What do you think?
Rate this book
The Bridge : "Life in the Shadows"
Christopher Ogden, Moscow UPI Correspondent, twice NY Times bestselling author. “I had no idea what you were up to when we were there...I could not put it down. You captured those times perfectly. Wonderful book!”"Love learning about life in Moscow while following the twists and turns in this plot. If you liked A Gentleman in Moscow or Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, then read this next!" Charles Martin"A love story, a spy story, and a great look into Soviet Russia."“The Bridge,” tells where and how it all began, for a number of us willing to say yes to adventure. “This Bridge” shares actual events with a creative narrative connecting the circumstances for those not familiar with the history under Communist rule in the CCCP.“Any fan of spy novels, history (particularly Cold War history), will enjoy The Bridge" E.Vance
London - Helsinki - Tashkent 1978
Michael Garrett is asked by Natalie, his lover and member of French Intelligence, to travel to Tashkent to meet the Colonel she had been running for years. Her abrupt departure from Moscow and relocation to Paris has strained the management of the most strategically placed agent the French had ever developed. Neither she nor her backup can make the trip that she feels will provide vital information to the west. She reluctantly asks Michael to make the meeting.
Before he departs for Tashkent and that meeting, share his journey as he joins the Australian Secret Intelligence Service in 1972, years before the world knew the Australians had an Intelligence Service. Follow his exploits across Russia with Jack, ASIS Station Chief, and other remarkable people along the way.
London - Helsinki - Tashkent 1978
Michael Garrett is asked by Natalie, his lover and member of French Intelligence, to travel to Tashkent to meet the Colonel she had been running for years. Her abrupt departure from Moscow and relocation to Paris has strained the management of the most strategically placed agent the French had ever developed. Neither she nor her backup can make the trip that she feels will provide vital information to the west. She reluctantly asks Michael to make the meeting.
Before he departs for Tashkent and that meeting, share his journey as he joins the Australian Secret Intelligence Service in 1972, years before the world knew the Australians had an Intelligence Service. Follow his exploits across Russia with Jack, ASIS Station Chief, and other remarkable people along the way.
289 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 29, 2021
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
April 5, 2023
Well executed
This book will appeal to people that take special interest in spy thrillers. It is well researched and keeps the reader on edge.
Plotline unveils steadily and narration justifies the overall feel of the main story. The author has given chilling details of each character highlighting their role.
It is definitely a mature and elaborate read catering to a specific genre. If you enjoy stories true to life, then this one is for you.
This book will appeal to people that take special interest in spy thrillers. It is well researched and keeps the reader on edge.
Plotline unveils steadily and narration justifies the overall feel of the main story. The author has given chilling details of each character highlighting their role.
It is definitely a mature and elaborate read catering to a specific genre. If you enjoy stories true to life, then this one is for you.
March 19, 2022
Without doubt this is a good read: most informative about the life, the history and the culture of Russia: one will gain a lot from it. And, the author has, I do believe, spent time in Soviet Russia: if not, he has done a first-class job with his research [of Soviet Russia].
The story takes you to a great many places within Soviet Russia and each time you are treated with a little history, rich descriptions of the area and the attractions visited: it well worth taking the time over.
I have, myself, endured the hilarity of the mill-stone of bureaucracy that follows 'the foreigner' around during his stay. This book does give you a good enough hint: at all times maintain a sense of humour - without it the daily chore will give you thoughts of ending it all [your visit that is].
Arriving in Moscow in 1988, I made the decision to spend my first few nights in the Rossiya Hotel (allowing time to get travel docs sorted). During the seventies this was said to be the largest hotel in the world and said to offer close on 3,000 guest rooms). Passport and docs checked at the main entrance (passport photocopied), walk 50 or so metres to the reception desks where passport and docs checked and photocopied (passport held by reception - I am given a photocopy), with room key I go to the elevator 40 or so metres away where my docs are checked and a photocopy of the photocopy is taken, exit lift on my floor and my docs are checked and a photocopy of the photocopy is taken. At each point of document checking all my details are written into a log book. An hour later I decide to visit one of their many restaurants: you can imagine the palaver I went through to get a meal.
I must mention that the research of London was not as good as it could have been: the SIS building on the Thames was not built until 1994 - difficult to see how the main protagonist and the Aussie spy nipped over to 'Babylon-on-Thames' to speak with the Brits, many years before the foundations were dug. I only highlight this in full knowledge that my friend, Clive (a recent - but very well-read - addition to this website's readers list), might cast an eye over this at some point, if not already, and he will definitely pick up on the error.
The story takes you to a great many places within Soviet Russia and each time you are treated with a little history, rich descriptions of the area and the attractions visited: it well worth taking the time over.
I have, myself, endured the hilarity of the mill-stone of bureaucracy that follows 'the foreigner' around during his stay. This book does give you a good enough hint: at all times maintain a sense of humour - without it the daily chore will give you thoughts of ending it all [your visit that is].
