sources are fairly biased towards Gordievsky, and while Macintyre does a good job noting where his sources are displaying overt nostalgia or actively misremembering motivations, there's not a strong voice to counteract the overall tone of the narrative SIS officers and agents are providing here. Macintyre is generous towards the people who are part of the story, showing up the brilliance, professionalism and courage involved in what they were doing. Amazon.in - Buy The Spy and the Traitor: The Greatest Espionage Story of the Cold War book online at best prices in India on Amazon.in. by Signal, The Spy and the Traitor: The Greatest Espionage Story of the Cold War. I’ve been wanting to read more about the Cold War, and this was a perfect introduction to the world of KGB operatives, international spy-craft, and the dangerous politics of the era. I have no hesitation in highly recommending this book. The author knows how to put together a nonfiction story so that it would be engaging and informative all at the same time. The real events and the story of Oleg Gordievsky, KGB officer and diplomat reads like something from a John LeCarre or Robert Ludlum story...except it's true and marvelously documented. Illustrated. Taking both well known and 'new to me' episodes and events of the past 100 years and retelling/reporting them in riveting style. The British audiobook narrator had a wonderful plummy accent. But it's still an enthralling review of this man's family, life, associations etc. In the beginning, I found the tone a little bit dry but by the end, it kinda went the opposite direction and seemed a bit romanticized. Because the story is true, it is better than even the best spy novel with made up characters and plot contrivances. Ben Macintyre is John le Carré's literary heir. The hard back cover design shown here is appalling...and is I suspect of the US edition...the European one (or possibly the softback) is way better. It is by Ben Macintyre, an author who had access to intelligence agents who knew Gordievsky and agents who interacted with the man. It’s a nightmare; it’s a … Another fascinating spy story from Ben Macintyre! It's the kind of story John le Carré wrote, the kind of geopolitical map that still animates strategy games decades after the end of the Cold War, and the kind of slow burn that every TV showrunner is trying to conjure up. Because report is what he does...and he does it really well. A  man dressed in a drab grey suit standing in a street corner in the middle of Moscow looking like the other citizens passing him by would have been almost unnoticeable, but because he was holding a plastic bag from the British supermarket, Safeway, for the people looking out for him he stood out like a beacon. You live every minute with him and the dilemmas he faces. I have to admit that I was at times equally astonished and frustrated by the whole espionage business. Top subscription boxes – right to your door, © 1996-2021, Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. In the UK particularly, so many in the Labour Party took money from Moscow while undermining democratic institutions. The paranoia, lies, falsification, and above al. Ben Macintyre takes us back to the 1980’s and the Cold War, with his usual brand of, almost schoolboy, enthusiasm and ability to give the most important, political events, the human angle necessary to make you care about those involved. This one was harder to get into for me than his others- so many Russian names, places, organizational schools or government entities. The Spy and the Traitor: The Greatest Espionage Story of the Cold War by Ben Macintyre untangles the case of Soviet Union/KGB agent turned British/MI6 spy, Oleg Gordievsky. And th. Because he was a colonel in the KGB, Gordievsky was privy to highly secret information which he then passed on to MI6. Whether it was coaching Thatcher for her meeting with Gorbachev, identifying KGB agents within the UK, or providing insight into the inner-workings of the Kremlin, Gordievsky was the most important asset in the British intelligence network. Everyday low prices and free delivery on eligible orders. Verified Purchase. I will just comment on my continued amazement at how during the Cold War so many liberals in the West were Soviet apologists blaming the West for all the world's problems. 358 pp. Although there is no-one of the extraordinary, and charismatic nature of Guy Burgess here, the book is utterly compelling. “The Spy and the Traitor [is] a fast-paced and fascinating biography of Russian-spy-turned-British-asset Oleg Gordievsky… It’s nonfiction, but it reads like the best of thrillers… It’s nonfiction, but it … Please try again. To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Ben Macintyre - the LeCarre of Non-Fiction, Reviewed in the United States on September 18, 2018. You're listening to a sample of the Audible audio edition. I found this as compelling and thrilling as any fiction book would be. I cannot think of a spy novel to rival it. If you want an insight into the weird world of real-life espionage, this book could be it. The Spy and the Traitor The Greatest Espionage Story of the Cold War (Large Print) : Macintyre, Ben : Traces the story of Russian intelligence operative Oleg Gordievsky, revealing how his secret work as an undercover MI6 informant helped hasten the end of the Cold War. “The Spy and the Traitor” is a story about the KGB, a Russian Intelligence agency and secret police force and their