Next Stop Execution: The Autobiography of Oleg Gordievsky

by Oleg Gordievsky

Oleg Gordievsky was the highest ranking KGB officer ever to work for Britain. For eleven years, from 1974 to 1985, he acted as a secret agent, reporting to the British Secret Intelligence Service while continuing to work as a KGB officer, first in Copenhagen, then in London. He provided Western security organizations with such a clear insight into the mind and methods of the KGB and the larger Soviet government that he has been credited with doing more than any other individual in the West to accelerate the collapse of Communism. In this thrilling memoir, Gordievsky lays out his extraordinary, meticulously planned escape from Russia, a story that has been described as 'one of the boldest and most extraordinary episodes in the history of spying.' (Ben Macintyre - The Times ) Peopled with bizarre, dangerous and corrupt characters, Gordievsky introduces the reader to the fantastical world of the Soviet Embassy, tells of the British MPs and trade unionists who helped and took money from the KGB, and reveals at last what the author told Margaret Thatcher and other world leaders which made him of such value to the West. Gordievsky's autobiography gives a fascinating account of life as a secret agent. It also paints the most graphic picture yet of the paranoid incompetence, alongside the ruthless determination, of the all-encompassing and sometimes ridiculous KGB. Praise for Oleg Gordievsky... 'Gordievsky's extraordinary courage, mental toughness and self-possession are heroic.' - The Spectator Oleg Gordievsky was born in Moscow in 1938. He attended the Moscow State Institute of International Relations where he specialized in German. He was sent to East Berlin as a diplomatic trainee in August 1961. Two days after his arrival, the Wall went up. In 1962 he joined the KGB and was posted to Copenhagen and London. He worked as a secret agent for eleven years until his dramatic escape to the West in 1985. He is the author of The Inside Story.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Biography, Espionage, Russia, Politics, Memoir

466 pages, Paperback

First published March 24, 1995

About the author

Oleg Antonovich Gordievsky was a colonel of the KGB who became KGB resident-designate (rezident) and bureau chief in London.
Gordievsky was a double agent, providing information to the British Secret Intelligence Service (MI6) from 1974 to 1985. After being recalled to Moscow under suspicion, he was exfiltrated from the Soviet Union in July 1985 under a plan code-named Operation Pimlico. The Soviet Union subsequently sentenced him to death in absentia.

Reviews

[Kursad Albayraktaroglu · Rating 5 out of 5]

I remember reading about Gordievsky’s escape to the West as a 12-year old crazy about spies and everything spy-related (yes, dear reader - my interest in espionage runs that deep). In addition to being a hero for most of us in the Western world, Gordievsky is also one of the very few people who can genuinely claim to have saved the world - the information he leaked helped defuse the tensions when the Soviets were going bonkers about something called RYAN : supposedly a plan for a nuclear first strike by the evil capitalists against their lovely proletarian paradise.

Gordievsky is a good writer and presents a very good chronicle of his life, his disillusionment with the Soviet system, and his intelligence career. Parts of the book read like a fast-paced thriller; and his descriptions of KGB tradecraft, the “illegals” program, and his eventual escape are simply great. I especially liked the section where he describes his meeting with Aldrich Ames before Ames was caught and found out to be the person who betrayed him to the KGB.

Overall, a great read for anyone interested in Cold War intelligence & counterintelligence. Gordievsky’s description of his life in the West and his longing for his birth country are poignant. At least Gordievsky escaped and lived a full life : many others betrayed by Ames were not so lucky and were executed in the USSR. (Ames, of course, is rotting away in a federal prison; still clothed and fed by the country he betrayed)

[Jeff Parry · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Great Read

This helped to bring to life the background of what was happening in my childhood. I remember the events of the late 70's/early 80's and this helped illuminate what was going on. This is well written and moves us along. It highlights one man's struggle against a totalitarian state and is honest in dealing with his faults and how his life changed so dramatically. Well worth reading for anyone interested in the period and one man's journey to betrayal and freedom.

