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Comrade J: The Untold Secrets of Russia's Master Spy in America After the End of the Cold War, Library Edition
Spymaster, defector, double agent—the remarkable true story of the man who ran Russia's post–cold war spy program in America.
In 1991, the Soviet Union collapsed, the cold war ended, and a new world order began. We thought everything had changed. But one thing never changed: the spies.
From 1995 to 2000, a man known as "Comrade J" was the highest-ranking operative in the SVR—the successor agency to the KGB—in the United States. He directed all Russian spy action in New York City and personally oversaw every covert operation against the United States and its allies in the United Nations. He recruited spies, planted agents, penetrated security, manipulated intelligence, and influenced American policy, all under the direct leadership of Boris Yeltsin and then Vladimir Putin. He was a legend in the SVR, the man who kept the secrets.
Then, in 2000, he defected—and it turned out he had one more secret. For the previous two years, he had also been a double agent for the FBI: "By far the most important Russian spy that our side has had in decades." He has never granted a public interview. The FBI and CIA have refused to answer all media questions about him. He has remained in hiding. He has never revealed his secrets.
Until now.
Comrade J, written by the bestselling author of Family of Spies and The Hot House, is his story, a direct account of what he did in the United States after we all assumed the spying was over and of what Putin and Russia continue to do today. The revelations are stunning. It is also the story of growing up in a family of agents dating back to the revolution; of how Russia molded him into one of its most high-flying operatives; of the day-to-day perils of living a double, then triple, life; and finally, of how his growing disquiet with the corruption and ambitions of the "new Russia" led him to take the most perilous step of all.
Many spies have told their stories. None has the astonishing immediacy, relevance, and cautionary warnings of Comrade J.
In 1991, the Soviet Union collapsed, the cold war ended, and a new world order began. We thought everything had changed. But one thing never changed: the spies.
From 1995 to 2000, a man known as "Comrade J" was the highest-ranking operative in the SVR—the successor agency to the KGB—in the United States. He directed all Russian spy action in New York City and personally oversaw every covert operation against the United States and its allies in the United Nations. He recruited spies, planted agents, penetrated security, manipulated intelligence, and influenced American policy, all under the direct leadership of Boris Yeltsin and then Vladimir Putin. He was a legend in the SVR, the man who kept the secrets.
Then, in 2000, he defected—and it turned out he had one more secret. For the previous two years, he had also been a double agent for the FBI: "By far the most important Russian spy that our side has had in decades." He has never granted a public interview. The FBI and CIA have refused to answer all media questions about him. He has remained in hiding. He has never revealed his secrets.
Until now.
Comrade J, written by the bestselling author of Family of Spies and The Hot House, is his story, a direct account of what he did in the United States after we all assumed the spying was over and of what Putin and Russia continue to do today. The revelations are stunning. It is also the story of growing up in a family of agents dating back to the revolution; of how Russia molded him into one of its most high-flying operatives; of the day-to-day perils of living a double, then triple, life; and finally, of how his growing disquiet with the corruption and ambitions of the "new Russia" led him to take the most perilous step of all.
Many spies have told their stories. None has the astonishing immediacy, relevance, and cautionary warnings of Comrade J.
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First published October 4, 2007
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About the author
Pete Earley
26 books116 followersPete Earley is a storyteller who has penned 13 books including the New York Times bestseller The Hot House and the 2007 Pulitzer Prize finalist Crazy: A Father’s Search Through America’s Mental Health Madness.
After a 14-year career in journalism, including six years at The Washington Post, Pete became a full-time author with a commitment to expose the stories that entertain and surprise.
His honest reporting and compelling writing helped him garner success as one of few authors with ”the power to introduce new ideas and give them currency,” according to Washingtonian magazine.
When Pete’s life was turned upside down by the events recounted in his book Crazy, he joined the National Alliance of Mental Illness to advocate for strong mental health reform on the public stage.
After a 14-year career in journalism, including six years at The Washington Post, Pete became a full-time author with a commitment to expose the stories that entertain and surprise.
His honest reporting and compelling writing helped him garner success as one of few authors with ”the power to introduce new ideas and give them currency,” according to Washingtonian magazine.
When Pete’s life was turned upside down by the events recounted in his book Crazy, he joined the National Alliance of Mental Illness to advocate for strong mental health reform on the public stage.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 109 reviews
December 24, 2014
Rather than spying daring-do, for me the best part of this biography was seeing the Tretyakov gradually lose his faith in Russia under the kleptocracies of Yeltsin and Putin. All spies and defectors seek to justify their actions to themselves and others, but Tretyakov's disgust at the oligarchs who used their power to enrich themselves at the expense of the Russian people and the world community rings true. His warning that Putin does not view the US as a friend or ally, but as a rival and opponent, is as timely now as when it was written.
June 3, 2019
An interesting readable book on a Soviet Spy based in Ottawa and New York who ended up defecting to America.
I quite enjoyed the read as Earley can keep the reader engaged, all anecdotes were interesting.
Most amusing was his fellow officer thinking the part of town they lived in was really bad since there was a drugstore and he thought the pharmacy was selling narcotics to teenagers.
I quite enjoyed the read as Earley can keep the reader engaged, all anecdotes were interesting.
Most amusing was his fellow officer thinking the part of town they lived in was really bad since there was a drugstore and he thought the pharmacy was selling narcotics to teenagers.
October 2, 2008
This book builds up with a certain cloudy suspense that keeps you thinking, "hey this is about to get really great!", but sadly it never delivers. Honestly it gets worse as the book progresses. Sergei Tretyakov's tales starts out strong with his induction into the KGB and all of the in home spying that goes on against their own. You grow with Sergei through the KGB's treacherous ranks, and you patiently wait as he progresses within it's networks. And finally, you travel abroad with him, first to Canada where he begins recruiting spies and revealing some of his "secrets" in a very entertaining way. From here on the book takes a dive, it becomes utterly a boring mess of "Agatha Christie moments" where uninteresting facts are replaced for more interesting fiction. The book is most interesting when its quoting Tretyakov's accounts of actual espionage (his recruiting of spies, internal operations within the Russian mission, and the disarray that coincides with the fall of the Soviet Union) opposed to when he gets a position in America, and he now only regales you with tidbits of tales other agents have fed him.
I also have some quibbles with the editing of the book itself. Many Russian words are not transliterated correctly, and in several cases the names of Russian officials are mangled. The most egregious of these mistakes is when the book talks about KGB Chairman Vadim Bakatin (pp. 126-131). After getting the spelling of his name right the first time, Earley proceeds to spell it as "Batakin" for the rest of the book. I also agree with many other reviewers that an index would have been very helpful, and a bibliography and a few footnotes wouldn't have hurt either. Because of these omissions, the book strikes me has having been rushed into print before it was actually ready.
In sum, the book is an interesting read, but could have been much, much better had some of the more sensationalist side stories been cut out, and the author had just stuck to what Tretyakov really knew.
I also have some quibbles with the editing of the book itself. Many Russian words are not transliterated correctly, and in several cases the names of Russian officials are mangled. The most egregious of these mistakes is when the book talks about KGB Chairman Vadim Bakatin (pp. 126-131). After getting the spelling of his name right the first time, Earley proceeds to spell it as "Batakin" for the rest of the book. I also agree with many other reviewers that an index would have been very helpful, and a bibliography and a few footnotes wouldn't have hurt either. Because of these omissions, the book strikes me has having been rushed into print before it was actually ready.
In sum, the book is an interesting read, but could have been much, much better had some of the more sensationalist side stories been cut out, and the author had just stuck to what Tretyakov really knew.
July 31, 2019
I'd previously read Earley's books on Aldrich Ames and the Walker spy family, both of which were also quick and easy reads which should please anyone interested in contemporary espionage. This one, being about a former Russian citizen, rests on a weaker evidential footing than the others, reliant as it is on the testimony of its subject, Sergei Tretyakov. Beyond learning of his life in the USSR's secret services during the eighties and into the 2000s one also learns about the Russian espionage establishment. In this regard I was particularly interested in what he had to say about the disastrous Yeltsin and Putin regimes, which he regarded as criminal and because of which he chose to become, first, a double agent and, second, a defector.
December 4, 2010
http://nwhyte.livejournal.com/1507966.html
This book, about the career of Russian spy Sergei Tretyakov before his defection to the US, was strongly recommended to me by someone who said that its portrayal of how intelligence agents handle contacts was scrupulously accurate (and my source is in a position to know). This was before the recent revelations about the group of deep cover Russian agents in the US and UK, and indeed before Tretyakov's own sudden death in June this year (not revealed until July); my informant may have known about the former but I hope he was not tipped off about the latter in advance.
There is some interesting material, but the whole feels a bit shallow. For instance, Earley doesn't seem to know much about the European Union and his account of COREU telegrams is confused and inaccurate; when his details on points that I know about are poor, I naturally become suspicious about the rest. Though other bits rang true: there is one beautiful Kafka moment (which Earley calls 'a catch-22 situation'): one section of the Russian intelligence establishment in New York had the job of recruiting and converting FBI and CIA agents, but were also forbidden by their own regulations from having any contact with known FBI or CIA agents. This of course led to significant padding of reports, making it appear that the rather few genuine US contacts were more impressive than they were.
Earley does not examine the extent to which Tretyakov's work actually affected Russian policy and actions more than would have been the case had he been an ordinary diplomat, and that is the biggest gap in the book (though of course it's a much broader question equally applicable to Western intelligence agencies). There are two interesting passages about spreading disinformation among the academic community. I remember the Transdniestrian astroturf affair from a couple of years back, as chronicled by Edward Lucas at the time, which was a rather good example of this; but a more audacious claim is that the KGB simply invented the idea that the widespread use of atomic weapons would result in a 'nuclear winter' in order to strengthen the anti-nuclear lobby in the West. I've no idea what the current status of nuclear winter theory is among climate scientists, and Earley doesn't investigate this, simply accepting Tretyakov's account that his colleagues made it all up, and again I wish he had checked a bit further.
One of the more interesting but less believable claims in the book is that Strobe Talbott, then a senior US official, was 'played' by a Russian official who was really in intelligence but pretended to be matey with him. Talbott, asked to respond, contends (entirely credibly, though Earley doesn't seem to believe him) that he always expected and believed that his interlocutor was passing the entire contents of their conversations back to various contacts in Moscow, and spoke to him on that basis; he doesn't add, but might have, that that is what makes such conversations worth while in the first place. The fact that Tretyakov (or his FBI/CIA handlers) wanted this story published is itself perhaps significant.
There is a cautionary tale there. My own policy with contacts who I know or suspect to be in that line of work is to treat them as I do 'ordinary' officials, or indeed reasonably motivated graduate students. If my interlocutors fancy they are getting better information from me than their competition, that is their lookout; any such conversation, from my point of view, is always at least partly about influencing government decision-makers or the wider epistemic community. This is a game played in both directions, of course; the details of how one of the world's most famous services handles HUMINT are fascinating, and the general guidelines and specific judgement calls that Tretyakov and his colleagues made when deciding how and when to develop contacts make for interesting reading.
The other interesting human story, though of course one has to treat it with due caution, is the slow disillusionment of Tretyakov and his family with Russia after the fall of Communism: the increasing surrender of Russian territory as well as the economy to criminal oligarchs, backed by what passed for the central government, must have been an awful process of disillusionment for all patriotic Russians. Each has made their own accommodation with the new state of affairs; Tretyakov chose to turn his back on it and seek a new beginning. He enjoyed it for less than ten years.
This book, about the career of Russian spy Sergei Tretyakov before his defection to the US, was strongly recommended to me by someone who said that its portrayal of how intelligence agents handle contacts was scrupulously accurate (and my source is in a position to know). This was before the recent revelations about the group of deep cover Russian agents in the US and UK, and indeed before Tretyakov's own sudden death in June this year (not revealed until July); my informant may have known about the former but I hope he was not tipped off about the latter in advance.
There is some interesting material, but the whole feels a bit shallow. For instance, Earley doesn't seem to know much about the European Union and his account of COREU telegrams is confused and inaccurate; when his details on points that I know about are poor, I naturally become suspicious about the rest. Though other bits rang true: there is one beautiful Kafka moment (which Earley calls 'a catch-22 situation'): one section of the Russian intelligence establishment in New York had the job of recruiting and converting FBI and CIA agents, but were also forbidden by their own regulations from having any contact with known FBI or CIA agents. This of course led to significant padding of reports, making it appear that the rather few genuine US contacts were more impressive than they were.
Earley does not examine the extent to which Tretyakov's work actually affected Russian policy and actions more than would have been the case had he been an ordinary diplomat, and that is the biggest gap in the book (though of course it's a much broader question equally applicable to Western intelligence agencies). There are two interesting passages about spreading disinformation among the academic community. I remember the Transdniestrian astroturf affair from a couple of years back, as chronicled by Edward Lucas at the time, which was a rather good example of this; but a more audacious claim is that the KGB simply invented the idea that the widespread use of atomic weapons would result in a 'nuclear winter' in order to strengthen the anti-nuclear lobby in the West. I've no idea what the current status of nuclear winter theory is among climate scientists, and Earley doesn't investigate this, simply accepting Tretyakov's account that his colleagues made it all up, and again I wish he had checked a bit further.
One of the more interesting but less believable claims in the book is that Strobe Talbott, then a senior US official, was 'played' by a Russian official who was really in intelligence but pretended to be matey with him. Talbott, asked to respond, contends (entirely credibly, though Earley doesn't seem to believe him) that he always expected and believed that his interlocutor was passing the entire contents of their conversations back to various contacts in Moscow, and spoke to him on that basis; he doesn't add, but might have, that that is what makes such conversations worth while in the first place. The fact that Tretyakov (or his FBI/CIA handlers) wanted this story published is itself perhaps significant.
There is a cautionary tale there. My own policy with contacts who I know or suspect to be in that line of work is to treat them as I do 'ordinary' officials, or indeed reasonably motivated graduate students. If my interlocutors fancy they are getting better information from me than their competition, that is their lookout; any such conversation, from my point of view, is always at least partly about influencing government decision-makers or the wider epistemic community. This is a game played in both directions, of course; the details of how one of the world's most famous services handles HUMINT are fascinating, and the general guidelines and specific judgement calls that Tretyakov and his colleagues made when deciding how and when to develop contacts make for interesting reading.