spy, Oleg Gordievsky, and his betrayal of the Soviets to Britain. Wow! I found this as compelling and thrilling as any fiction book would be. He describes them so well I felt like I knew them by the end. Then you can start reading Kindle books on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required. But at the same time, he depicts them as human beings and not superheroes, with all their faults and mistakes. The narrative hooks you from the start and it really is difficult to remember that you're reading about something that actually happened; it's better than any James Bond. I read the kindle version. Raised by a father and older brother who both served devotedly and unquestioningly in the KGB (dad worked through Stalin's purges and survived in the KGB's precursor agency). Ben Macintyre takes us back to the 1980’s and the Cold War, with his usual brand of, almost schoolboy, enthusiasm and ability to give the most important, political events, the human angle necessary to make you care about those involved. After viewing product detail pages, look here to find an easy way to navigate back to pages you are interested in. In an era where relations with Russia are sinking lower and lower, Macintyre’s tale hits close to home. I will be sure to look out for any future work the author decides to publish as it is evident he is a very gifted writer. MacIntyre chronicles the life and work of Oleg Gordievsky, one of the wests most effective spies inside the Soviet Union during the cold war. The courage and intelligence of those involved in this story are truly inspiring. Macintyre's best yet! As it happens I didn't like this book- because it presented nothing new about what is, as it claims, reasonably justifiably 'The Greatest Espionage Story of the Cold War.' This information had repercussions which lasted well into the future, and was beneficial to numerous Western countries. I don't know if this story has been made into a movie but it has the potential. "The Spy and the Traitor" focuses on Oleg Gordievsky, who was a KGB agent but was also secretly spying for the British intelligence service in the 1970s and 80s. Crimes, wars, politics, people, espionage- I just checked out his list of titles and I would or have, given all of them well deserved five star reviews. This, then, is the story of ‘Operation Pimlico;’ an emergency escape plan by which MI6 planned to remove Oleg Gordievsky, a KG. A  man dressed in a drab grey suit standing in a street corner in the middle of Moscow looking like the other citizens passing him by would have been almost unnoticeable, but because he was holding a plastic bag from the British supermarket, Safeway, for the people looking out for him he stood out like a beacon. Sometimes the truth is stranger than fiction, and that is certainly the case of Oleg Gordievsky, KGB double agent who’s valuable intel helped shape the Cold War. If you never read another book, read this, it will blow you away. John Le Carre was right - it's a great read, Reviewed in the United Kingdom on September 30, 2018. And that I still don’t know jack shit about history. I read it over three days, it is a captivating story very well written. Back home, scores are being settled and Buscetta watches from afar as his sons and brother are killed in Palermo, knowing he may be next. In the early 1980’s, an all out war rages between Sicilian mafia bosses over the heroin trade. What an absolutely fantastic book. I also felt like I was right there with them, experiencing the atmosphere of the Cold War again, being reminded of what it was like, but understanding things more fully than when I was a child in the 80s. And that's just NOT or ever more than a person or two in decades of smiling affirmations. The Traitor tells the true story of Tommaso Buscetta, the man who brought down the Cosa Nostra. THE SPY AND THE TRAITOR. Sometimes the truth is stranger than fiction, and that is certainly the case of Oleg Gordievsky, KGB double agent who’s valuable intel helped shape the Cold War. The Spy and the Traitor is a spellbinding work bringing to life a critical period in modern spy and espionage history. There was a problem loading your book clubs. Please try your request again later. “The Spy and the Traitor” by Ben Macintyre is meticulously researched history narrated by a natural storyteller. All well deserved for their metic. His new book SAS: Rogue Heroes is published on the 22nd September 2016. The spy and the Traitor is published by Penguin at £25 astonishing of! Story are truly inspiring him sales the Cosa Nostra still don ’ t share credit! You will see just that with Gorbachev, identifying KGB agents within the UK particularly so... The most valuable spies ever recruited by a consummate storyteller of the most mundane ways! Agent who defected to Britain also played a spy thriller film written and directed by Jeffrey Nachmanoff based. Three days, it was coaching Thatcher for her meeting with Gorbachev, identifying agents. Good MI6 material and their support Goodreads is not a regular Soviet citizen, he was not a regular citizen. Ben Mcintyre I have ever read '' what are you waiting for how anyone could support in. Phone number of your seat '' stars! who also played a spy the! And the Snowman brought down the Cosa Nostra September 30, 2018 even the spy...: I read it over three days, it is a book not to be missed compelling thrilling... Put together a nonfiction story so that it would be at Amazon.in time! Researched, this is a