[Matīss Mintāls · Rating 4 out of 5]

Diezgan interesanta spiega autobiogrāfija. Lai arī kopumā grāmata diezgan virspusēji izstāsta par spiega skolu, pienākumiem un dzīvi vispār, kaut kādu apjausmu gūt tomēr var. Spraigākā daļa, protams, ir nodaļa par Gordijevska kurmja lomas atklāšanu un eksfiltrāciju, pārējais vairāk vai mazāk pelēkā ikdiena.
Nepatika tas, ka apmēram grāmatas pusē viņa stāstījumā parādās diezgan augstprātīgs tonis, cik ļoti viņš inteliģents uz pārējās PSRS fona, cik progresīvs un visādi citādi labāks par citiem. Jo tuvāk grāmatas beigām, jo šī attieksme kļuva arvien uzkrītošāka. Vienubrīd likās, ka viņš gribēja pārbēgt tieši dēļ skaistām mantām, nevis neciešamās dzīves Padomju Savienībā dēļ.
Ja lasa ar vēsu prātu un kritisku pieeju, tad diezgan labs materiāls, labāks par viduvēju.

[Frida Dillenbeck · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read the Ben MacIntyre book about this KGB agent's escape from Russia which lead me to google Oleg Gordievsky where I learned of his own life memoir. The memoir was emotionally charged from start to finish. Growing up in greyness and fear lead him in search of freedom. Enjoyed Mr. Gordievsky's life story immensely!

[Konstantin Antypenko · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really good written autobiography book about defecting KGB agent working British and Danish embassy.

[John Fullerton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exciting, moving and fascinating personal tale spanning the last and probably most dangerous years of the Cold War and the transition to the new Russian state in which the author, a senior KGB officer and defector, played a not insignificant role in helping the Western alliance cope with the most dangerous aspects of Soviet espionage. The author comes across as a decent, tolerant, thoughtful and highly intelligent man with a sense of humour who struggles between his instinctive loyalty to his country and his growing awareness of the sheer nastiness inherent in the Soviet system. He's honest about his own shortcomings and fears, personal faults and failures, touchingly so. He reflects deeply on his reactions to events and his family problems. On occasion he seems to swing too far the other way, enthusiastically and uncritically embracing the Anglo-Saxon way of life and consumer culture, which certainly isn't perfect. All in all a thoroughly enjoyable, well-written and informative insight by one man at the sharp end of Centre (now SVR) foreign operations who committed the terrible crime of thinking for himself and yet survived with a little help from his SIS friends. Bravo, Oleg!

[Martijn Groot · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was an eye-opener for me. I haven’t read many books, but I became interested in this one when I heard about his passing. The fact that he was a Soviet spy who defected to the West sounded like a thrilling story to me. However, now that I’ve read it, it was so much more than just a thrilling spy story (which it still is, by the way).
It taught me how the Soviet system worked, silencing and oppressing its own people (still relevant to this day with Putin as leader of Russia and ICE crackdowns in the USA). It shows how a system can twist narratives and opinions through propaganda. It’s a book that puts this all in perspective with real-world events and great storytelling.


Caution: Minor spoiler






I found the most beautiful part of the book to be the end, when Gordievsky accepts and understands how Leila had come to think about him.

[Florence Buchholz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oleg Gordievsky was raised in a KGB family. You could say it was the family business. His father, his brother, and his first wife were all members of the infamous organization. Although he joined at a young age, his heart was never really in it. Oleg resented the strict discipline, the endless paperwork, the malevolent atmosphere. He felt constricted by the grayness of Soviet life. So he sacrificed his home, his marriage, his family and nearly his life to spy for Britain during the Cold War. He professed admiration and loyalty to Britain and they returned the favor, helping him with a daring escape from Moscow. At the age of 82 he still lives in Britain in a secret location. I hope that he has plenty of protection.

