Legacy of Ashes was indeed a good read...I've made it a point in my life to read the works of all National Book Award winners, and have not been disappointed...

Legacy of Ashes was indeed a good read...I've made it a point in my life to read the works of all National Book Award winners, and have not been disappointed... World War II essentially brought the CIA into being...I'm sure the thinking at the time was "we've got to prevent catastrophes like this from ever happening again"... Light embassy work, Mrs. Peterson's cover, was typical of that era...easy to see why the Soviets were on to the game...a nice looking young woman, embassy employee, out and about just a little more often than chance seemed to call for... The denouement--her contact's suicide in the interrogation chair--made me wonder how often such scenes played out over the years, on both sides, without the public knowing ...a lonely profession that could end at any moment... For a nice relaxing look into somewhat-dated spy-craft I usually turn to John LeCarre...his pace is magnificent, evidence of a writer who nailed the seminal advice given to all aspiring writers--"find your voice"...informed and superb characterization separate his works from those in the craft who likely know much more, but lack his narrative skills... Thanks for posting...