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A Train to Potevka
An American spy in Russia
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First published June 1, 2005
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,110 reviews
August 15, 2011
I have a unique perspective on this book for two reasons: the first is that the author is my dad's best friend. The second is that I was the editor for this book. My dad and Mike Ramsdell served in the military together in Finland and Russia. My dad went to Finland on an LDS mission and has worked with the National Guard as a Russian linguist.
When Mike decided to write this book, he had no real writing experience. He just wrote down his memories of these amazing experiences, in the same way that you would write in a journal. They were disjointed, scattered, with oddly-timed flashbacks, etc. My dad suggested that I help him edit the book, since I have a degree in English and had experience working on magazine staffs and editing both academic papers and fiction. I worked with Mike, but like many first-time authors, he had a hard time separating himself emotionally from the text in order to make necessary changes. So, while I felt like I helped him improve the book quite a bit, I was not completely happy with the end result. The story is truly amazing, but be aware that it is not professional writing. It doesn't read like a regular action novel.
FYI--Mike himself drew the picture on the cover.
When Mike decided to write this book, he had no real writing experience. He just wrote down his memories of these amazing experiences, in the same way that you would write in a journal. They were disjointed, scattered, with oddly-timed flashbacks, etc. My dad suggested that I help him edit the book, since I have a degree in English and had experience working on magazine staffs and editing both academic papers and fiction. I worked with Mike, but like many first-time authors, he had a hard time separating himself emotionally from the text in order to make necessary changes. So, while I felt like I helped him improve the book quite a bit, I was not completely happy with the end result. The story is truly amazing, but be aware that it is not professional writing. It doesn't read like a regular action novel.
FYI--Mike himself drew the picture on the cover.
August 31, 2009
This was an unusually tough book to rate. After reading it, I was vacillating between either 2 or 4 stars, but not 3. That's too much of a spread for my comfort, and it happens only rarely. Consequently I waited two months before posting a review. As expected, after time and distance from Train to Potevka, my thoughts kluged into 3 stars, closer to 2.5.
Potevka is an autobiographical book about Ramsdell's life as a Russian expert in the CIA during the Cold War, especially highlighting the single operation which became the inspiration for this book. This book includes most elements you'd expect from an espionage drama--secret agent training, clandestine missions, mafia thuggery, escape, gunplay, hideouts, and undercover contacts--but it's drawn with such a lack of verve and building climax, that you're left with a strange, flat feeling of 'who cares?' It's written with an overwhelming past tense narration and retrospective commentary that the reader is not sucked into the action with Ramsdell. There's almost no character narration, and no other characters are explored. He also slows down the tempo with unrelenting flashes to his childhood, describing hometown scenes as far removed from the climax of a mafia chase as memories of boyhood fishing and driving with his dad and the smell of home. Flashbacks have a place in action stories, but it's usually to accentuate the desperation and desolation of the protagonist, not to undercut the action itself. Ramsdell, a very proud Mormon, reaffirms his faith throughout, and could be the reason why some of the vice that is natural to his occupation has been sanitized.
However, this is ultimately a book about Ramsdell, not about the Train to Potevka. Based on some scattered evidence within the book, I believe it was written for his family and later marketed and sold as an afterthought. I do appreciate the attempt to eschew the violence and speedy pacing with which espionage stories are characteristically written. It must have been difficult not only to live this kind of secret life as a Christian, but also to write it with an intractable backdrop of religion. I applaud his service, and his attempt to translate a mortal, dangerous, classified operation to folks in his hometown who knew him as a boy.
2 stars for keeping it real, but no more than 2 because it just didn't overlap my tastes enough.
Potevka is an autobiographical book about Ramsdell's life as a Russian expert in the CIA during the Cold War, especially highlighting the single operation which became the inspiration for this book. This book includes most elements you'd expect from an espionage drama--secret agent training, clandestine missions, mafia thuggery, escape, gunplay, hideouts, and undercover contacts--but it's drawn with such a lack of verve and building climax, that you're left with a strange, flat feeling of 'who cares?' It's written with an overwhelming past tense narration and retrospective commentary that the reader is not sucked into the action with Ramsdell. There's almost no character narration, and no other characters are explored. He also slows down the tempo with unrelenting flashes to his childhood, describing hometown scenes as far removed from the climax of a mafia chase as memories of boyhood fishing and driving with his dad and the smell of home. Flashbacks have a place in action stories, but it's usually to accentuate the desperation and desolation of the protagonist, not to undercut the action itself. Ramsdell, a very proud Mormon, reaffirms his faith throughout, and could be the reason why some of the vice that is natural to his occupation has been sanitized.
