“…all you have to do is look at the recent history of Auschwitz and Stalin’s gulags to realize that blind obedience to authority is the exact opposite of patriotism.” Stephanie Marie Thornton, A Most Clever Girl.
I thoroughly enjoyed A Most Clever Girl. This novel offers a fascinating exploration of the world of espionage on American soil, based on the true story of Elizabeth Bentley, a notorious double agent during the Cold War. The book masterfully blends historical fact with fiction, painting a vivid picture of Bentley’s transformation from a naïve idealist to a key player in a dangerous Soviet spy network.
The story begins in 1963, with Catherine Gray seeking answers from Bentley after discovering a shocking family secret. As Bentley recounts her life, she draws the reader into a world of espionage, love, and betrayal. Bentley’s recruitment by the American Communist Party during World War II leads her into the world of Soviet spy operations, where she becomes deeply involved, even falling in love with her handler, Jacob Golos. The tension builds as Bentley’s loyalty to the Soviets becomes increasingly dangerous, forcing her to make a life-altering decision to become an FBI informant.
Though the book starts slowly, it quickly picks up pace, offering a thrilling ride through history. Thornton does a fantastic job weaving in historical details, including the surprising prominence of the American Communist Party and the complex figure of Stalin. Some aspects felt less authentic, but overall, the eBook was enjoyable, and the audiobook narration was excellent. Loads of read historical figures. 4 stars.
** Thanks to the publisher for a review copy of this novel. The opinions are my own.