Books Like...

'Then We Take Berlin' by John Lawton is a historical novel set in post-World War II Berlin, following the life of protagonist Joe Wilderness as he navigates the black market and intelligence operations in the aftermath of the war. The book delves into the complexities of the immediate postwar period, detailing the struggles and challenges faced by individuals in a war-torn city. Lawton's writing style vividly recreates the atmosphere of postwar Berlin, providing rich historical detail and fully dimensional characters that captivate the reader's imagination.

'The Zookeeper's Wife' by Diane Ackerman narrates the remarkable true story of Antonina and Jan Zabinski, a Polish couple who ran the Warsaw Zoo during World War II. The Zabinskis risked their lives to shelter and rescue hundreds of Jews and members of the Polish resistance, using their zoo as a safe haven. Ackerman's writing style weaves historical events with personal anecdotes, showcasing the bravery and resilience of the Zabinski family amidst the horrors of the Nazi occupation.

'Agent Sonya: Moscow's Most Daring Wartime Spy' by Ben Macintyre is a gripping nonfiction narrative that chronicles the remarkable life of Ursula Kuczynski, a Soviet spy who played a crucial role in espionage during the 20th century. The book delves into Ursula's early years as a German Jew, her involvement in the Communist party, and her espionage activities against the Nazis and for the Soviets in various countries like China, Poland, Switzerland, and the UK. Ben Macintyre's writing style is described as engaging, well-researched, and almost reading like fiction, making Ursula's story both fascinating and immersive for the readers.

Beginning in Paris on the eve of the Nazi occupation in 1940, 'Suite Francaise' by Irene Nemirovsky tells the remarkable story of men and women thrown together in circumstances beyond their control. As Parisians flee the city, human folly surfaces in every imaginable way - a wealthy mother searches for sweets in a town without food, a couple is terrified about their jobs as their world begins to fall apart. Moving on to a provincial village now occupied by German soldiers, the locals must learn to coexist with the enemy in their town, their homes, and even in their hearts. The first part of the book recounts the flight of Parisians as they leave the city, while the second part depicts life in a small French village under German occupation.

Nemirovsky's characters are vividly drawn and complex as they try to come to terms with their changing situation. The author's writing style is praised for its masterful portrayal of individuals dealing with the war and the occupation of France. The book weaves together a variety of perspectives, including the interactions between the French and German characters, showcasing the conflicting humanity given to the German soldiers during the occupation.

'Where Eagles Dare' by Alistair MacLean is a World War II thriller that follows a team of British Special Forces commandos on a daring mission to rescue a captured American general from a Nazi stronghold in the mountains of Germany. The plot is filled with action, suspense, espionage, and intricate twists and turns. MacLean's writing style is described as riveting, fast-paced, and enthralling, keeping readers on the edge of their seats with its sense of urgency and adventure.

The book is praised for its exciting storyline, intelligent plot, and believable depiction of wartime espionage. Readers appreciate the non-stop action, clever dialogues between characters, and the well-crafted suspense that keeps them engaged throughout the novel. MacLean's portrayal of the characters, particularly the British and American operatives, is commended for adding depth to the story and making it a thrilling read for fans of the spy thriller genre.

Red Sparrow by Jason Matthews is a spy thriller that follows the story of Dominika Egorova, a Russian spy with unique abilities, and Nate Nash, a young CIA agent. The book delves into the world of espionage, double agents, and the intricate relationships between the characters from different intelligence agencies. The plot is filled with twists, violence, tradecraft, and a touch of romance between the lead characters. The writing style includes detailed descriptions, realistic details, and even includes recipes at the end of each chapter related to the food mentioned in the story.

The novel "Sarah's Key" by Tatiana de Rosnay tells the dual story of the Vel' d'Hiv' tragedy in Paris during WWII and the modern day journalist, Julia Jarmond, investigating it. The book intertwines the heartbreaking tale of a young Jewish girl, Sarah, who is separated from her parents during the roundup of Jews in 1942 Paris, and Julia's journey as she uncovers the history of the event while facing personal struggles. The author's writing style effectively weaves together past and present narratives, offering insight into the French reaction to the tragedy and exploring themes of love, acceptance, and understanding across generations.

Set during World War II, 'Eye of the Needle' by Ken Follett is a thrilling spy novel that follows the story of a German spy known as 'The Needle' who holds crucial information that could change the course of the war. As British Military Intelligence races to stop him from reaching Hitler with the information, the suspense builds up relentlessly to a thrilling climax. The novel expertly blends historical events surrounding the lead-up to D-Day with a gripping spy narrative, keeping readers on the edge of their seats from start to finish.

Follett's writing style in 'Eye of the Needle' is described as fast-paced, suspenseful, and full of action and adventure. The characters are starkly drawn, the intensity is palpable, and the plot keeps readers engaged with its twists and turns. The author successfully creates a sense of realism and intrigue, providing insight into the life and times during World War II while delivering a compelling spy mystery that captures the imagination of readers.

'The Spy and the Traitor' by Ben Macintyre is a gripping account of the Cold War espionage story of Oleg Gordievsky, a KGB double agent who worked for MI6. The narrative delves into Gordievsky's life as a spy, detailing his recruitment, spy work, and eventual betrayal, leading to a nail-biting exfiltration operation. Macintyre's precise and meticulous writing style, along with well-chosen photos, makes the book consistently compelling and suspenseful, keeping readers on the edge of their seats as the story unfolds.

Macintyre's narrative not only covers the espionage aspects of Gordievsky's story but also provides insights into the inner workings of the KGB and MI6 during the Cold War era. offers a riveting account of how Gordievsky's actions helped defuse a potential nuclear escalation between the West and the USSR, highlighting the high stakes and real-world consequences of espionage activities during that period.

Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy by John le Carre is a cold war spy novel set in the world of British intelligence, focusing on the hunt for a mole within MI6. The plot unfolds through dialogue and recounts of interactions with the Russian intelligence mastermind Karla, revealing a complex and twisty storyline. The protagonist, George Smiley, comes out of retirement to investigate and unravels the knot of betrayal and mistrust within the Circus, MI6's top intelligence unit.

The writing style of the book is described as dense, with packed pages of jargon, digressions, and names, creating a paranoid and isolated world of espionage. The conversations among characters are full of arch and Circus jargon, providing a detailed insight into the world of spies and the game played by schoolboys with real consequences in the intelligence community.