However, this is ultimately a book about Ramsdell, not about the Train to Potevka. Based on some scattered evidence within the book, I believe it was written for his family and later marketed and sold as an afterthought. I do appreciate the attempt to eschew the violence and speedy pacing with which espionage stories are characteristically written. It must have been difficult not only to live this kind of secret life as a Christian, but also to write it with an intractable backdrop of religion. I applaud his service, and his attempt to translate a mortal, dangerous, classified operation to folks in his hometown who knew him as a boy.
2 stars for keeping it real, but no more than 2 because it just didn't overlap my tastes enough.
July 9, 2008
I wouldn't really recommend this book, but I enjoyed it.
*warning: stop reading now if you don't want my views on Mormonism*
Mormons amaze me... I have a dear friend who is Mormon, and I he's quite simply the closest thing I've ever met to a saint. I mean that perfectly sincerely, not sarcastically... So speaking, of course, very generally: I absolutely love Mormons, with something very close to worship, and am completely creeped out by them at the same time.
So there you have it.
If you want to read about a darling American Mormon's life and adventures as a spy in Russia, read this book.
If not, don't.
And if you do, be warned that this is his first (and I'm fairly certain only) book, and reads as such... and DAMN but the font is big!
*warning: stop reading now if you don't want my views on Mormonism*
Mormons amaze me... I have a dear friend who is Mormon, and I he's quite simply the closest thing I've ever met to a saint. I mean that perfectly sincerely, not sarcastically... So speaking, of course, very generally: I absolutely love Mormons, with something very close to worship, and am completely creeped out by them at the same time.
So there you have it.
If you want to read about a darling American Mormon's life and adventures as a spy in Russia, read this book.
If not, don't.
And if you do, be warned that this is his first (and I'm fairly certain only) book, and reads as such... and DAMN but the font is big!
March 14, 2008
I met Mr. Ramsdell at a book signing and instantly became intrigued with his story. However, I am not the type to read "spy thrillers" and, after purchasing the book, I let it sit on the corner of my desk for several days -- what a mistake!
When I did begin to read, I truly could not put the book down. Mike's saga is a heart pounding, thought provoking, inspirational adventure. Following him across the snow bound vistas of Russia, I could keenly feel his fear and his faith, his suffering and ultimate joy. I quickly found that A Train to Potevka blends the perfect mix of action and emotion, intrigue and introspect, as it both entertains and educates. A must have for every home library!
When I did begin to read, I truly could not put the book down. Mike's saga is a heart pounding, thought provoking, inspirational adventure. Following him across the snow bound vistas of Russia, I could keenly feel his fear and his faith, his suffering and ultimate joy. I quickly found that A Train to Potevka blends the perfect mix of action and emotion, intrigue and introspect, as it both entertains and educates. A must have for every home library!
August 8, 2007
The author took an experience that happened in Russia as a CIA agent that by itself was interesting. The problem was I had to suffer through the cheesy narration of his life in the process. I downgraded from two stars to one star because it annoyed me so much - and it continues to annoy me. If it is still bugging me in a month I may go to zero stars (if that is possible).
June 26, 2008
Despite my two-star review, this is actually a book that I wouldn't discourage people from reading. I just want to clarify what you can expect when you pick up this book:
- A glimpse into the Russian people, their challenges, a taste of their history, and their culture. The author of the book lived in Russia for many years and was able to offer some insights. I liked that.
- Bourne Ultimatum-ish story. What can I say? The opening storyline is about how the KGB is after him because he's a U.S. Intelligence Officer. Rather exciting.
- Organizationally the book works. You learn about the author, his personal history, past intelligence experiences, relationships, etc. as memories or thoughts he had while making his escape. A more concise writing style would have made structure of the book work even better, but as it's movie material (which I understand is actually in the works as of June 2008).
