The Spy and the Traitor: The Greatest Espionage Story of the Cold War by Ben MacIntyre is a New York Times Bestseller and was described as “The best true spy story I have ever read.” by John Le Carré.

MacIntyre also wrote Double Cross and Rogue Heroes. This book tells how the Cold War was helped in its demise by a Russian, Oleg Gordievsky who had ultimately learnt to despise Russia’s communist regime.

Starting in the 1970’s Gordievsky began working for MI6 passing on countless intelligence to the British. He is an incredibly brave man who eventually came under the suspicion of the KGB. Escaping Russia and certain death he lives in constant danger, even now.

The book was shortlisted for the Bailie Giffords Prize in Nonfiction and was also named as a Best Book of the Year by The Economist.

The Spy and the Traitor: The Greatest Espionage Story of the Cold War by Ben MacIntyre is a must read for those who love espionage novels. However, the tale told is more gripping and vivid than any fictional work!

Great photo by Killian Cartignies on Unsplash