[Ilze Paegle-Mkrtčjana · Rating 3 out of 5]

AUTObiogrāfija. Nuja. Šķiet, visprecīzāk to varētu raksturot autora dārgā kolēğa Kima Filbija veltījums, ierakstīts kādā grāmatā par Kimu Filbiju. Tas skanēja šādi: "Nekad neticiet rakstītam vārdam."

[AKMENTINA · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just before this book, I read I Chose Freedom by Viktor Kravchenko, who experienced Communist terror first hand as Party member and highly prominent engineer, and eventually, managed to defect 1944. His book provided me with great insight of Russian soul and values before Red Plague infested the country and ceaseless sufferings and humiliations the nation endured after the revolutionaries won their fight. Therefore, I found Next Stop Execution an exceptionally absorbing account of the lives of people that were born after Stalin forced on country his own version and translation of the events of his own making that took place before 1940 and had successfully indoctrinated the minds of new generations as regime adoring homines sovietici.

There is such a clear distinction in the way the minds of these two men of different generations were built and perceived the regime they were forced to live in. I hope Oleg Gordievsky had the chance to learn more about the course of his country, and especially Holodomor and constant Purges that lasted nearly 5 years starting in mid 1930’s that destroyed over 20 million lives. I also sincerely hope that after he was free of his mind being constantly bombarded into functioning as a machine, he had the ability to connect to his heart.

[Fictionatnight · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oleg Gordievsky was the highest-ranking KGB office ever to work for Britain. For eleven years, from 1974 – 1985, he acted as a secret agent, reporting to the British Secret Intelligence Service while continuing to work as a KGB officer.

The author comes across as a highly intelligent man who is honest about his own shortcomings & failures. Oleg Gordievsky provides a fascinating insight into life as a secret agent, the workings of the KGB, everyday life in the Soviet Union, and the breath-taking escape to the West.

The audiobook is over 17h long and narrated by Saul Reichlin. It is a shame that his marriage to Leila didn’t survive after his escape, and I can only hope that his daughters are able to visit him.  

Next Stop Execution is a fascinating true story of espionage at a high level and difficult to put down if you are interested in the subject. 

[Tobias · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting, well written book. It gives a fascinating insight into the world of espionage during the 70s and 80s. You get a sense that Gordievsky is seeking affirmation for his actions at times, but the list of interviews and high profile audiences (Thatcher, Reagan, etc) gives an indication of the impact his activities had, and underscores the reality of some of his more outlandish claims. Very much a window onto a bygone era, the trade craft and detail is still fascinating.

[John Luzier · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting book

It was a little dry and dragged through parts, but on the whole a fascinating look at the life of double agent.

[Michael Bully · Rating 3 out of 5]

War Like a Wasp: The Lost Decade of the Forties
War Like a Wasp: The Lost Decade of the Forties
by Andrew Sinclair
Edition: Hardcover