- An LDS author (born and bred in Utah). I invite you to take that statement for whatever it means to you. Sometimes I appreciate LDS authors and sometimes I don't, mostly because they appeal to a large audience by virtue of their religion rather than virtue of their writing abilities. What I appreciated in this book was the background of Christian faith that the author brought to his experiences. There were several passages that I appreciated on a personal/motivational level. Here's one that stands out to me: "One of the greatest gifts that God gives to each of us is the love we share with our family, friends, and fellowmen. It is this divine gift of love that enriches us, gives meaning and purpose to life, and makes it all worth living. Everything else in life is secondary. Everything. When our time here on earth is over, our lives will not be measured by the riches we accumulate, the honors we receive, the degrees we acquire, or the professional success we achieve, but by our capacity to love and be loved."
- Typos. I counted 5 in the 331 pages . . . personal pet peeve.
- Repeated sentences. What?! There were several passages that I recognized as familiar, which were indeed repeated from earlier in the book. Um, mediocre writers don't even repeat sentences.
- A glimpse into the Russian people, their challenges, a taste of their history, and their culture. The author of the book lived in Russia for many years and was able to offer some insights. I liked that.
- Bourne Ultimatum-ish story. What can I say? The opening storyline is about how the KGB is after him because he's a U.S. Intelligence Officer. Rather exciting.
- Organizationally the book works. You learn about the author, his personal history, past intelligence experiences, relationships, etc. as memories or thoughts he had while making his escape. A more concise writing style would have made structure of the book work even better, but as it's movie material (which I understand is actually in the works as of June 2008).
- An LDS author (born and bred in Utah). I invite you to take that statement for whatever it means to you. Sometimes I appreciate LDS authors and sometimes I don't, mostly because they appeal to a large audience by virtue of their religion rather than virtue of their writing abilities. What I appreciated in this book was the background of Christian faith that the author brought to his experiences. There were several passages that I appreciated on a personal/motivational level. Here's one that stands out to me: "One of the greatest gifts that God gives to each of us is the love we share with our family, friends, and fellowmen. It is this divine gift of love that enriches us, gives meaning and purpose to life, and makes it all worth living. Everything else in life is secondary. Everything. When our time here on earth is over, our lives will not be measured by the riches we accumulate, the honors we receive, the degrees we acquire, or the professional success we achieve, but by our capacity to love and be loved."
- Typos. I counted 5 in the 331 pages . . . personal pet peeve.
- Repeated sentences. What?! There were several passages that I recognized as familiar, which were indeed repeated from earlier in the book. Um, mediocre writers don't even repeat sentences.
June 29, 2009
This book is the perfect example of why checkpoints are set up in the literary industry so that not just anything gets published. If nobody wants to buy your book, that means something is wrong with it. Go back to the drawing board, get someone who understands literature to critique your writing, rework your book, even have someone else write it. Don't turn around and self publish when the industry just told that you can't write. I feel bad criticized Ramsdell's testimony, but I felt like I was reading a poorly written eight-grade term paper where the writing is frustrating and distracting, you can't get to the meat of the story. I read this book on my mother's insistence and she had the whole book underlined in red. If someone had marked it up in red before he published, just maybe the story would have shone through.
Probably not. What Ramsdell should have done is have somebody gifted with the art of writing tell his story. Right off the bat when he says things about the CIA being out to get him and displaying what a chip he had on his shoulder, he looses credibility by stating opinion as fact. If someone else had written the story and said "Ramsdell felt like the CIA was not interested in his welfare," then that's a fact and I can sympathize with him instead of being put off. And he shouldn't have tried to sell the story as an exciting tale of espionage. It's not. For about a chapter it looks like something exciting might happen, but most of the book is him sitting on a long train ride and then stuck in a cabin by himself meandering down the long and boring road of memory. The book is about his spiritual experience coming to terms with his life and therefore there are a lot of Mormon references that most readers won't be interested in. I have the feeling that Ramsdell is gifted with the spoken word and when people hear his experience tell him he should record it. The scene where he has his big spiritual moment could have been powerful, but unfortunately his voice just doesn't translate on paper.
