steve_angelkov's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
informative
reflective
medium-paced
4.0
An enthralling and thought-provoking examination of the underbelly of American politics and espionage during the turbulent years of the Cold War. Talbot’s extensive research and narrative skill bring to life a hidden world of intrigue and power struggles that have often been obscured from public view.
One of the book’s strengths is its meticulous exploration of the central figure, Allen Dulles, who served as the director of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) during a critical period in American history. Through Talbot’s lens, we gain a deep understanding of Dulles’ complex personality and his far-reaching influence, both domestically and on the global stage.
The book also delves into the covert operations and political maneuvering that defined the era. He uncovers the often morally ambiguous decisions and actions taken by intelligence agencies and government officials in the name of national security. The book presents a compelling argument that some of these actions had long-lasting consequences, shaping the course of history and influencing international relations in profound ways.
What sets “The Devil’s Chessboard” apart is its compelling narrative style. Talbot weaves together historical events and personal anecdotes, creating a captivating and immersive reading experience. The writing is both accessible and engaging, making it suitable for both history enthusiasts and casual readers interested in a deeper understanding of the Cold War period.
In a world where conspiracy theories and government secrets abound, Talbot’s book is a refreshing example of investigative journalism that carefully sifts through facts and credible sources. It invites readers to critically assess the hidden forces that have shaped American policy and foreign relations.
One of the book’s strengths is its meticulous exploration of the central figure, Allen Dulles, who served as the director of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) during a critical period in American history. Through Talbot’s lens, we gain a deep understanding of Dulles’ complex personality and his far-reaching influence, both domestically and on the global stage.
The book also delves into the covert operations and political maneuvering that defined the era. He uncovers the often morally ambiguous decisions and actions taken by intelligence agencies and government officials in the name of national security. The book presents a compelling argument that some of these actions had long-lasting consequences, shaping the course of history and influencing international relations in profound ways.
What sets “The Devil’s Chessboard” apart is its compelling narrative style. Talbot weaves together historical events and personal anecdotes, creating a captivating and immersive reading experience. The writing is both accessible and engaging, making it suitable for both history enthusiasts and casual readers interested in a deeper understanding of the Cold War period.
In a world where conspiracy theories and government secrets abound, Talbot’s book is a refreshing example of investigative journalism that carefully sifts through facts and credible sources. It invites readers to critically assess the hidden forces that have shaped American policy and foreign relations.
spicysav's review against another edition
informative
slow-paced
3.5
I audio booked this, and honestly, it was a long 25+ hours. I do wish I read this book instead (but it would've taken up a lot of space in my backpack lol)
That being said, Talbot KNOWS their stuff. this was an incredibly detailed and informative account of the true evils in and around the American government and intelligence agencies. Some things legitimately felt just cartoonishly evil and then I'd have to remind myself that this is nonfiction.
That being said, Talbot KNOWS their stuff. this was an incredibly detailed and informative account of the true evils in and around the American government and intelligence agencies. Some things legitimately felt just cartoonishly evil and then I'd have to remind myself that this is nonfiction.
kathryne's review against another edition
dark
informative
mysterious
medium-paced
2.0
Interesting, but not interesting enough to justify being 600 pages. The concept was fine but I wish it had been executed very differently.
Felt like it kinda fell apart when it got to the Kennedy assassination.
Was it necessary to give a mini-bio of 100+ minor characters? It felt like that ultimately made each anecdote unnecessarily confusing because each one introduced another couple names.
Felt like it kinda fell apart when it got to the Kennedy assassination.
Was it necessary to give a mini-bio of 100+ minor characters? It felt like that ultimately made each anecdote unnecessarily confusing because each one introduced another couple names.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, War, Murder, Violence, and Medical trauma
Minor: Torture and Forced institutionalization
mattbutreads's review against another edition
dark
informative
fast-paced
5.0
I personally like the authors insertion of opinion, stylistically he takes chances with what information he concludes. It works well
icallaci's review against another edition
3.0
This could have been a 5-star book, but the author’s obvious bias caused me to question almost everything he wrote. It reminded me of fiction, with good guys and bad guys, instead of an objective account of the CIA’s role in world events. For example: “…Maheu tried to make it seem like his decision [to assassinate Castro] was a tortured process. But it actually sounded like a relative no-brainer for the security contractor…. When it came down to it, he didn’t mind having Castro’s blood on his hands, or that of his brother Raúl Castro and Che Guevara, for that matter.” How could the author possibly know this? No source is given. On the other hand, “[Kennedy] did not want to appear naïve about Communist exploitation of these national liberation movements. But he was even more concerned that the United States be on the right side of history, by supporting the aspirations of the peoples of Latin America, Africa, and Asia as they threw off their colonial shackles.” Again, no source is given to back up Kennedy’s humanitarian motives. The bad guys are always power-hungry, evil, scheming liars and murderers, while the good guys are always desperately trying to do the right thing, with no self-interest whatsoever, even when their actions result in chaos and revolution. As a thriller, the book definitely held my interest, so I gave it three stars instead of two. But I would have preferred (and am still looking for) a more nuanced version of both sides of the story.
apropose's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
informative
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
3.75