James B. Donovan (1916–1970)

A wonderful book by a fellow who seems to be exactly like the person one thinks Tom Hanks to be. Much of this is the straight trial transcript and description of the original and following appeals to the Supreme Court of the Soviet spy. Comments by the judge and asides by Donovan are all a delight. And, the "point" of Donovan's defense is very important and well put. Only a small part of the book at the end covers the Berlin negotiations for the eventual swap, but it is very fast-paced and quite thrilling. Wonderful. Wonderful.… (meer)

Strangers on a Bridge - the book that is the basis for the 2015 movie starring Tom Hanks, Bridge of Spies - is an excellent read but may be off putting for people not interested in courtroom procedure. Donovan is a lawyer and the story is true, well-written, and an insider's look at the court case that preceded the prisoner exchange of Abel and Gary Powers, the U2 pilot.

About one quarter of the book focuses on the direct and cross examination that occurred during the trial. This detailed look at the questioning, as well as the relevant evidentiary objections, preparation, and motion practice, are inside baseball for lawyers. Law students will find the procedural elements of Donovan's tale to be interesting from the perspective of lawyer war stories.

The book touches on spies, tradecraft, espionage practices in the 1950s but not like your typical cloak-and-dagger. Rather, these are explained - interestingly but mechanically - as part of the larger narrative around who Colonel Abel was.

I found the book to be a fast read and quite enjoyable. I'm not sure that the courtroom procedural aspects would appeal to a broader audience, who might want to skip through and then read closely the last third of the book.… (meer)