Game of Spies: The Secret Agent, the Traitor and the Nazi, Bordeaux 1942-1944

A cracking read based on rigorous research of British and French files.Gives a very good account of operating as an SOE agent in occupied France in WW2.Would make a great film. Highly recommended.

This is an engaging historical account, but it's not a novel. It's history plus a bit of speculation, with quite a strong author voice.I probably wouldn't have finished it in paper or ebook, but I enjoyed Ashdown's narration. Note that the length of the book is shorter than the page count, as about the last 1/4 of the book is the extensive bibliography.The story is compelling and generally well told. No character or nation comes out well from it. So don't expect it to be triumphant or uplifting. But it is interesting and informative. And surprisingly relevant to today's situation.

So well researched and simply told. Sadness at the avoidable mistakes and confusion of the brave men and women caught up in such tragic events.

WWII southwest France described through the actions of three men, a Gestapo counter-espionage officer, an English secret service agent and a French resistance fighter. Very well researched and skilfully written. Fascinating read.

Paddy Ashdown has delivered a first class insight into the complicated world of occupied France in WW2. He guides his readers through life in the Bordeaux region from the perspective of the Gestapo, the SOE and various other factions of the French resistance. Captivating.

This book captivated me from start to finish. It explains a highly complex situation with incredible clarity; neither seeking to portray heroes or villains, but explains how normal people did extraordinary things in surreal times.

A really good read. Makes you realise that in times of war the most difficult thing is who can you trust.Should read with Maquis which is also a great story. Not to mention the story on the Vercors which shows how nothing can be taken for grantedwhen other nations and objectives are present.Still another great story.

Ashdown describes the murky world of the Bordeaux resistance and their German adversaries. After a slow start it turns into a real page turner.