Ben Macintyre’s nonfiction book, The Spy and the Traitor, was on The New York Times’ list of bestsellers. I really liked this book, but my opinion differs from the views of many other critics. Read our The Spy and the Traitor book review and book banter. Then, share you thoughts in the comments section below!
The Spy and the Traitor book review
What is this nonfictional book about?
The Spy and the Traitor: The Greatest Espionage Story of the Cold War is about a top-ranking KGB officer who also functioned as a double agent for MI6, or British Intelligence. In addition to following this spy’s harrowing exploits, the author also reported on another US government agent who sold top secret information to the KGB.
Two protagonists
Together, those two protagonists make up the “spy” and the “traitor”. Oleg Gordievsky is the spy whose parents raised raised him in Russia as a communist. Growing up, his parents only allowed him to read certain approved books and magazines, as well as to only listen to approved media programming.
The spy, Oleg Gordievsky
As a young adult, Gordievsky becomes exposed to western media and literature, and is enraptured. Later, as a young KGB officer, he learns to hide his beloved-but-banned books and magazines from curious neighbors or the prying eyes of a covert search.
How Gordievsky transitions from a loyal KBG agent to a double agent is the central storyline. As you might imagine, his metamorphosis happens slowly, with a lot of unanticipated, heart-wrenching moments along the way.
The traitor, Aldrich Ames
Before I read this book, I remember hearing the name of Aldrich Ames in the news, way back in the 1980s and early 1990s. His story was also as interesting as Gordievsky’s.
He was a CIA agent, and early in his career, his job was to recruit Soviet spies in Mexico City! “You’re kidding me,” I thought to myself as I read his story. There were Soviet spies in Mexico City?
Apparently, there were Soviet spies in Mexico City, and I guess their knowledge was of value to the CIA! Amazing!
Eventually, the United States convicted Ames of espionage for the Soviet Union and Russia, and he is still serving his prison term.
The protagonists’ stories intertwine
Even though the spy and the traitor had different motivations in their lives, as well as different careers and political beliefs, their paths would eventually intertwine. And, that’s the whole crux of this fascinating story of espionage.
This book does not read like a fictional spy thriller
Contrary to many rave reviews, this book, while excellent, does not read like a fictional spy thriller! I think the reviewers were inaccurate with their glowing critiques. Do some of the reviewers even read the books they review in their entirety? I’m skeptical about that!
The only part of this book that did have the tension and excitment of a spy thriller was the three-page introduction. Now, those were some exciting three pages, and they helped set the stage for all of the intrigue that would follow.
However, after the introduction, the book unfolds as a more traditional, indepth report. Fortunately, that is not a bad thing—in fact, the straight-forward presentation of events and facts was very good!
Well-researched documentation of history
One of the things that most impressed me about the author of this historical book is the amount of research he did! During those years of research, he spent three years interviewing Gordievsky.
For me, that diligence to getting all the facts available and verifying them with multiple sources makes this book credible. And, credibility is important, especially when I’m devoting my limited time on this planet to reading the account.
Narrative presented the facts with heart-felt emotion
And, the presentation of those facts was masterfully well-done. The author brought all the fears, doubts, and misgivings both the spy and the traitor were feeling. For me, the masterful, well-researched narrative made this book so engaging, and so noteworthy!
After a long life, Gordievsky recently passed away
After a long life, Oleg Gordievsky recently passed away in March 2025. He had been living in safe houses under British protection in England.
Great photos and helpful maps
Thankfully, the author included photos and helpful maps, including the map of Gordievsky’s escape route. I loved looking at the old photos—they helped me identify and empathize with the characters even more than normal.
Amazingly, the spies looked like ordinary people. And, I guess that’s because they were ordinary people who were living an unordinary life.
Empathy for the spy, and even for the traitor
As I read, I could empathize with Gordievsky—I could feel his tension rising, and I could feel his understandable fear. In addition, I was able to experience his motivations. Why was he putting his life on the line? I could understand why Gordievsky would risk so much to do the right thing.
In addition, as the facts unfolded about Alrich Ames and his life, I could even empathize with him as well. Of course, my empathy for the traitor was tempered by the terrible things he was doing. After all, he was putting our CIA agents in great danger, as well as betraying the United States.
The Spy and the Traitor was fascinating
This book, The Spy and the Traitor, was fascinating. I was so intrigued by all the intricate little details that encompasses espionage. One detail after the other had to be executed precisely, or somebody could lose a life.
And sometimes, a misjudgment of mere seconds could have meant disaster for the spy. The lives our spies lead for our country are astounding.
At the same time, I was also surprised that mundane moments could encompass much of the spy’s life. Just like us, the regular duties of life could bore the spy. Just like us, the spy had to clean his living space, and groom himself.
All those little things that take up a large part of our finite lives—the spy had to do those things, too, even while spying!
TAKEAWAYS:
The Spy and the Traitor book review
Despite the fact that this book does not read like a spy thriller, I still heartily recommend you read it. The details of the factual narrative were so well-presented and engaging.
Importantly, I could empathize with the two protagonists. And, I could understand each of their motivations. Even if one of them was a “bad guy”, it is still important that we, the readers, can empathize when the characters.
So, please read The Spy and the Traitor: The Greatest Espionage Story of the Cold War. Just like me, I believe you’ll be fascinated with the whole story!
Thanks for reading The Spy and the Traitor book review. If you’ve read the book, please share your thoughts in the comments section below!
Content and photos by Doug Martin and Our Book Banter
