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The Spy and the Traitor

The Greatest Espionage Story of the Cold War

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The Spy and the Traitor

By: Ben Macintyre
Narrated by: Ben Macintyre
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About this listen

Brought to you by Penguin.

*The No.1 Sunday Times Bestseller*
*Shortlisted for the 2018 Baillie Gifford Prize*
*Bill Gates' Top 5 Books for 2020*

'THE BEST TRUE SPY STORY I HAVE EVER READ' JOHN LE CARRÉ

A thrilling Cold War story about a KGB double agent, by one of Britain's greatest historians - now with a new afterword

On a warm July evening in 1985, a middle-aged man stood on the pavement of a busy avenue in the heart of Moscow, holding a plastic carrier bag. In his grey suit and tie, he looked like any other Soviet citizen. The bag alone was mildly conspicuous, printed with the red logo of Safeway, the British supermarket.

The man was a spy. A senior KGB officer, for more than a decade he had supplied his British spymasters with a stream of priceless secrets from deep within the Soviet intelligence machine. No spy had done more to damage the KGB. The Safeway bag was a signal: to activate his escape plan to be smuggled out of Soviet Russia. So began one of the boldest and most extraordinary episodes in the history of spying. Ben Macintyre reveals a tale of espionage, betrayal and raw courage that changed the course of the Cold War forever...



©2018 Ben MacIntyre (P)2018 Penguin Audio Historical Military Politicians Politics & Activism Politics & Government Russian & Soviet World Espionage War Cold War Scary Imperialism Thought-Provoking

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Critic reviews

If any spy writer were to put it in a novel, it would not be believed. But, blow by blow, trick by trick, it is all in Macintyre's book (Fredrick Forsyth)
All stars
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If you listen to this in your car as I did, you will find yourself driving the long way round and parking up outside your home for extended periods.

I have found all of Ben Macintyre's work absolutely fascinating but this is perhaps his best work. Gripping for anyone that grew up during the Cold war. Thoroughly enjoyed this audio book and looking forward to further works.

Brilliant Documentary of the Cold War

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I have never felt the need to leave a review before, until now.
Amazing is an understatement, i was on the edge of my seat with anticipation throughout, brilliantly written and narrated. An unequivocally awe inspiring true espionage story !
What are you waiting for !

Fantastic

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Great in depth story of espionage during Cold War. Totally captivated throughout and the suspense was gripping. Brilliant story.

Brilliant

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What a story and so well told. Couldnt stop listening. So worth the Audible subscription.

just a brilliant listen

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It is read so well and the story is incredibly gripping. I audibly gasped on a busy train with no shame during one bit and cried opening at another. It is such an impossible page turning implausible story... that is true. Make sure you have 12 free hours! It is next to impossible to stop listening.

Cannot recommend enough! Get it now!!

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Highly enlightening - sad and depressing in places but we should be very thankful for men like this who have risked and in many cases given their lives to keep us free and safe in our Western democracy

excellent book very educational

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Yo get dragged in and have to stay with it until the end
Great entertainment

Well researched,brilliantly written and read

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Utterly mesmerising and will keep you transfixed for hours!
Story of unbelivable bravery in the face of a truly evil enemy.
Great job by Ben Macintyre.

Fantastic Book

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This is a really good book. Fascinating and pretty amazing the risks people are willing to go to to do something that is right!

Gripping

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At times during this you could be forgiven for thinking it's a novel, but the detail and the specific context is mind blowing. Oleg Gordievsky is completely remarkable. It is sinister on every level from start to finish, I cannot believe his bravery.

Loved this. The detail is incredible.

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