5.0 out of 5 stars A valuable resource indeed, 3 Jan. 2017
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This review is from: War Like a Wasp: The Lost Decade of the Forties (Hardcover)
" I would rather have been in London under siege between 1940 and 1945 than anywhere else " (Author ) John Lehman said "Except perhaps Troy in the time that Homer celebrated."
I am studying World War 2 poetry so a crucial read. It's a veritable encyclopedia of the era. Probably a long decade - from the ending of the Spanish Civil War until the Festival of Britain, so effectively Spring 1939 - Spring 1951. Of course some of the individuals from this era are well studied, Francis Bacon, Dylan Thomas. Henry Moore, Laurence Olivier,for instance. Other figures who appeared at the time such as William Golding, Mervyn Peake, Keith Vaughn, John Minton, were to become famous later. A few such as Alan Ross, Vernon Scannell, Roy Fuller, were to become recognised. There are fewer references to George Orwell than one would have expected, even though his four volume collection of letters and essays were published long before this book was written.
Yes this book is vital for anyone interested in the culture of the 1940's particularly the Second World. The covers, stage, screen, sculpture, novels, and poetry- in fact page after page features contemporary quotes. The title in fact from 'Epilogue, Testimony, and Prophecy' by John Bayliss. The work of Alan Ross, John Jarmain, John Pudney, Alun Lewis, Edith Sitwell. Hamish Henderson , are all cited. A Roll call of poets, artists and writers who died in the Second World War is offered.
A huge amount of drinking and urgent living took place as the city was being bombed. The artists and writers of the time had to deal with loss , deprivation, the realisation of the concentration camps and the atomic bombs. Promiscuity was more common, Some came to terms with the horror of the time - such as Francis Bacon, others such as the New Apocalypse poets such as John Hendry and Henry Treece floundered. The rise of the BBC, documentary film making,could help fund the artist ( again I am surprised Orwell's letters were not drawn on in this respect).
This author portrays a grudging patriotism. No indication is given of any great support for the Peace Pledge Union, though Conscientious Objectors and deserters were welcomed. Other 'outsiders' such as the extrovert homosexual Quentin Crisp were also accepted.
Not indexed alas, and the references for each chapter are published at the very end of the book so difficult to trace quotes and sources at times. Also very centred round Fitzrovia- with a huge array of pub 'characters' and drinking tales are added to the book.Just a little about Scotland, Ulster and Wales but English regionalism is overlooked.
But these are minor concerns compared with the huge range of information about poetry, novels, the stage, which makes this work a valuable resource.
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Next Stop Execution: The Autobiography of Oleg Gordievsky
Next Stop Execution: The Autobiography of Oleg Gordievsky
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4.0 out of 5 stars A vital contribution to Cold War spy writing, 2 Jan. 2017
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This review is from: Next Stop Execution: The Autobiography of Oleg Gordievsky (Kindle Edition)
A high ranking KGB officer working for Western intelligence, Oleg Gordiesvky is largely credited with warning his foreign contacts how seriously the Soviet Union were considering the prospect of a NATO nuclear first strike-allegedly misinterpreting the NATO Able Arch exercise of November 1983 as the start of actual hostilities. Also for identifying the potential of Mikhail Gorbachev as someone the West could do business with.
Not all of his claims are universally accepted- the publication of his assertion that a major Labour Party luminary was working for the KGB led to ‘The Times’ paying a hefty out of court settlement to this politician in 1995. This version of ‘Next Stop Execution’ does not repeat the claim.

Starts off with the author’s 1985 defection to the West, then presents valuable background to life in the former Soviet Union. Gordiesvky’s father was uncritical of communism, an unquestioning party man, whilst his maternal uncle was sentenced to ten years imprisonment merely for criticising collective agriculture. The Stalin regime’s moves against religion, then against Jews are covered, and the prospect of a thaw in hardline Communism between the death of Stalin and the suppression of the Hungarian revolt in 1956 make fascinating reading. Gordiesvky comes over as someone disillusioned with Communism rather than completely opposed to its idealism.

There's a fascinating section of being in the DDR in 1961 at the time that the Berlin Wall is being constructed. The author’s gradual pro-Western stance after Czechoslovakia in 1968, his time in Denmark and Britain, his comparison between Communism and the West are certainly worth reading. Gordiesvky’s depiction of Kim Philby training KGB agents in British manners is entertaining. The endless attempts by both sides in the Cold War to tentatively find , then to cultivate contacts amongst individuals disillusioned with their respective regimes, are depicted well.

Perhaps not surprisingly Gordiesvky has little time for Western radicalism, believing that the antics of the 1980’s Peace Movement were effectively benefiting the Soviet Union. He also maintains several leading British Trade Unionist and other Leftists helpful to the KGB in Britain. Whether they were ‘useful idiots’ or seriously committed to assisting the Soviets is open to question. The only time he is critical of Mrs. Thatcher is when he feels that she was trying to use his expertise to oppose German unification.