The other interesting human story, though of course one has to treat it with due caution, is the slow disillusionment of Tretyakov and his family with Russia after the fall of Communism: the increasing surrender of Russian territory as well as the economy to criminal oligarchs, backed by what passed for the central government, must have been an awful process of disillusionment for all patriotic Russians. Each has made their own accommodation with the new state of affairs; Tretyakov chose to turn his back on it and seek a new beginning. He enjoyed it for less than ten years.
January 29, 2025
Not an easy book to put down! A really fascinating storyline that covers the Cold War, the end of the Soviet Union, and the beginning of the Russian Federation under Presidents Boris Yeltsin and Vladimir Putin. Throughout the book you see the transition of the KGB to what it became, how the spies operated here in the U.S. and Canada, and what lead Sergei to change sides.
July 13, 2016
Svarbiausia, tai – kokybiškai sukaltas pasakojimas, o kai skaitant neužknisa „kaip“, maloniau mąstyti apie „ką“. Apie Rusijos žvalgą, pradėjusį karjerą sovietmečiu, prie Jurijaus Andropovo, ir tapusį pagrindiniu „rezidentu“ Otavoje, o paskui – ir Niujorke. Knyga angliškai išleista 2007-aisiais, bet naftalinu netrenkia. Joje išsamiai aprašytos praėjusio amžiaus pabaigos rusų šnipų veiklos peripetijos. Mėgėjai gali jas palyginti su senesniais laikais, apdainuotais V.Suvorovo „Akvariume“. Reportažų iš šiuo metu vykstančių specialiųjų tarnybų dvikovų ir mūšių teks luktelti.
Segejus Tretjakovas, išdavęs savo šalį bei tarnybą ir pasisiūlęs amerikiečiams, lietuviškojo savo nuotykių vertimo nesulaukė. Jis mirė, kaip teigia laisvoji enciklopedija, Floridoje, 2010-aisiais. Maskvos siųstų žudikų kerštas? JAV tarnybos tai neigia. Anot Wikipedijos, buvusio dvigubo agento mirtį galėjo lemti net trys priežastys: infarktas, žarnyno auglys ir užspringimas mėsos kąsniu. Pernai pas mus pasirodžiusio „Draugo Ž“ leidėjai galėjo atskleisti šią aplinkybę anotacijoje ar įvade, bet to nepadarė, gal nenorėdami sumauti saldaus happyendo.
Pulicerio premijos laureatas Pete Earley knygoje mėgina nagrinėti herojaus motyvaciją, tiek pasirenkant KGB užsienio žvalgybos agento kelią, tiek jo atsisakant. Gaila, autorius nepasikalbėjo su Povilu Rakštiku. Legendinis treneris, ko gero, nebūtų linkęs pasakoti apie faktus ir asmenis, bet jo prisiminimai iš GRU laikų ir įžvalgos apie lemtingus moralinius sprendimus pranoktų propagandistų nudailintus „Draugo Ž“ išvedžiojimus.
Ši knyga pravers mūsų diplomatams, politikams ir nevyriausybininkams, kad buvę Draugo Ž. sėbrai nevyniotų jų aplink pirštą bent jau lygiai taip pat, kaip vystė daugelį veikėjų iš įvairiausių valstybių. Autorius demaskuoja Strobe Talbot‘ą (už naivumą), Kofi Annan‘ą (už korupciją), porą Vidurio Azijos ambasadorių (už šnipinėjimą Rusijai) ir išjuokia daugelį kitų pareigūnų, pakliuvusių į Maskvos pinkles.
Rašytojo pajuoką pelnė ir velionis Carl Sagan. Už tai, kad patikėjo sovietų propagandiniu triuku apie Branduolinę žiemą. KGB sugalvotą terminą pasigavo ne tik kovotojai už taiką, protestavę prieš JAV gynybos planus, bet ir mokslininkai, iš kurių bene žymiausias buvo amerikiečių astrofizikas, mano mėgstamo „Demonų apsėsto pasaulio“, „Kontakto“ ir kitų bestselerių autorius. C.Sagan nebuvo kvailys. Mokslinės fantastikos dievas I.Azimov pavadino jį vienu iš dviejų už save patį protingesnių asmenų. Kas antrasis? Marvin Minsky, dirbtinio intelekto teoretikas. Jo knyga „The Society of Mind“ – vienas įspūdingiausių asmeninių pastarųjų metų negrožinių atradimų.
Vis dėlto ruskių nurašyti negalima, tikina „Draugo Ž“ kūrėjai.
Segejus Tretjakovas, išdavęs savo šalį bei tarnybą ir pasisiūlęs amerikiečiams, lietuviškojo savo nuotykių vertimo nesulaukė. Jis mirė, kaip teigia laisvoji enciklopedija, Floridoje, 2010-aisiais. Maskvos siųstų žudikų kerštas? JAV tarnybos tai neigia. Anot Wikipedijos, buvusio dvigubo agento mirtį galėjo lemti net trys priežastys: infarktas, žarnyno auglys ir užspringimas mėsos kąsniu. Pernai pas mus pasirodžiusio „Draugo Ž“ leidėjai galėjo atskleisti šią aplinkybę anotacijoje ar įvade, bet to nepadarė, gal nenorėdami sumauti saldaus happyendo.
Pulicerio premijos laureatas Pete Earley knygoje mėgina nagrinėti herojaus motyvaciją, tiek pasirenkant KGB užsienio žvalgybos agento kelią, tiek jo atsisakant. Gaila, autorius nepasikalbėjo su Povilu Rakštiku. Legendinis treneris, ko gero, nebūtų linkęs pasakoti apie faktus ir asmenis, bet jo prisiminimai iš GRU laikų ir įžvalgos apie lemtingus moralinius sprendimus pranoktų propagandistų nudailintus „Draugo Ž“ išvedžiojimus.
Ši knyga pravers mūsų diplomatams, politikams ir nevyriausybininkams, kad buvę Draugo Ž. sėbrai nevyniotų jų aplink pirštą bent jau lygiai taip pat, kaip vystė daugelį veikėjų iš įvairiausių valstybių. Autorius demaskuoja Strobe Talbot‘ą (už naivumą), Kofi Annan‘ą (už korupciją), porą Vidurio Azijos ambasadorių (už šnipinėjimą Rusijai) ir išjuokia daugelį kitų pareigūnų, pakliuvusių į Maskvos pinkles.
Rašytojo pajuoką pelnė ir velionis Carl Sagan. Už tai, kad patikėjo sovietų propagandiniu triuku apie Branduolinę žiemą. KGB sugalvotą terminą pasigavo ne tik kovotojai už taiką, protestavę prieš JAV gynybos planus, bet ir mokslininkai, iš kurių bene žymiausias buvo amerikiečių astrofizikas, mano mėgstamo „Demonų apsėsto pasaulio“, „Kontakto“ ir kitų bestselerių autorius. C.Sagan nebuvo kvailys. Mokslinės fantastikos dievas I.Azimov pavadino jį vienu iš dviejų už save patį protingesnių asmenų. Kas antrasis? Marvin Minsky, dirbtinio intelekto teoretikas. Jo knyga „The Society of Mind“ – vienas įspūdingiausių asmeninių pastarųjų metų negrožinių atradimų.
