Kin Philby and the Great Betrayal
Written by: Ben Macintyre
Narrated by: John Lee
Originally Reviewed: 10-24-17 on audible.com
Rating: 2 – For those who study or practice the trade, a must read
Spies Not Like Us
Having previously listened to Macintyre’s, Agent Zigzag, I’m impressed at the level of research he puts into his work but then coalescing it with a digestible story. All the documents related to these cases have to be dry, scattered, and without comprehensive completeness. The author either fabricates, or is really that good; I believe the latter.
It really is astounding that this Cold War era spy eluded discovery for so long, but even more so that previous clues into his true motivations were so easily dismissed and/or artfully mitigated by Philby himself. The paradigm of post World War II British espionage – it seems – was filled by English Aristocracy and no consideration was given to that a ‘gentleman’ would betray that sanctity.
I usually listen at 3x speed and had no problems with this book. John Lee narrates both ZigZag as well as this one and he is excellent at bringing the text, dialogue, and emotions to life.
Other works for consideration:
1. Agent Zig Zag, by Ben Mcintyre
2. The Spy and the Traitor, by Ben Mcintyre
3. The Catcher Was a Spy, by Nicholas Dawidoff
4. Wild Bill Donovan The Spymaster Who Created the OSS and Modern American Espionage, by Douglas Waller
Project 19 