Overall we have to rely on Gordiesvsky version of events to a large extent, though his supporters will argue that his claims against journalist Richard Gott, and Trade Union leader Jack Jones have been vindicated from other source.Never sure if we can entirely trust the word of a double agent, but felt that the book is readable, in fact entertaining in places and that Gordiesvky 's motives for betraying the Soviet Union were honourable. But there's also a point where regardless of what I think as a reader, this book is a vital contribution to Cold War spy writing and needs to be read.

[Kathy Fritschi · Rating 5 out of 5]

The unlikely recruit

The biography of an unusually open minded Russian who didn’t turn a blind eye to the shortcomings of the Soviet system, whilst Becoming part of the elite KBG Corps. He saw the internal rot That oppressed Soviet citizens and the nefarious attempts of the KGB to undermine Western society. Gordievsky portrays himself as an unique ideological purist with good judgement who fearlessly weighed the difference between The Soviet system as it was and his first-hand experience of Western Democratic society (however limited his exposure ) He chose a risky tightrope, pretending loyalty to his Soviet masters while seeking to expose the duplicity of his organization to Western intelligence. He was a realist who portrays Russian and Western authorities in a fair manner but often gives unflattering observations of Soviet leaders, and their companions. An Eye opening exposé of a paranoid and secretive system, The author is not without humor if occasionally droll in his commentary.

[Martin Ball · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really expected to enjoy this book - I have to admit I listened to it on audible, but I abandoned it about 3 chapters in because I found it dry and very introspective. I appreciated the authors need to set the scene, and the desire to lay his early years out as an explanation for the decisions he made regarding future events, but some of it just wasn't relevant or interesting. His twice round the running track for example as the extent of his athletic ability was over sharing and unnecessary. Anyone with the drive to be a spy on this level is necessarily self centred, motivated and committed to their path, including abandoning family at the drop of a hat, but that mind set results in a narcissism that lends to Oleg thinking we should be interested in a lot of stuff about him that we don't need, or more likely even want, to hear.

[Ryan Chase · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book. Oleg is one of my heroes and it was an honour to read his account of his life, courage, and incredible story. It was especially sentimental as Oleg peacefully passed away earlier this year.

I read Ben MacIntrye’s “The Spy and The Traitor” first (another fantastic book and is the biography of Oleg’s story). I would recommend reading them in this sequence, “The Spy and The Traitor” casts a wide net of the general story with Oleg’s “Next Stop Execution” being more granular and detailed to fill the gaps.

Rest in peace Oleg. Thank you for having the courage to risk your life protecting the sovereignty of the West and exposing the dark side of communism. Most of all, thank you for having the courage to stand up for what you truly believed was right - it’s an inspiration for everyone.

[Ethan H · Rating 4 out of 5]

The second former KGB agent’s memoir I read(listened to)(The narration is too slow so I listened to it in 1.2 speed) The first one I read was Jack Barsky’s. Although Oleg is more much and knowledgeable experienced expert and diplomat, clearly an expert on geopolitics, whose information and knowledge proved extremely valuable to the West. but I found his less interesting of a character. His recounts of life events feels a lack of emotional depth to me. When it comes to women, his descriptions of them could be overly focused on appearances.

Nevertheless, it’s still a book you can’t miss since there aren’t many memoirs of KGB agents out there.

[Claudiu · Rating 4 out of 5]

Apart from a relatively large amount of lengthy and boring facts and characters (around 1/4 of the whole content), I found the book really interesting. It is a testimony of an kgb agent born in Soviet Russia (and surrended by its propaganda) which, driven by curiosity, readings and the knowledge of many foreign languages, had a shock when encounterred the western and nordic Europe and its view towards the soviet union. Especially the Soviet invasion of Prague in 1968 and the settlement of the Berlin wall played key roles.
Very interesting is also the doubling, Oleg having to keep secret his 2nd life which irremediably affected the rest of his personal life. Recommended!