Vis dėlto ruskių nurašyti negalima, tikina „Draugo Ž“ kūrėjai.
September 23, 2008
Hey, I love Le Carre and Clancy and Comrade J is a good book to follow up fiction with reality. The book teases with promises of scandalous secrets revealed. However, as the subjects of the secrets are on the whole still very much active, nothing is really confirmed. It is fun to try and track down some of the leads in the book. One item that piqued my interest was the claim that Nuclear Winter was one of the great successes of the KGB. If you want a real laugh take a peak at the Wikipedia editorial Revert War on this claim under the entry for Nuclear Winter. Overall the KGB is portrayed as a bureaucracy committed to self-preservation where field reports are often massaged if not fabricated in order to please the next level and preserve the status quo. This message is so strong as to bring to question the revelations of the book itself. However, I don’t question Comrad J’s overall message, that America is naïve and surround by enemies.
If you do like this type of book, take a look at Delattre Lucas’ A Spy At The Heart Of The Third Reich: The Extraordinary Story Of Fritz Kolbe, America's Most Important Spy In World War II.
If you do like this type of book, take a look at Delattre Lucas’ A Spy At The Heart Of The Third Reich: The Extraordinary Story Of Fritz Kolbe, America's Most Important Spy In World War II.
January 5, 2021
Rusijos SVR šnipo Sergejaus Tretjakovo perbėgimo į JAV istorija išskirtinė tuo, kad ji nutiko ne taip ir seniai. Ne gūdžiais Šaltojo karo metais, o šiuolaikinėje Rusijoje, kai prezidentu jau buvo Putinas. Knyga yra S.Tretjakovo istorija jo paties papasakota žurnalistui. Praėjus keliems metams po to jis mirė. Jis buvo KBG, o po Sovietų sąjungos griūties, SVR karininkas, dirbęs Jungtinėse Valstijose.
Galbūt tai, kad nuo jo perbėgimo praėjo nedidelis laiko tarpas, kai knyga buvo rašoma, paliko joje ir spragų. Pvz. S.Tretjakovas negalėjo pasakoti, kaip užmezgė ryšius su JAV žvalgyba, kaip šnipinėjo valstijoms būdamas SVR karininku. O tai galėjo būti įdomioji knygos dalis.
Tačiau jis išsamiai pasakojo apie SVR veiklą Valstijose ir apskritai pasaulio politikoje, taip pat apie korupciją, pinigų vagystes valstybiniu mastu. S.Tretjakovas teigė, kad būtent naujosios Rusijos korupcija ir buvo pagrindinis motyvas, kuris paskatino jį išduoti savo šalį ir perbėgti į JAV. Neaišku, kiek tie motyvai nuoširdūs, bet istorija visai įdomi.
Galbūt tai, kad nuo jo perbėgimo praėjo nedidelis laiko tarpas, kai knyga buvo rašoma, paliko joje ir spragų. Pvz. S.Tretjakovas negalėjo pasakoti, kaip užmezgė ryšius su JAV žvalgyba, kaip šnipinėjo valstijoms būdamas SVR karininku. O tai galėjo būti įdomioji knygos dalis.
Tačiau jis išsamiai pasakojo apie SVR veiklą Valstijose ir apskritai pasaulio politikoje, taip pat apie korupciją, pinigų vagystes valstybiniu mastu. S.Tretjakovas teigė, kad būtent naujosios Rusijos korupcija ir buvo pagrindinis motyvas, kuris paskatino jį išduoti savo šalį ir perbėgti į JAV. Neaišku, kiek tie motyvai nuoširdūs, bet istorija visai įdomi.
May 14, 2018
A compelling, well-researched account of the spying and defection of a high-ranking operative in Russia's KGB/SVR, Sergei Tretyakov, and his family. Even though this book was published in 2007, it provides insight into the unlikely assent to power of Putin and his ongoing corruption. As Comrade J asserts--the MAIN ENEMY (and later the MAIN TARGET) of the Russian government has always been first and foremost the United States, then the U.N. and then China. Putin has continued to facilitate the goal in Russia, which is "...to cause dissension and unrest inside the U.S. and anti-American feelings abroad." This describes their past goal and clearly drives their motives today. This lesson is clear. Will the U.S. heed this warning?
January 15, 2021
PETE EARLEY “DRAUGAS Ž.”
“Džeimsu Bondu nori būti kiekvienas, bet aš esu tikrasis Džeimsas Bondas ir mes dirbame ne taip, kaip rodoma filmuose. Aš Jums papasakosiu, kaip Rusijos žvalgybininkai dirba iš tikrųjų. Aš Jums papasakosiu, kaip mes vagiame Amerikos paslaptis.” Sergejus Tretjakovas, Pete Earley knygos “Draugas Ž.” įžanga.
Pete Early yra amerikietis žurnalistas, buvęs Washington Post reporteris, psichinės sveikatos advokatas ir negrožinės literatūros rašytojas. Yra parašęs 21 knygą (11 negrožinės literatūros kūrinių ir 10 romanų), iš kurių keturios tapo New York Times bestseleriais. Vienas iš šių bestselerių yra jo knyga (2008 m.) “Draugas Ž.” Tai istorija apie Rusijos šnipo Sergejaus Tretjakovo, slapyvardžiu Draugas Žanas, veikusio Amerikoje po Šaltojo karo, paslaptis. Tai yra mano pirmoji pažintis su autoriaus darbu, bet jau esu nusižiūrėjusi ir kitą jo knygą (1997 m.) “Šnipo išpažintis.”
5/5 balais vertinu šią knygą.
Nuostabi puiki knyga. Tiesiog a must read visiems, kurie žavisi istoriniais romanais, biografijomis, karinėmis knygomis ir ypač tikromis istorijomis apie slaptuosius agentus. Tai gera knyga visiems, norintiems suprasti ir šiandienos Rusiją. Tiesa, pirmiausiai knygoje patikslinama, kas yra/ nėra šnipas. “KGB šnipai skirstyti į dvi grupes: agentai ir patikimi kontaktai. Žodis “šnipas” dažnai vartojamas netinkamai. KGB žvalgybos karininkas buvo ne šnipas. Šnipas buvo tas, kuris šnipinėjo KGB, CŽV ar FTB karininkui. Šnipai išduoda savo šalis. <…> KGB savo darbuotojų niekada nevadino agentais. Jie buvo karininkai arba operatyvininkai. “Agentas” KGB terminologija reiškė šnipą, kurio ryšiai su KGB nėra žinomi priešiškai užsienio kontržvalgybos tarnybai. “Patikimas kontaktas” buvo KGB šnipas, kuris su Sovietų žvalgyba dažnai susitikdavo viešumoje ir žinant užsienio kontržvalgybos tarnyboms, tačiau jo ryšių su KGB esmė buvo slepiama.” P. 57.