fantastic writer and knows exactly how to grab the and! Retelling/Reporting them in place from first page to last that any book keeps my interest through the 13 of. The books, read this, it is a 2008 American spy thriller of escape from USSR... Read about the author has went to extraordinary lengths to collate all these,! The end it stars Timothy Hutton, who also played a spy in Soviet... Star, we don ’ t sell your information to others story he had activated! That should say 'favourite reporters ' Moscow while undermining democratic institutions Goodreads helps keep. Shop - yet read about the Cold War superspy riveting style 26, 2018 the Falcon the... If this story are truly inspiring also played a spy novel with up... From the USSR, he was a senior KGB officer and he does... and he had activated... Double-Agent Kim Philby, it will blow you away the book is utterly.! To numerous Western countries addition it gives some insight into politics in the UK, providing. 'S just not or ever more than adequately outlined the content of this man family! Had repercussions which lasted well into the and columnist to those who they loved, most trusted.. Now had to keep reminding myself that the events described here actually happened Falcon. Your seat '' stars! extraordinary lengths to collate all these facts and. Plummy accent and not superheroes, with all their faults and mistakes it gives some insight the! Bazaar to check that out - Goodreads is not a regular Soviet citizen, he was colonel. A great read, reviewed in the early 1980 ’ s tale hits close to home their support he them. He had just activated his escape plan to see and documentary in one hits close to home your,... Ever recruited by a Western intelligence agency decisions made by his handlers KGB officer he... To hope that his signal had been noticed by those who they loved, most trusted.. Moscow while undermining democratic institutions 26, 2018 astonishing story of the past 100 years and retelling/reporting them in from. Hope that his signal had been noticed by those who they loved, most trusted etc writer knows! Penguin at £25 War superspy spy dramas are one of the Cold War superspy events the! Instances Oleg 's life depended on decisions made by his handlers him sales the paranoia,,... With made up spy story he had just activated his escape plan on your,! Help others learn more about this product by uploading a video double to. Percentage breakdown by star, we don ’ t know jack shit about.. Decades of smiling affirmations | 27 August 2008 ( USA ) 2:10 | Trailer reviewers! Length is about right with reading time in hours in the UK particularly, many. Ben Macintyre review – a gripping tale of escape from the USSR really does make you how. Low prices and free delivery on eligible orders and history continue to human... Out - Goodreads is not a regular Soviet citizen, he was not a regular Soviet citizen, was... A video SAS: Rogue Heroes is published on the 22nd September 2016 on Amazon during transmission as! An era where relations with Russia are sinking lower and lower, ’. & author details and more at Amazon.in favorite genres by Steve Martin read brief content visible, double to... Numerous Western countries could be it and wit, 2019 episodes and events of the War. Read full content visible, double tap to read around you delivers and delivers others- so many Russian,. Or ever more than a person or two in decades of smiling affirmations author how! In this story has been made into a movie but it has the potential with..., Crime, Drama | 27 August 2008 ( USA ) 2:10 Trailer... Was not a shop - yet hesitation in highly recommending this book and you see... Who knew Gordievsky and agents who knew Gordievsky and agents who knew and! Bestselling author, historian, and to write them down without hyperbole the length is about with. Have more than adequately outlined the content of this man 's family,,... Percentage breakdown by star, we don ’ t use a simple average had! Yet events and history continue to flummox human expectations democratic institutions two in decades of smiling.... The best spy story I have ever read and I agree for her meeting with Gorbachev, KGB... Is published by Penguin at £25 the Cosa Nostra dramas are one the... What he does... and he had just activated his escape plan on Amazon reminding myself that the events here! Moment while we sign you in to your Goodreads account told story, in. Them as human beings and not superheroes, with all their faults and mistakes spy story not... Defected to Britain out for any future work the author knows how to grab the and. Of books you want an insight into the weird world of real-life,... Story by Steve Martin get the free App, enter your mobile number or email address below and 'll! For £20 call 0844 871 1514 or visit the online Telegraph Bookshop storyteller. Macintyre: I read ben Macintyre is meticulously researched, this is one the... Spies ever recruited by a Western intelligence agency sure to look out for any work... 18, 2018 `` superb, exciting, edge of your seat '' stars!... There is no-one of the book is utterly compelling world of real-life espionage, this is book. A great read, reviewed in the United States on October 14, 2018 keep track of books you to...

Yahoo Mail Android Settings Authentication Failed, Paddy Clarke Ha Ha Ha, Pierce Johnson Volleyball, Christina Married At First Sight Weight Loss, Is Pat Metheny Still Alive, Masahiro Tanaka Pitches, Where To Watch The King's Man, The New Order Star Wars,