Just so you know. Don't go into it expecting a great read or an exciting story. Read it for the testimony if that's what you're looking for.
Probably not. What Ramsdell should have done is have somebody gifted with the art of writing tell his story. Right off the bat when he says things about the CIA being out to get him and displaying what a chip he had on his shoulder, he looses credibility by stating opinion as fact. If someone else had written the story and said "Ramsdell felt like the CIA was not interested in his welfare," then that's a fact and I can sympathize with him instead of being put off. And he shouldn't have tried to sell the story as an exciting tale of espionage. It's not. For about a chapter it looks like something exciting might happen, but most of the book is him sitting on a long train ride and then stuck in a cabin by himself meandering down the long and boring road of memory. The book is about his spiritual experience coming to terms with his life and therefore there are a lot of Mormon references that most readers won't be interested in. I have the feeling that Ramsdell is gifted with the spoken word and when people hear his experience tell him he should record it. The scene where he has his big spiritual moment could have been powerful, but unfortunately his voice just doesn't translate on paper.
Just so you know. Don't go into it expecting a great read or an exciting story. Read it for the testimony if that's what you're looking for.
July 9, 2009
Any one interested in the former USSR will want to read this story set during the evil empire's collapse and dissolution, but it is by no means targeted only at that audience.
Don't let the fact that this story is written by a local (that is, Utah) author with no previous books to his credit turn you away from reading this story. This page turner tells a great story that I couldn't put down, especially in the first half of the book. The author becomes more introspective in the second half of the tale, but it is no less compelling for that. As Mr. Ramsdell appreciates his good fortune (notwithstanding the hardships he endured) he prompts the reader to do the same. You will find yourself fretting for him and then cheering for him as the story unfolds.
If you live in Utah and happen to spot the author at one of the local warehouse stores promoting his book and signing copies (which he often does), know that you are looking at a man who has survived a harrowing ordeal in service to his country and has an engrossing tale to tell. Also take time to think about the inner reserves that this ordinary appearing gentleman called upon to survive, and ask yourself whether each of us could do the same in an equally dire situation. (I'd like to believe we could, but am not at all sure of that.)
Don't let the fact that this story is written by a local (that is, Utah) author with no previous books to his credit turn you away from reading this story. This page turner tells a great story that I couldn't put down, especially in the first half of the book. The author becomes more introspective in the second half of the tale, but it is no less compelling for that. As Mr. Ramsdell appreciates his good fortune (notwithstanding the hardships he endured) he prompts the reader to do the same. You will find yourself fretting for him and then cheering for him as the story unfolds.
If you live in Utah and happen to spot the author at one of the local warehouse stores promoting his book and signing copies (which he often does), know that you are looking at a man who has survived a harrowing ordeal in service to his country and has an engrossing tale to tell. Also take time to think about the inner reserves that this ordinary appearing gentleman called upon to survive, and ask yourself whether each of us could do the same in an equally dire situation. (I'd like to believe we could, but am not at all sure of that.)
July 6, 2008
Okay, I am having a hard time consistently using the star rating system. My inclination is to give this two stars, but as I look back at books I have rated as two stars, I liked this book better so I guess it means barely three stars for "Train to Potevka."
I pretty much have the same impression of this book as others I know who have read it. It starts as interesting spy type novel, then the author digresses a bit to provide some background. I personally did not like the structural organization of the book. The author is also not a very strong writer.
I actually didn't mind some of the chapters providing historical context and descriptions of the USSR and his intelligence training; it was important to understanding his experience. Where he lost me was about two-thirds through the book when I started feeling like I was reading a corny church talk. Not that what he said was wrong, it just felt simple and forced to me. Overall, interesting story, probably worth reading but not a strong literary piece.
I pretty much have the same impression of this book as others I know who have read it. It starts as interesting spy type novel, then the author digresses a bit to provide some background. I personally did not like the structural organization of the book. The author is also not a very strong writer.
I actually didn't mind some of the chapters providing historical context and descriptions of the USSR and his intelligence training; it was important to understanding his experience. Where he lost me was about two-thirds through the book when I started feeling like I was reading a corny church talk. Not that what he said was wrong, it just felt simple and forced to me. Overall, interesting story, probably worth reading but not a strong literary piece.