Knygoje pasakojama perbėgusio KGB/ SVR karininko Sergejaus Tretjakovo visaapimanti istorija, nuo jo mažų dienų (kaip jo patriotiškoje šeimoje kelios kartos dirbo KGB), spartaus kilimo operatyvininkų karjeros laiptais (tiek Sovietų Sąjungos laikais, tiek ir Rusijos), užsienio žvalgybos tarnybų Otavoje ir Manhatane (1990-1994 ir 1995-2000), atvirai pasakojant ir priežastis, lėmusias jo pasitraukimą į JAV pusę.
Skaitytojai keliaus per įdomią kelionę, kurios pradžioje Sergejus sakė tikėjęs sovietų sistema ir jam ji buvo geriausia pasaulyje. “Negalėjau suprasti, kaip patriotiškai nusiteikęs pilietis gali atsukti nugarą savo tėvynei. Man tai buvo neįsivaizduojama.” P. 81. Tokia tvirta valia jis vadovavosi dar būdamas KGB PGU komjaunimo vadovu, gavęs kapitono laipsnį. Tačiau greit, ypač po Sovietų Sąjungos žlugimo ir naujosios Rusijos atsiradimo, jo nuomonė sparčiai ėmė kisti. Nespoilinsiu, kas kur ir kaip keitė Sergejaus motyvaciją, o ypač 1997 m.
Svarbu paminėti, kad knygoje pateikiama Sergejaus istorija iš jo pusės. Autorius, užrašydamas visas 126 valandas, praleistas su Sergejumi, bandė susisiekti ir su jo minėtais veikėjais, kurie buvo užverbuoti arba dirbo KGB, SVR naudai, tačiau, nenuostabu, visi neigė, kad turėjo su jais reikalų. Tad knygos kritikai, kai kada vertina, kad na, šia knyga negali tikėti. Vienas šaltinis visada yra vienas šaltinis. Gali tikėti, gali ir ne. Tačiau pats autorius Sergejų vertino atsakingai. Galiausiai, neveltui patys CŽV ir FTB paskatino autorių parašyti šią knygą apie Draugą Žaną ir jo paslaptis.
Buvo naudinga ir ne tik įdomu bendrai skaityti šią knygą, sužinojau apie vykdytą mokslinę KGB propagandą, ir jos “branduolinę žiemą” siekiant sustabdyti “Perhing” raketų atgabenimą Europon. Apie patį didžiausią vagystės atveją Jungtinėse Tautose ir kaip tai buvo daroma per programą “Nafta už maistą.” Tačiau vieną, pačia įdomiausią paslaptį šioje semi-dondiadoje, kurią Sergejus Tretjakovas atskleidė knygoje, paliksiu nepaminėtą. Kodėl visgi man ši istorija yra semi bondiada? Nes net ir be sprogimų, greitų automobilių, stilingų rūbų, agento 007 kvapą gniaužiančių operacijos vykdymo scenų, Draugo Ž. pasakojimas yra nekvestionuojamai stiprus.
“Džeimsu Bondu nori būti kiekvienas, bet aš esu tikrasis Džeimsas Bondas ir mes dirbame ne taip, kaip rodoma filmuose. Aš Jums papasakosiu, kaip Rusijos žvalgybininkai dirba iš tikrųjų. Aš Jums papasakosiu, kaip mes vagiame Amerikos paslaptis.” Sergejus Tretjakovas, Pete Earley knygos “Draugas Ž.” įžanga.
Pete Early yra amerikietis žurnalistas, buvęs Washington Post reporteris, psichinės sveikatos advokatas ir negrožinės literatūros rašytojas. Yra parašęs 21 knygą (11 negrožinės literatūros kūrinių ir 10 romanų), iš kurių keturios tapo New York Times bestseleriais. Vienas iš šių bestselerių yra jo knyga (2008 m.) “Draugas Ž.” Tai istorija apie Rusijos šnipo Sergejaus Tretjakovo, slapyvardžiu Draugas Žanas, veikusio Amerikoje po Šaltojo karo, paslaptis. Tai yra mano pirmoji pažintis su autoriaus darbu, bet jau esu nusižiūrėjusi ir kitą jo knygą (1997 m.) “Šnipo išpažintis.”
5/5 balais vertinu šią knygą.
Nuostabi puiki knyga. Tiesiog a must read visiems, kurie žavisi istoriniais romanais, biografijomis, karinėmis knygomis ir ypač tikromis istorijomis apie slaptuosius agentus. Tai gera knyga visiems, norintiems suprasti ir šiandienos Rusiją. Tiesa, pirmiausiai knygoje patikslinama, kas yra/ nėra šnipas. “KGB šnipai skirstyti į dvi grupes: agentai ir patikimi kontaktai. Žodis “šnipas” dažnai vartojamas netinkamai. KGB žvalgybos karininkas buvo ne šnipas. Šnipas buvo tas, kuris šnipinėjo KGB, CŽV ar FTB karininkui. Šnipai išduoda savo šalis. <…> KGB savo darbuotojų niekada nevadino agentais. Jie buvo karininkai arba operatyvininkai. “Agentas” KGB terminologija reiškė šnipą, kurio ryšiai su KGB nėra žinomi priešiškai užsienio kontržvalgybos tarnybai. “Patikimas kontaktas” buvo KGB šnipas, kuris su Sovietų žvalgyba dažnai susitikdavo viešumoje ir žinant užsienio kontržvalgybos tarnyboms, tačiau jo ryšių su KGB esmė buvo slepiama.” P. 57.
Knygoje pasakojama perbėgusio KGB/ SVR karininko Sergejaus Tretjakovo visaapimanti istorija, nuo jo mažų dienų (kaip jo patriotiškoje šeimoje kelios kartos dirbo KGB), spartaus kilimo operatyvininkų karjeros laiptais (tiek Sovietų Sąjungos laikais, tiek ir Rusijos), užsienio žvalgybos tarnybų Otavoje ir Manhatane (1990-1994 ir 1995-2000), atvirai pasakojant ir priežastis, lėmusias jo pasitraukimą į JAV pusę.
Skaitytojai keliaus per įdomią kelionę, kurios pradžioje Sergejus sakė tikėjęs sovietų sistema ir jam ji buvo geriausia pasaulyje. “Negalėjau suprasti, kaip patriotiškai nusiteikęs pilietis gali atsukti nugarą savo tėvynei. Man tai buvo neįsivaizduojama.” P. 81. Tokia tvirta valia jis vadovavosi dar būdamas KGB PGU komjaunimo vadovu, gavęs kapitono laipsnį. Tačiau greit, ypač po Sovietų Sąjungos žlugimo ir naujosios Rusijos atsiradimo, jo nuomonė sparčiai ėmė kisti. Nespoilinsiu, kas kur ir kaip keitė Sergejaus motyvaciją, o ypač 1997 m.
