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Young Philby (2012)

by Robert Littell(Favorite Author)

3.43 of 5 Votes: 3

ISBN

1427227179 (ISBN13: 9781427227171)

languge

English

genre

Historical Fiction

publisher

Macmillan Audio

review 1: SPOILER ALERT. I'll be talking about a twist at the end of this book which you won't want to know if you're about to read it. It's an excellent book and the imagined dialogue really gives it a very realistic feel. I've read a lot about Philby, and I can certainly attest to the accuracy of the various goings on in his colorful life, and it's all going tally ho until, "bang"! Littel takes a giant leap of the imagination which turns it all on it's head. There is really nothing to suggest that HAR Philby was ever anything other than a committed communist spy from day 1. Read the opening lines of "My Silent War" if you have any doubts. Littells final chapter outlining his reason for suggesting otherwise is, unfortunately, the only flimsy thing about this book. Up to that point ... moreit was an excellently researched imaginative piece of work which fitted in well with other so called works of "faction" about Philby and his co conspirators. My feeling at the end was that Littell had enough insight into his subject to have provided a more comprehensive and convincing case for the "triple agent" story. He didn't succeed in doing that. If you're into this genre, read "The Untouchable" by John Banville. Beautiful, evocative prose by a sensationally gifted writer. Ciao dudes.
review 2: Young Philby is an interesting look at the role of spies in WWII. I enjoyed the novel, but found it difficult to follow because each chapter was narrated by a different character with no warnings or transitions. Each narrator has a connection to Kim Phibly, and imparts his or her interactions with him. By the story's end, I wasn't entirely sure what had happened or who Philby was actually spying for. Nonetheless, I enjoyed the writing style enough to finish this book. The afterword is insightful and helped to provide me with perspective and background, having never read about this type of spy prior. less

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