July 29, 2013
The spying-in-Russia bits of this self-published, fictionalized memoir make for good reading, but there is way too much back story. I know more than I ever wanted to about Ramsdell’s father, his son and about life as a Mormon.
February 19, 2008
I was touched by the sincere and honest storytelling of Mike Ramsdell. This is my favorite book I have read lately. I learned many things about the history of Russia, but even more about the strength of the human spirit and the Love of God for his children.
October 27, 2008
Let's be brutally honest here...the beginning of this book--probably the first half--is pretty darn good. I was intrigued, I found it interesting and fairly fast-paced. I've been to Russia, so could relate with many of the things the author talks about regarding the fall of Communism and what it did to the people there. Russia was in shambles when I visited for a month in 1995.
But after the first half, the story and writing goes downhill. The writing goes from fair, to bad, to downright horrible--almost like it wasn't edited. It is disjointed and cliche. I found myself rolling my eyes and not having any desire to pick up the darn book and finish it. But I felt compelled to, as I'd bought it on impulse at Costco (this is the second book where I feel it was a waste of money. When will I learn? Maybe when I find my overdue library books and own up to my library fines...).
The author reminisces about totally random events in his life, trying to tie them in to the story, but failing miserably. In my opinion, it should never been published as is. It needs major revision, and should be sold as a memoir. If he cut out all the reminiscing and stuck to the story, it would be much more interesting, and much shorter.
I cannot recommend this book because the writing is so bad in the second half. If you want to read it, I have it. I am sure it is enticing to you, now that I've disparaged it so! But if you are desperate, or it's being read for book group, don't buy it--give me a call!
But after the first half, the story and writing goes downhill. The writing goes from fair, to bad, to downright horrible--almost like it wasn't edited. It is disjointed and cliche. I found myself rolling my eyes and not having any desire to pick up the darn book and finish it. But I felt compelled to, as I'd bought it on impulse at Costco (this is the second book where I feel it was a waste of money. When will I learn? Maybe when I find my overdue library books and own up to my library fines...).
The author reminisces about totally random events in his life, trying to tie them in to the story, but failing miserably. In my opinion, it should never been published as is. It needs major revision, and should be sold as a memoir. If he cut out all the reminiscing and stuck to the story, it would be much more interesting, and much shorter.
I cannot recommend this book because the writing is so bad in the second half. If you want to read it, I have it. I am sure it is enticing to you, now that I've disparaged it so! But if you are desperate, or it's being read for book group, don't buy it--give me a call!
August 28, 2008
I was really looking forward to reading this story of "espionage, intrigue and love", but ended up extremely disappointed. The writing is incredibly disjointed. The author jumps around in time period and story line in such a way that is confusing and often feels as though the book was never edited. I found the storyline during the first hundred or so pages generally interesting enough that I was able to get past the typo's and repetative phrases and even entire paragraphs which were repeated verbatim in other chapters. I wanted to love this book, but as I muddled through the last 200+ pages, I was constantly hoping for a return of the cliff-hanger storyline or something to catch my interest. No such luck. This is basically the author's attempt at writing a personal history which was apparantly never looked at for continuity (by the way it is based on his life, but is fiction). The author himself admits in the preface that this book is mostly for his family to know about his life and if we, the readers, find enjoyment in it then he will be happy. Well, I personally think that it would be a fabulous story for the family to read since they would probably actually care about the random meaningless side stories, but I constantly wondered who "Zhivago Press" is and why they chose to publish this disappointing work.
May 6, 2008
The core adventure story of this book (escaping from the Russian mafia in Siberia) is quite good but the author is not a practiced writer and there's a lot he could have left out. For example, the lectures on what was wrong with communism and how things came to be are not necessary. I mean, after all, I think the failure of almost all of the communist regimes is a testament to that fact. In addition, the author gives more autobiographical information than is necessary.
This would have made a great short story or a good screenplay but the best parts ar enot long enough to make a compelling book.
This would have made a great short story or a good screenplay but the best parts ar enot long enough to make a compelling book.
July 25, 2007
This book finds itself in a rare group of mine: I cannot finish it.
I bought this under the pretense that he's a former CIA agent who worked in the USSR, which is all true.