Svarbu paminėti, kad knygoje pateikiama Sergejaus istorija iš jo pusės. Autorius, užrašydamas visas 126 valandas, praleistas su Sergejumi, bandė susisiekti ir su jo minėtais veikėjais, kurie buvo užverbuoti arba dirbo KGB, SVR naudai, tačiau, nenuostabu, visi neigė, kad turėjo su jais reikalų. Tad knygos kritikai, kai kada vertina, kad na, šia knyga negali tikėti. Vienas šaltinis visada yra vienas šaltinis. Gali tikėti, gali ir ne. Tačiau pats autorius Sergejų vertino atsakingai. Galiausiai, neveltui patys CŽV ir FTB paskatino autorių parašyti šią knygą apie Draugą Žaną ir jo paslaptis.
Buvo naudinga ir ne tik įdomu bendrai skaityti šią knygą, sužinojau apie vykdytą mokslinę KGB propagandą, ir jos “branduolinę žiemą” siekiant sustabdyti “Perhing” raketų atgabenimą Europon. Apie patį didžiausią vagystės atveją Jungtinėse Tautose ir kaip tai buvo daroma per programą “Nafta už maistą.” Tačiau vieną, pačia įdomiausią paslaptį šioje semi-dondiadoje, kurią Sergejus Tretjakovas atskleidė knygoje, paliksiu nepaminėtą. Kodėl visgi man ši istorija yra semi bondiada? Nes net ir be sprogimų, greitų automobilių, stilingų rūbų, agento 007 kvapą gniaužiančių operacijos vykdymo scenų, Draugo Ž. pasakojimas yra nekvestionuojamai stiprus.
June 28, 2023
"Comrade J: Untold Secrets Of Russia's Master Spy In America After The End Of The Cold War" is an absorbing account that dives into the world of espionage and offers a perspective on the Cold and post-Cold War eras. The book focuses on the life and experiences of "Comrade J," a Russian spy operating in Russia, Canada, and America during this period.
The highlight of the book for me is its ability to provide readers with an insider's view of the intelligence world. Although mostly what we would consider old-school, the mindset of the intricacies of spycraft, detailing the methods, challenges, and risks involved in espionage operations are well worth knowing. The methods may have changed but the goals remain the same. The author presents a wealth of information, drawing from interviews and extensive research, which adds depth and credibility to the story.
The book also sheds light on the evolving nature of espionage in a changing geopolitical landscape. It highlights the challenges faced by Russian intelligence agencies and their efforts to adapt to the new realities of a post-Cold War world. This exploration of the intelligence community's struggles and strategies offers valuable insights into the complex dynamics between nations during this period. And we can assume, these cat-and-mouse games continue.
"Comrade J" also provides an interesting character study of the titular spy. It delves into his motivations, personal experiences, and the inner workings of his role as a double agent. This aspect humanizes the narrative and adds a layer of depth to the story, making it more engaging for readers. The why of it, to go with the how.
The only downside is that "Comrade J" is Sergei Tretyakov's perspective and may result in a somewhat one-sided narrative. As a result, other important events or factors during the post-Cold War era may receive less attention or be overshadowed. But you can only cover what you can cover.
Overall, "Comrade J: Untold Secrets Of Russia's Master Spy In America After The End Of The Cold War" is a captivating exploration of espionage, offering a fascinating glimpse into the world of intelligence operations during the post-Cold War era. It is a recommended read for those interested in the subject matter, as long as readers are aware that it primarily focuses on one individual's experiences within a broader historical context.
The highlight of the book for me is its ability to provide readers with an insider's view of the intelligence world. Although mostly what we would consider old-school, the mindset of the intricacies of spycraft, detailing the methods, challenges, and risks involved in espionage operations are well worth knowing. The methods may have changed but the goals remain the same. The author presents a wealth of information, drawing from interviews and extensive research, which adds depth and credibility to the story.
The book also sheds light on the evolving nature of espionage in a changing geopolitical landscape. It highlights the challenges faced by Russian intelligence agencies and their efforts to adapt to the new realities of a post-Cold War world. This exploration of the intelligence community's struggles and strategies offers valuable insights into the complex dynamics between nations during this period. And we can assume, these cat-and-mouse games continue.
"Comrade J" also provides an interesting character study of the titular spy. It delves into his motivations, personal experiences, and the inner workings of his role as a double agent. This aspect humanizes the narrative and adds a layer of depth to the story, making it more engaging for readers. The why of it, to go with the how.
The only downside is that "Comrade J" is Sergei Tretyakov's perspective and may result in a somewhat one-sided narrative. As a result, other important events or factors during the post-Cold War era may receive less attention or be overshadowed. But you can only cover what you can cover.
Overall, "Comrade J: Untold Secrets Of Russia's Master Spy In America After The End Of The Cold War" is a captivating exploration of espionage, offering a fascinating glimpse into the world of intelligence operations during the post-Cold War era. It is a recommended read for those interested in the subject matter, as long as readers are aware that it primarily focuses on one individual's experiences within a broader historical context.
December 18, 2024
Pete Earley’s Comrade J offers a compelling glimpse into the world of espionage through the story of Sergei Tretyakov, a high-ranking SVR officer who defected to the United States. Beyond being a personal narrative of loyalty and disillusionment, the book reveals how the turbulence of the 1990s reshaped both Russian intelligence and the nation itself.
Tretyakov’s journey from loyal Soviet officer to defector encapsulates the personal and professional crises faced by many in the SVR during this chaotic period. As the Cold War ended, the SVR, a successor to the KGB, struggled to redefine its mission in a rapidly changing world. Tretyakov’s reflections bring humanity to this institution, revealing not just its methods—recruitment strategies, use of diplomatic cover, and covert influence—but also the vulnerabilities caused by the brain drain of the 1990s.
This exodus of talent was a turning point in Russian intelligence history. As operatives left the agency, many channeled their skills into the booming private sector. Former SVR officers played a key role in establishing some of the most powerful businesses in post-Soviet Russia, leveraging their networks and expertise to navigate the country’s volatile economy. Tretyakov’s story serves as a lens through which we can better understand this shift and its lasting impact on Russia’s political and economic landscape.
Earley deftly portrays Tretyakov not just as a spy, but as a man torn between duty and disillusionment. His defection, framed as an act of personal and moral reckoning, resonates as part of the larger story of a nation’s upheaval. While Tretyakov’s claims of influence on U.S. foreign policy may be bold, they do not overshadow the book’s broader exploration of Russia’s transformation in the wake of the Cold War.
Comrade J succeeds in blending personal drama with institutional history, offering readers a deeper understanding of how intelligence, politics, and business intersected during one of Russia’s most transformative decades. It is an essential read for those looking to grasp the forces that shaped post-Soviet Russia and its global role.
Tretyakov’s journey from loyal Soviet officer to defector encapsulates the personal and professional crises faced by many in the SVR during this chaotic period. As the Cold War ended, the SVR, a successor to the KGB, struggled to redefine its mission in a rapidly changing world. Tretyakov’s reflections bring humanity to this institution, revealing not just its methods—recruitment strategies, use of diplomatic cover, and covert influence—but also the vulnerabilities caused by the brain drain of the 1990s.
This exodus of talent was a turning point in Russian intelligence history. As operatives left the agency, many channeled their skills into the booming private sector. Former SVR officers played a key role in establishing some of the most powerful businesses in post-Soviet Russia, leveraging their networks and expertise to navigate the country’s volatile economy. Tretyakov’s story serves as a lens through which we can better understand this shift and its lasting impact on Russia’s political and economic landscape.