Arriving in Moscow in 1988, I made the decision to spend my first few nights in the Rossiya Hotel (allowing time to get travel docs sorted). During the seventies this was said to be the largest hotel in the world and said to offer close on 3,000 guest rooms). Passport and docs checked at the main entrance (passport photocopied), walk 50 or so metres to the reception desks where passport and docs checked and photocopied (passport held by reception - I am given a photocopy), with room key I go to the elevator 40 or so metres away where my docs are checked and a photocopy of the photocopy is taken, exit lift on my floor and my docs are checked and a photocopy of the photocopy is taken. At each point of document checking all my details are written into a log book. An hour later I decide to visit one of their many restaurants: you can imagine the palaver I went through to get a meal.
I must mention that the research of London was not as good as it could have been: the SIS building on the Thames was not built until 1994 - difficult to see how the main protagonist and the Aussie spy nipped over to 'Babylon-on-Thames' to speak with the Brits, many years before the foundations were dug. I only highlight this in full knowledge that my friend, Clive (a recent - but very well-read - addition to this website's readers list), might cast an eye over this at some point, if not already, and he will definitely pick up on the error.
November 10, 2021
Living in dangerous and extraordinary times...
The Bridge: Life in the Shadows is the first book chronologically in M. Barrett Miller's "Life in the Shadows" series which includes Oo-roo and Beyond the Black Stump. The series brings together characters from America, London, Australia, France, and Dublin who form a mostly "off the books" espionage force.
In The Bridge, Miller tells the story of how the "Life in the Shadows" gang starts to come together in the Cold War era in the Soviet Union, while under the tension and constant eye of their Soviet hosts. Mick, a high ranking manager for American Express in Moscow, is in a unique position to move between American and foreign diplomatic and business groups where he enjoys extraordinary experiences and perilous adventures.
Miller's characters and story are engaging and his narrative is filled with vivid and personal descriptions of the historical and cultural sites Mick visits, formal diplomatic functions, and everyday life in the CCCP for both foreigners and Soviet citizens. Bits of historical information are interspersed with the narrative to give the reader background to the people and action.
Any fan of spy novels, history (particularly Cold War history), or travelogues will enjoy The Bridge: Life in the Shadows.
The Bridge: Life in the Shadows is the first book chronologically in M. Barrett Miller's "Life in the Shadows" series which includes Oo-roo and Beyond the Black Stump. The series brings together characters from America, London, Australia, France, and Dublin who form a mostly "off the books" espionage force.
In The Bridge, Miller tells the story of how the "Life in the Shadows" gang starts to come together in the Cold War era in the Soviet Union, while under the tension and constant eye of their Soviet hosts. Mick, a high ranking manager for American Express in Moscow, is in a unique position to move between American and foreign diplomatic and business groups where he enjoys extraordinary experiences and perilous adventures.
Miller's characters and story are engaging and his narrative is filled with vivid and personal descriptions of the historical and cultural sites Mick visits, formal diplomatic functions, and everyday life in the CCCP for both foreigners and Soviet citizens. Bits of historical information are interspersed with the narrative to give the reader background to the people and action.
Any fan of spy novels, history (particularly Cold War history), or travelogues will enjoy The Bridge: Life in the Shadows.
July 8, 2022
What it’s like to live in Russia in the time of communists
Fascinating historical read that is well researched descriptive and engaging. Communism is a fascinating topic that is definitely hard to understand. How could it have ever existed? This book gives you a pretty interesting outlook. You feel like you are right in it and staying involved every bit of the way. I’m impressed by this authors ability to weave together an interesting tale from history.
Fascinating historical read that is well researched descriptive and engaging. Communism is a fascinating topic that is definitely hard to understand. How could it have ever existed? This book gives you a pretty interesting outlook. You feel like you are right in it and staying involved every bit of the way. I’m impressed by this authors ability to weave together an interesting tale from history.
September 24, 2021
"The Bridge." The following was received by email from one who was there. He was attached to the British Embassy. "Thank you for bringing back into focus what was going on beyond our ability to see and comprehend. Life in the shadows - indeed. Your concluding chapters underscore the tragedy of politicians ignoring intelligence when it doesn't fit their worldview full of dreams versus reality."
February 16, 2024
An incredible true account that reads like an action packed movie
I devoured this novel within 2 days. It kept me turning the pages as I learned all about what it was like living under communist russia. The author tells his stories so eloquently. I would reccomend this to anyone who enjoys spy novels
I devoured this novel within 2 days. It kept me turning the pages as I learned all about what it was like living under communist russia. The author tells his stories so eloquently. I would reccomend this to anyone who enjoys spy novels
September 21, 2021
Grand adventure
Received from one who was there. “Thank you for bringing back into focus what was going on beyond our ability to see and comprehend. Your concluding chapters underscore the tragedy of politicians ignoring intelligence when it doesn’t fit their world view full of dreams versus reality. Life in the shadows - indeed…”
Received from one who was there. “Thank you for bringing back into focus what was going on beyond our ability to see and comprehend. Your concluding chapters underscore the tragedy of politicians ignoring intelligence when it doesn’t fit their world view full of dreams versus reality. Life in the shadows - indeed…”
March 23, 2023
Interesting
This is a story that I believe many readers are going to really like reading. It will keep you engaged
This is a story that I believe many readers are going to really like reading. It will keep you engaged
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews