I picked this book because I was intrigued by a "real-life James Bond" and hearing his exploits in his own words. I had to get this one as a paperback since it's not available for my Kindle.
Fitzroy Maclean was a resourceful man who started out in Russia, made his way to Central Asia (by his own smarts and quick thinking at times), then headed off to Northern Africa and finally to Yugoslavia to connect with the mysterious Tito during WWII.
The summary for this book makes the claim that Maclean is a real-life inspiration for the character of James Bond, and after reading his memoir, I can see why. He tells his story in an engaging way, and he doesn't overstate his role. He's charming enough to get along with almost anyone he meets, and he can get out of tight spots.
I can see where some would be a little put off by the writing. It's not all action and adventure. It's somewhat long at 532 pages, and some of the descriptions can be a bit tiring. His writing style has an edge of humor at times that made me smile, and I really enjoyed the accounts from the other side of him parachuting in with a Kodak and a pipe.
This is going to be another one of those books that I will mourn that there isn't a digital version. What a pity if it should be lost or someone who wants to read it can't get access to it because it's out of print. Good Book!
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