[Natalia · Rating 4 out of 5]

the thing with autobiographies of KGB (or Mossad or CIA) defectors is you can never know whether they're reliable narrators or they're deceiving readers by using the skills that made them such skillful intelligence operatives in the first place...i guess we'll never know whether gordievsky wanted out since his early intelligence days in copenhagen but still his account is very interesting. i was particularly intrigued by his upbringing (and how it shaped his beliefs), his relationship with his handlers from british intelligence, his first impression on gorbachev when he visited britain, and ofc his conversations with thatcher.

[Josef Gottlieb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Diary of a Double Agent

Oleg Gordievsky's autobiography is thrilling, revealing, emotional, and compelling. From his childhood, through KGB training, and on to his recruitment by MI6, Gordievsky writes in a personal, candid style. While he is not specific with the intelligence he provided the British (for obvious reasons), he is much more forthcoming with the circumstances surrounding his decision to defect. Oleg Gordievsky reminds us why we value freedom, and why the evils of Communism can never win in the end.

[Adrian Brown · Rating 3 out of 5]

I also read The Spy and the Traitor by Ben McIntyre, which has the same subject. I wasn't sure if this would be interesting since I had finished The Spy and the Traitor immediately prior. However, I did enjoy it. McIntyre had clearly interviewed many people for their experiences, and this autobiography presented happenings from a single point of view. It was interesting to read them back to back - kind of like getting a deep dive on the main character of The Spy and the Traitor. It made both books more interesting.

[Dennis · Rating 4 out of 5]

My conclusion after reading this book is that I am very glad I was born in and continue to live in Australia. I have already read the biography of Oleg Gordievsky by Ben McIntyre, but this one is better. It paints a grim picture of life in Russia and I am sure its not any better now that the KGB has taken control of the country. It seems such a shame that the Russian people blew their chance to develop a free society after the collapse of communism. But I learned a lot about Russian society that I didn't know before so I would recommend it as a book for anyone who is curious about how life is behind the Iron Curtain.

[Byron I Barlow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Captivating and Educational

Oleg made his story interesting and easy to follow, considering the many unusual Russian names that he talked about. In addition, he did a wonderful job of describing the various environments, cultures and personalities that he encountered. The story was so compelling that I kept wondering when and how he would get caught. Great story, AND it's true!

[zikkery · Rating 4 out of 5]

The tantalizing nature of the subject carries the reader’s curiosity from cover to cover, and it starts out strong by using Oleg’s extraction story as the prologue, but then takes a huge step back to the beginning of his life in Chapter 1. I would have written it differently, but a great adventure nonetheless about an extremely influential personality in the Cold War.

+ points for not ghostwriting
- points for verbosity

[Olivia_IC · Rating 5 out of 5]

Opening on the moment of his outing as a British mole and dramatic escape from the Soviet Union, this book is immediately gripping. And for the most part it remains so. It was an easy read, full of intrigue and plotting and gives fascinating insights into how the KGB functioned.

It's easy to forgive the lack of any real self criticism or real depth in portraits of other characters for sheer adventure of reading this.

[ray kahler · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great insight into the personality of Russian culture

Since tracing my roots back to South Russia, I have read several books on life in this traditionally secret culture. Between the lines of this exciting story lies new insights in the more modern life. It's a great follow-up to "From Catherine to Khrushchev"

[Llew Sadler · Rating 3 out of 5]

Slightly disappointed

Chapter One was a brilliant ploy by the author.
I found it riveting and it filled me with great expiation.
The book is very informative about the KGB and everyday life in Russia, however as I read on I was somewhat put off by the amount of text devoted to ‘Blowing my own trumpe’ of the author.
Having said that the book is worth reading.

[Jeff Wombold · Rating 4 out of 5]

KGB

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and the insight it gave me into life in the Soviet union. It is a shame that his personal life didn't quite work out the way it should have. The world would get on so much better if every body would stop spying on one another and start sharing knowledge.

[Scarlett Griffin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating!

The bravery, intelligence and his commitment to expose the hate and evil of communism are a reflection of the author’s inner strength and desire to live free. The fact that his beloved grandmother planted the seed of faith in God also is amazing. I hope he found comfort in his freedom to become a Christian and not an atheist.