A Spy Among Friends: Kim Philby and the Great Betrayal
A Spy Among Friends: Kim Philby and the Great Betrayal
Nonfiction | Autobiography / Memoir | Adult | Published in 2014
Book Brief
BetaA Spy Among Friends: Kim Philby and the Great Betrayal
Nonfiction | Autobiography / Memoir | Adult | Published in 2014368
Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction
England • 20th Century
2014
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
A Spy Among Friends: Kim Philby and the Great Betrayal by Ben Macintyre and John le Carré recounts the life of Kim Philby, focusing on his role as a double agent during the Cold War. The book explores Philby's relationships and the profound impact of his actions on British intelligence and his closest friends.
Reviews & Readership
39,128 ratings
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Review Roundup
Ben Macintyre's A Spy Among Friends: Kim Philby and the Great Betrayal delivers an engrossing account of espionage, focusing on the intriguing friendship and betrayal between Kim Philby and Nicholas Elliott. While praised for its meticulous research and narrative flair, some critics find the personal anecdotes occasionally overshadow the broader historical context. An engaging yet occasionally narrow historical read.
Who Should Read A Spy Among Friends: Kim Philby and the Great Betrayal?
Readers who relish deeply researched espionage tales with rich historical context and intricate character studies would enjoy A Spy Among Friends: Kim Philby and the Great Betrayal by Ben Macintyre and John le Carré. Fans of John le Carré's Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy and Ben Macintyre's Double Cross will find this book captivating.
39,128 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
A Spy Among Friends is based on the notorious British double agent Kim Philby, whose friendship with fellow MI6 officer Nicholas Elliott played a crucial role in his espionage activities.
The book features insights from John le Carré, the famous espionage novelist who worked as a British intelligence officer and had firsthand experience of the espionage world depicted.
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Ben Macintyre's research for the book includes access to newly released MI5 files and interviews with former intelligence officers, providing a richer context for Philby's espionage career.
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368
Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction
England • 20th Century
2014
Adult
18+ years
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