An atypical collection of spy vignettes both literary and interesting. The writing is superb. Go in with an open mind; enjoy one paragraph at a time. Sentence by sentence, you will not be disappointed.
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Customers say
Customers find this book to be an enjoyable read with wonderful writing and interesting stories, particularly appreciating the superb analysis of feelings and characters. Moreover, the book receives positive feedback for its spy fiction elements, with one customer noting it's one of the first spy books. However, the violence level receives mixed reactions from customers.
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17 customers mention readability, 14 positive, 3 negative
Intriguing and well written throwback to the beginning of the spy/double agent genre. This time mostly based on real life.Read more
A most enjoyable read. The introduction gives a good indication of what follows....Read more
...If you’re a fan of spy novels you will want to read this entertaining book.Read more
...Definitely worth the time to readRead more
15 customers mention writing quality, 13 positive, 2 negative
Intriguing and well written throwback to the beginning of the spy/double agent genre. This time mostly based on real life.Read more
...Maugham is an excellent writer& I was taken back to the times of WW1Read more
...violence is muted, the sex is virtually non-existent but it is wonderfully written....Read more
Brilliant writing and an inspiration for John Le Carre and others.Read more
10 customers mention story quality, 8 positive, 2 negative
Interesting anecdotes from what sounded like actual experience. As he suggests, no rhyme or reason to events, things just happen....Read more
...the book is full of interesting stories and not difficult to follow the story.Read more
Liked the subject matter and the first 5 or 6 chapters. Find annoying colloquial sayings in french, latin, etc....Read more
...NO tension, NO intrigue and obviously didn't "reel" me in. I actually inspired my book club to put this title on our list of must reads....Read more
7 customers mention character development, 7 positive, 0 negative
...While the action is mild, the travel, characters, international locations, and one intrepid, if morally ambiguous, hero defined the staple elements...Read more
Interesting characterisation but lacked punch. A nice window into another era of class, the haves and have nots....Read more
...It's less about action than character, and Maugham is astute in letting the characters in these linked short stories bare their souls, most of them...Read more
...Yes? And so it is. But as a literary piece—one that explores character and relationships. As a spy novel, it’s pretty tame. Very little danger....Read more
5 customers mention spy fiction, 5 positive, 0 negative
6 customers mention violence level, 3 positive, 3 negative
...As a spy novel, it’s pretty tame. Very little danger. Very little tradecraft. Some violence, but it’s quick and not all that graphic....Read more
...To be appreciated by the aficionados of the genre. The violence is muted, the sex is virtually non-existent but it is wonderfully written....Read more
...intelligence agent Ashenden, is cast against type as a placid, nonviolent, but very astute and prudent fellow....Read more
...tiny font that spans the top of the page to the bottom while almost hitting the edge. Unbearable to read.Read more
Top reviews from the United States
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- Reviewed in the United States on June 15, 2022
- Reviewed in the United States on November 12, 2019
- Reviewed in the United States on October 18, 2019
- Reviewed in the United States on March 29, 2021
- Reviewed in the United States on June 24, 2019
- Reviewed in the United States on February 11, 2023
Top reviews from other countries
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- Client d'AmazonReviewed in France on July 30, 2025
Uneven - not as good as I had expected
