Very interesting look at the KGB and the Year of the Spy from the Russian side of the aisle. ( )

I found the last few chapters difficult to get through, but the rest of the book is a great look at the "other side." Perhaps it is not a spoiler to say that it is very much like this side. ( )

Excellent. Hard to read because everytime he writes "we" I think the United States! Well-written and seemingly well-translated, and appears to be a good guy. Reasonably balanced and objective about both the USSR and the "Main Adversary." ( )

This book is by the KGB operative who handled Robert Hanssen and Aldrich Ames. Incredible insight into how the spy game works. Can't put it down. If you enjoy the FX show The Americans, this book is a wonderful companion piece. ( )

The personal account from a top KGB agent offers an interesting perspective into the spying game. His first lesson is the futility of the game. Spies uncover other spies which leads to purges and the game starts anew. The Russians battled uphill against the richer Americans. American carelessness resulted in spectacular Russian successes, such as the Ames and Hanssen cases for which the author was responsible. Unfortunately, the book's ending tale of the KGB's dismantling does not match the quality of earlier chapters. The disappointment of the author's lifework leads to venting frustration instead of analysis. Overall, a good account of the functioning of KGB rezidenuras abroad. ( )