Earley deftly portrays Tretyakov not just as a spy, but as a man torn between duty and disillusionment. His defection, framed as an act of personal and moral reckoning, resonates as part of the larger story of a nation’s upheaval. While Tretyakov’s claims of influence on U.S. foreign policy may be bold, they do not overshadow the book’s broader exploration of Russia’s transformation in the wake of the Cold War.
Comrade J succeeds in blending personal drama with institutional history, offering readers a deeper understanding of how intelligence, politics, and business intersected during one of Russia’s most transformative decades. It is an essential read for those looking to grasp the forces that shaped post-Soviet Russia and its global role.
April 25, 2021
I like real spy stories. It is fascinating to look behind the maneuvers of a country’s intelligence agencies. It isn’t James Bond or Jason Bourne. A lot of it is more mundane.
Here we have a biography of a high ranking former KGB/SVR officer. He tells his story of being inducted into the KGB all the way through his defection. Many of his tales touch on many of the Russian spy scandals in the USA, where traitors stole information to give to their Russian handlers.
The more interesting part is the how the KGB develops its officers and then sends them out into the world. The Russians are really good at developing sources, sometimes taking years. Their goal is to compromise the source, slowing reeling them in.
One warning from the book is to always wonder where talking points actually originate from. The Russians have always been good with “suggestions,” giving nudges to unwitting Americans. The use of Facebook in recent years just makes it more efficient and they do not need diplomatic cover to do it.
While the author attempts to tell a complete story, a lot of what is here isn’t 100% corroborated. It feels all too positive, with a lot of points in between the dots seem to be missing. It is during the later years the book loses its edge. The author himself plays up there are scoops within, but it doesn’t feel that way. I wonder if it is the 10+ years since publication that causes it to be not as impactful.
Here we have a biography of a high ranking former KGB/SVR officer. He tells his story of being inducted into the KGB all the way through his defection. Many of his tales touch on many of the Russian spy scandals in the USA, where traitors stole information to give to their Russian handlers.
The more interesting part is the how the KGB develops its officers and then sends them out into the world. The Russians are really good at developing sources, sometimes taking years. Their goal is to compromise the source, slowing reeling them in.
One warning from the book is to always wonder where talking points actually originate from. The Russians have always been good with “suggestions,” giving nudges to unwitting Americans. The use of Facebook in recent years just makes it more efficient and they do not need diplomatic cover to do it.
While the author attempts to tell a complete story, a lot of what is here isn’t 100% corroborated. It feels all too positive, with a lot of points in between the dots seem to be missing. It is during the later years the book loses its edge. The author himself plays up there are scoops within, but it doesn’t feel that way. I wonder if it is the 10+ years since publication that causes it to be not as impactful.
December 25, 2023
The irony of the back page quote, “Everyone wants to be James Bond, but I am the real James Bond…” makes this a humorous read. Of course, espionage turns out to be mostly paperwork, reporting back to headquarters, and the occasional expensive lunch.
Most interesting from the book sheds light on perhaps what’s happening today, regarding the subtle nudge to anti-American sentiments on social media, or at least the subtle pitting against between groups with disinformation that reads like good information. Comrade J explains the heart of Russian disinformation spreading, stating that the idea is to have it be “99 percent accurate but… contain[ing] a kernel of disinformation that favored Russian foreign policy.”
It’s in that one percent, in the slightest detail. And the process of accomplishing this is nothing like James Bond. Perhaps the best example of this is Comrade J’s blood pressure. You can picture it: James Bond, after crashing a priceless sports car (a necessary loss in pursuit of the enemy) looking down at his watch that doubles as a heart monitor reading a cool 58 beats per minute. However, Sergei, Comrade J and the real life James Bond, deals with blood pressure that is constantly through the roof — in other words, as anyone’s blood pressure would actually be in that line of work.
Most interesting from the book sheds light on perhaps what’s happening today, regarding the subtle nudge to anti-American sentiments on social media, or at least the subtle pitting against between groups with disinformation that reads like good information. Comrade J explains the heart of Russian disinformation spreading, stating that the idea is to have it be “99 percent accurate but… contain[ing] a kernel of disinformation that favored Russian foreign policy.”
It’s in that one percent, in the slightest detail. And the process of accomplishing this is nothing like James Bond. Perhaps the best example of this is Comrade J’s blood pressure. You can picture it: James Bond, after crashing a priceless sports car (a necessary loss in pursuit of the enemy) looking down at his watch that doubles as a heart monitor reading a cool 58 beats per minute. However, Sergei, Comrade J and the real life James Bond, deals with blood pressure that is constantly through the roof — in other words, as anyone’s blood pressure would actually be in that line of work.
July 28, 2017
I almost felt bad giving this book a five star rating as I have never particularly like the idea of spying, generally, no matter who is spying on whom. As the volume conclude Sergei Tretyakov rationalizes his betrayal of Russia (the Soviet Union?)(the KGB) by designating himself an American patriot. Perhaps a stretch, but as Sergei relates the story of how the KGB gutted the republics one can sympathize with hie outlook.
I recall clearly reading of the cruelties visited upon draftees in the army, and choking on the thought that sadistic KGB/SVR/FSB were given free reign toe "toughen up the troups - pretty much disgusting. Tretyakov's story lends no credence to the thought that the FSB masqueraded as Chechnyan terrorist to blow up Moscow apartments to engender sympathy for a new regime of "law and order," but one wonders, based on lot of other bureaucratic infighting. Gives new meaning (and impetus??) to Trump's draining of the Washington (intelligence?) swamp.
I recall clearly reading of the cruelties visited upon draftees in the army, and choking on the thought that sadistic KGB/SVR/FSB were given free reign toe "toughen up the troups - pretty much disgusting. Tretyakov's story lends no credence to the thought that the FSB masqueraded as Chechnyan terrorist to blow up Moscow apartments to engender sympathy for a new regime of "law and order," but one wonders, based on lot of other bureaucratic infighting. Gives new meaning (and impetus??) to Trump's draining of the Washington (intelligence?) swamp.
April 2, 2018
Anyone who is interested in the complicated relationship between Russia and the United States should read this book.
Sergei Tretyakov defected in October of 2000, his words from th epilouge:
-No one recruited me, no one approached me.
-I was not seduced, blackmailed, or bribed.
-I had a promising future.
-We (me and my family) have never regretted our decision.
-I never asked for compensation from the U.S. all money from the U.S. was out if gratitude.
Two reasons for defection:
1. Growing disgust and contempt for the actions of the new Russian government. Genocide of the Russian people by evil leaders. It became immoral to server the new Russian government.
2. My daughter's future.
I want my new compatriots to know who I am, and to help enter into a new era of cooperation. However, it is naive to think that the Russia and the U.S. could ever be allies. Russia is doing everything it can to undermine and embarrass the U.S. I do not feel that I have betrayed Russia, I feel Russia has betrayed me.
Sergei Tretyakov defected in October of 2000, his words from th epilouge:
-No one recruited me, no one approached me.
