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A review by never4get
The Spy and the Traitor: The Greatest Espionage Story of the Cold War by Ben Macintyre
4.0
A real life story of a Soviet spy, Oleg Gordievsky, brought up in a KGB family, but who becomes disenchanted with Soviet philosophies once he is able to experience Western life in Denmark. He is approached by MI6 and so starts the lifetime story of his involvement with them as a spy, gradually working through the power chain [helped by his MI6 contacts].
The impact of the secrets he passes to MI6 cannot be under-estimated through the Cold War. Margaret Thatcher became involved in following his exploits, even though she did not know his identity, which was closely guarded.
The second part of the book takes on a racy pace as Oleg has to escape from Russia after he is recalled there. The escape plan that was set up by MI6 years before is set in place and miraculously is successful.
However, Oleg left behind his wife and 2 daughters, who had known nothing about his spying activity. She faced lengthy questioning by the Soviets. Eventually expatriated to the UK, her marriage with Oleg did not survive long. He still lives in UK, heavily protected.
The impact of the secrets he passes to MI6 cannot be under-estimated through the Cold War. Margaret Thatcher became involved in following his exploits, even though she did not know his identity, which was closely guarded.
The second part of the book takes on a racy pace as Oleg has to escape from Russia after he is recalled there. The escape plan that was set up by MI6 years before is set in place and miraculously is successful.
However, Oleg left behind his wife and 2 daughters, who had known nothing about his spying activity. She faced lengthy questioning by the Soviets. Eventually expatriated to the UK, her marriage with Oleg did not survive long. He still lives in UK, heavily protected.