Kim Philby had three best friends, Nicholas Elliot, James Angleton and the Soviets.
Intelligence Services of major countries were busy trying to gather Intel to get leverage on each other countries. There were double agent spies in other Secret Services and one such man was Kim Philby.
It's about the period of Cold War and the World War tension hadn't eased up.
The book is spine chilling, full of espionages, betrayal and trust, and packed with a lot of insight on life of spies.
This isn't a fiction book but is a rather well thought out and researched work on the Kim Philby as well as different Intelligence Services of the USA, England and Soviets.
Kim Philby is considered as one of the most notorious spy and British defector,double agent,who was active for more than two decades as he climbed up the ladder to top posts in MI5 and MI6 and also made fairly good and large connections with powerful people in the Intelligence Services. He also knew people well in the CIA. Had access to private and confidential documents of the USA and British which he would then pass on to the Soviets. He could move freely and operate without being suspected as a Soviet spy.
His staunch belief in Communalism was instilled way back in his early days of being in college, Cambridge. He had been recruited from college days. But Philby never discussed politics with anyone but himself and so remained firm in his ideologies.
The book starts off with introducing Nicholas Elliott and his early life. Then there's a bit about James Angleton. Being English men they were a part of the elite 'Old Club'.
It highlights the strong bond of friendship among the the three friends and also loyalty towards MI6.
Who knew that Philby was wearing a face of deceit?
He wore two faces, one of charisma and flamboyance and other of disloyal friend and hardcore Communist.
Philby married thrice, became a husband and a father and managed his role quiet well.
In the later years of revelation his friends were shocked to learn that Philby was a double agent spy. Many missions were failed and also compromised due to Philby. Philby leaking secrets was making the Secret Services work futile.
During his course many Soviet spies defected but none had the fullest knowledge of Philby being a Soviet spy.
Then there was a time when he was caught with minimal evidence. But he played it safe. He wasn't convicted and was hence left . But he did arouse suspicion.
The book also contains photographs which is worth mentioning. Visuals are always great. It serves as an accompaniment to writing.
Needless to say that the book isn't fictional yet it doesn't give the impression that it's only research material. It's very well written and I am much more interested in the writers work. Spy thrillers have always been intriguing to me. It gives an adrenaline rush and at times even goosebumps.
The book should be read to fully understand plot. The little details of missions and espionages, those drinks among fellow spies, and above all the betrayal.
Even in his later years of life Philby admitted that he would never betray friends but when given to choose between political life and personal life, he would choose politics. Philby was perhaps one of a kind multi faced human with emotions barely layering his hard staunch beliefs. That must have been tiring to live like that.
Was Philby ever caught and convicted??
Read the book to find out because it's too good to be revealed in this review.
Nonetheless, it's highly recommended. It became one of my favorite books.
Hope you like the first review of 2016.
Happy New Year to you!