-I was not seduced, blackmailed, or bribed.
-I had a promising future.
-We (me and my family) have never regretted our decision.
-I never asked for compensation from the U.S. all money from the U.S. was out if gratitude.
Two reasons for defection:
1. Growing disgust and contempt for the actions of the new Russian government. Genocide of the Russian people by evil leaders. It became immoral to server the new Russian government.
2. My daughter's future.
I want my new compatriots to know who I am, and to help enter into a new era of cooperation. However, it is naive to think that the Russia and the U.S. could ever be allies. Russia is doing everything it can to undermine and embarrass the U.S. I do not feel that I have betrayed Russia, I feel Russia has betrayed me.
January 20, 2025
Very good book. First one of the year for me! I did start it 8 days ago, which is crazy to me. Anyway. The story was incredibly compelling, with a man that has a truly unique perspective and angle of the counter intelligence world. The story is not just about a man’s journey into CI and then to defection, but how the world and countries within it changed, leading to the climate in which one would defect. Betrayal not by himself but by the system and its leaders. Some parts humored me too, as the information was shocking and just absurd. The narrator for the audiobook sounded like a well lived grandpa, and I loved it. Great book, fantastic story.
April 7, 2020
Overall a decent read and informative. Obviously, covers active measure operations concerning nuclear winter (albeit briefly) which Wish the author was able to add citations and get personnel involved from FBI and CIA who were involved actually better on record. Lastly, it is a shame that Sergai has since passed and cannot be interviewed any longer to re-address some of the chapters lacking. The tradecraft mention within was informative and how internal politics within KGB/SVR work, etc. Places a different framework to think of the Yeltsin era etc.
April 17, 2020
Quote from the book - words by Sergei Tretyakov, former Russian SVR officer in Canada and the U.S./Citata iš knygos - buvusio Rusijos SVR karininko Kanadoje ir JAV Sergej Tretjakov žodžiai:
"After the collapse of the Soviet Union, the United States and Russia entered into what was supposed to be a new era of cooperation. The Cold War was behind us. We could become friends. Many in the U.S. believe today the old Spy-versus-Spy days are finished. <...> Russia was suddenly, and is today viewed as, an ally, even a friend of the U.S. In speaking out, I hope to expose how naive this is. <...> Nothing has changed. Russia is doing everything it can today to embarrass the U.S. Let me repeat this. Russia is doing everything it can today to undermine and embarrass the U.S."
"After the collapse of the Soviet Union, the United States and Russia entered into what was supposed to be a new era of cooperation. The Cold War was behind us. We could become friends. Many in the U.S. believe today the old Spy-versus-Spy days are finished. <...> Russia was suddenly, and is today viewed as, an ally, even a friend of the U.S. In speaking out, I hope to expose how naive this is. <...> Nothing has changed. Russia is doing everything it can today to embarrass the U.S. Let me repeat this. Russia is doing everything it can today to undermine and embarrass the U.S."
January 31, 2025
okay I see those bad reviews and I wanna say if you were expecting a James Bond spy fiction type novel…then go read a James Bond spy fiction type novel my god. This book is about Russia counterintelligence in the US from the guy who ran it. This was by far, the most interesting counterintelligence book I have read. The way this explains clearly why and how the KGB and SVR operate the way they do, chef’s kiss. The crisis of faith this man has with his motherland? Very relevant to current events. I encourage everyone to read it.
November 10, 2025
A great biography of a Soviet/Russian spy who also defected to the West in 2000. The contents of the book - at least to me - closely resembles the US TV series "The Amerikans" (is it with a K or a C, not sure).
Tretyakov is spilling the beans on how Russia's spy machine carried on even after the end of the Cold War, much like what probably the Americans did to them.
The book tells a story how the Russians were running "honey traps", how they foiled US aid to Georgia etc.
It makes you feel that the end of the Cold War was just halftime for Putin.
A must-read!
Tretyakov is spilling the beans on how Russia's spy machine carried on even after the end of the Cold War, much like what probably the Americans did to them.
The book tells a story how the Russians were running "honey traps", how they foiled US aid to Georgia etc.
It makes you feel that the end of the Cold War was just halftime for Putin.
A must-read!
July 11, 2017
While interesting, this book wasn't quite what I was expecting and took longer to read than I would have liked due to a lack of excitement. I've read quite a few factual accounts of Russian spies and all of the other books have been much more exciting. This book focuses much less (actually, almost not at all) on Tretyakov's spying and more on his career in the KGB and SVR and what types of things he did and saw which ultimately led to his defection.
December 31, 2017
An extended resume
This book reads like a 337 page resume rather than a gripping story. I still can't figure out whether that's because Sergei Tretyakov's story just wasn't that interesting, the author couldn't connect with him emotionally, or couldn't figure out how to put the story in compelling enough context for this reader. It was good enough for me to suggest you buy it and see what you think.
This book reads like a 337 page resume rather than a gripping story. I still can't figure out whether that's because Sergei Tretyakov's story just wasn't that interesting, the author couldn't connect with him emotionally, or couldn't figure out how to put the story in compelling enough context for this reader. It was good enough for me to suggest you buy it and see what you think.
July 6, 2017
Excellent Andy timely
Understanding Russia and its perspective is important. This book, giving a high level Russian spy's view of his country and why he defected to the west gives one mans account. The fall of the Soviet Union, the rise of Yeltsin, the changes this period brought are important in international affairs. This book sheds light on what happened.
Understanding Russia and its perspective is important. This book, giving a high level Russian spy's view of his country and why he defected to the west gives one mans account. The fall of the Soviet Union, the rise of Yeltsin, the changes this period brought are important in international affairs. This book sheds light on what happened.
March 10, 2018
Although I did not completely finish the book on (pg 284) it was a very interesting book. The main character Sergei was born in Russia. In the story you follow his story in coming into the KGB and eventually leaving it. The book did have some confusing parts that were unclear. There were so many characters to keep track of and so many acronyms to remember it got kind of confusing
August 4, 2021
Averaging from Eh to boring, this spy story really falls short on the spy part and lacks considerably on the story part. I wanted it to be good, and even prepared myself for it to be a "I am the best spy ever" story but it never really got there. I did however enjoy the detail over the collapse of the Soviet Union, I just wasn't exactly sure why it was included in such detail.
November 3, 2023
Earley does much to both tell the story of Russian SVR defector Sergey Tretyakov and to do due diligence with his research. He does not take Tretyakov's statements fully at face value, but digs into them to find whether they are true. The result is a well balanced story of one of the most important post-Soviet Russian intelligence officer defectors.
September 20, 2025
To date the best spy book I've read. The true story of one of Russia's top spymasters that after years of spying on the U.S. decides in the aftermath of the old Soviet Union and the Gorbachev and Yeltsin regimes decides it's time to leave and live peacefully in the U.S. in the best interest of his family after Putin becomes President.
July 13, 2017
Mash sonirholtoi bailaa ghdee suuliin buleg heseg bol nomiin buh utga aguulga ter chigeeree baisan met sangdlaa.Eh oron ch hunuu ,urwagch hun uu gdg iig tuhain unshigch bidnii taamag l medeh yum bnaa.
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