Should be read by anyone as these events shaped our landscape so dramatically after WW2. And Robert MacMahon has done an excellent job! I read this toShould be read by anyone as these events shaped our landscape so dramatically after WW2. And Robert MacMahon has done an excellent job! I read this to calibrate what I understand about the Cold War from books, seminars and conversations. This is an excellent summary and recommended to all, as the events of 1945 - 1991 affect us all.
A mostly fast paced, well researched and objective book about Robert Hanssen, who perhaps exceeds Kim Philly accomplishment’s as a devastating RussianA mostly fast paced, well researched and objective book about Robert Hanssen, who perhaps exceeds Kim Philly accomplishment’s as a devastating Russian spy - ‘Bob’ spied for the GRU, KGB and SVR between 1979 to 2001, reviving his career after the Soviet collapse.
His paymasters never knew his name and the Americans who debriefed him for many years after a plea deal are never really sure of his motivations. It would seem he was a tortured man and in protecting his identity, revealed identities of US spies which lead to their execution.
Although this sounds like spy versus spy landscape, Hanssen shared documents at drop points and was not involved in wet work, which made parts of the book pedestrian. That’s not the author’s fault and also probably why he eluded discovery so long! For the voluminous material he shared, it didn’t seem to have the impact it might have had.
Ironically his detection and capture is due to excellent investigative work and collaboration between the FBI and CIA. It doesn’t compensate for the oversight of the past two decades which Rice attributes to hubris. And in 2001, these same agencies are on the cusp of the intelligence disaster of 9-11.
David Rice reminds us of the saying that spying is the second oldest profession in the world. This story is still relevant today, and Rice’s objective work which includes interviews with some 150 people is a welcome, readable contribution for the layman. His reputation is why Hanssen allowed his interviews with his psychiatrist to be shared in a fascinating late chapter of the book. ...more
Reimmerse yourself in the Cold War (if you’re that age), with a spy story set amidst the Cambridge 5. With a special hat tip to partner in crime, MeliReimmerse yourself in the Cold War (if you’re that age), with a spy story set amidst the Cambridge 5. With a special hat tip to partner in crime, Melinda MacLean.
It’s a gripping story with fascinating, near-real characters, and highly readable. Written during the COVID-19 pandemic too. She’s written 13 books so will be interested to see what the rest has to offer!
Intense thought by the protagonist as he resolves his French and Vietnamese ancestry. Wonderful exposition about colonialism and imperialism whilst liIntense thought by the protagonist as he resolves his French and Vietnamese ancestry. Wonderful exposition about colonialism and imperialism whilst living in France but thinking back through his life in Vietnam.
A more powerful book than its prize-winning prequel, “The Committed”. Best to read that first.
Through the protagonist, we see a communist spy embedded amongst South Vietnamese refugees flown out to the US, and experience the difficulty of immigThrough the protagonist, we see a communist spy embedded amongst South Vietnamese refugees flown out to the US, and experience the difficulty of immigrant naturalisation despite his strong understanding of American culture.
It was interesting to read about the desire to return and overturn the loss of the south as this is rarely known. Through all this is the underlying battle for acceptance of a biracial person. I found this very emotional. It was good to read a book from a Vietnamese perspective.
Beautifully written, highly engaging characters, set against the events in Russia after the revolution to the Cold War. Very touching too.
His writing Beautifully written, highly engaging characters, set against the events in Russia after the revolution to the Cold War. Very touching too.
His writing deserves an unhurried pace of reading, to savour his wit and references. So I took it as slow as I could and was transported to a different world.
Update - Read other reviews, I didn’t do it justice. But I raved enough for a few friends to read the book. I also went on to read everything Towles has written which I could get my hands on, even the short stories....more
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