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From the bookshelfRead in November 2025

The Spy and the Traitor

by Ben Macintyre

The Spy and the Traitor by Ben Macintyre

The Spy and the Traitor by Ben Macintyre is a well researched narrative that tells the true story of Oleg Gordievsky.

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  • November 2025 pick
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This month we’re reading Step Into Fear by Ben Bergquam

The discussion

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Tell the club what you thought of The Spy and the Traitor: a scene that stayed with you, a character you’d argue with, or whether you’d hand it to a friend.

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AMAC Book Club · 2 min read

— — The AMAC Book Club is proud to announce its November 2025 selection: The Spy and the Traitor: The Greatest Espionage Story of the Cold War by acclaimed journalist and historian Ben Macintyre. In a time of global uncertainty and shifting alliances, this gripping non-fiction account offers an unflinching look into the shadowy world of espionage, betrayal, and moral courage.

At the heart of the story is Oleg Gordievsky, a senior KGB officer who became one of the West’s most valuable assets—risking his life to pass secrets to British intelligence. Through Macintyre’s vivid storytelling and meticulous research, readers are transported into the covert corridors of Cold War politics, where trust is rare and betrayal is deadly.

Why This Book?

The Spy and the Traitor is more than a historical account — it’s a psychological thriller grounded in truth. It explores:

  • The high-stakes world of Cold War espionage
  • The inner conflict of double identity
  • The power of one man to shift global diplomacy

This is a perfect read for fans of spy novels, political thrillers, and history buffs alike.

How to Join the Conversation

  1. Get your copy of The Spy and the Traitor – available here.
  2. Participate in our online discussion forum using discussion questions.
  3. Share your thoughts on social media using #AMACBookClub and #SpyAndTraitor

For more information about the AMAC Book Club, please visit https://amac.us/bookclub/ or contact: Bookclub@amac.us

About the author

Ben Macintyre

Ben Macintyre is a writer-at-large for The Times (UK) and the bestselling author of Agent Sonya, The Spy and the Traitor, A Spy Among Friends, Double Cross, Operation Mincemeat, Agent Zigzag, Rogue Heroes, and Prisoners of the Castle, among other books. Macintyre has also written and presented BBC documentaries of his work.

The discussion · The Spy and the Traitor

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