What I didn't bargain for was his childhood history. I DON'T CARE ABOUT THAT!
This must be a pet peeve of mine...authors that have a wonderful story to tell, yet ruin & dull it with their boring past history. Ugh. I'd prefer my toenails get pulled out!
I bought this under the pretense that he's a former CIA agent who worked in the USSR, which is all true.
What I didn't bargain for was his childhood history. I DON'T CARE ABOUT THAT!
This must be a pet peeve of mine...authors that have a wonderful story to tell, yet ruin & dull it with their boring past history. Ugh. I'd prefer my toenails get pulled out!
December 21, 2023
A touching true story of faith and perseverance, even (and especially) in the direst of circumstances.
For my birthday a couple months back, my grandma called and asked what I wanted for it, and I told her to recommend me her favorite book—this was that book! Funnily enough, I hadn't expected her to take my statement to the next level, as she actually sent me her used, signed copy with a post-it note inside telling me to return it to her around Christmastime after I'd finished it, which was when I'd be seeing her next. In all, it only took me two days to read, and for good reason.
Despite the hard and frightening times that Ramsdell fell upon while serving as an intelligence agent for the US Embassy in Russia, this was the perfect Christmastime read. It was intriguing learning about military operations and the political climate at the end of the Cold War, and what I particularly loved was hearing a firsthand account of Ramsdell's struggles and triumphs. It strengthened my own faith in a knowing, loving God, and made me all the more inspired to serve and grateful for the many privileges afforded to me in life.
For my birthday a couple months back, my grandma called and asked what I wanted for it, and I told her to recommend me her favorite book—this was that book! Funnily enough, I hadn't expected her to take my statement to the next level, as she actually sent me her used, signed copy with a post-it note inside telling me to return it to her around Christmastime after I'd finished it, which was when I'd be seeing her next. In all, it only took me two days to read, and for good reason.
Despite the hard and frightening times that Ramsdell fell upon while serving as an intelligence agent for the US Embassy in Russia, this was the perfect Christmastime read. It was intriguing learning about military operations and the political climate at the end of the Cold War, and what I particularly loved was hearing a firsthand account of Ramsdell's struggles and triumphs. It strengthened my own faith in a knowing, loving God, and made me all the more inspired to serve and grateful for the many privileges afforded to me in life.
February 6, 2022
I finished this book a while ago, but didn’t know how to feel after reading it. Definitely not what I was expecting, so I was let down a bit, and wasn’t as good as everyone was telling me it would be. There were too many moments that were sporadic, unnecessary, and boring.
But, this was given 3 stars, because of Mike’s determination to stay alive to serve his country.
But, this was given 3 stars, because of Mike’s determination to stay alive to serve his country.
September 3, 2024
This was an awesome book. I enjoyed learning about US Counterintelligence and more about a career in the military. This book has been on my TBR list for 10 years. I’m glad I didn’t actually read it when I was a teenager because it has some heavy topics. Overall, highly recommend this book.
August 11, 2025
I needed a Spy Thriller for a reading challenge, and this was recommended to me by a family member. All in all, it's a great story! It was like a long Law & Order episode involving the KGB in the 80s. Not bad, but not my choice genre.
June 19, 2023
Phenomenal true story. I learned so much about CIA and what it actually looks like to be on an undercover mission. The author and person who this story is about is also my same religion, what made for some neat connections. This is my husband’s favorite book so it was fun to read together!
November 1, 2024
OK, this book was definitely outside of my typical wheelhouse mystery novel. The true story of an American intelligence officer who spent years as an undercover spy in the old USSR and new Russia, and his journey through one of his most dangerous and mentally and physically challenging assignments, was gripping right from the start.
This book resonated with me due to the fact that, considering my age, I remember vividly the fear of the old USSR, and its stunning collapse and turbulent aftermath, so I could relate to so much of the history involved with this story. There is so much tension throughout this journey that I was constantly having to remind myself that this was a true story and not a fictional drama novel. The detail of the storytelling really helps the reader to experience literally all of the senses of the various places and circumstances experienced by the author.
My only knock (and it's a minor one) is that the last segment of the book deals almost exclusively with the author’s family and their relationships in a “And they lived happily ever after” kind of way. It was nice to read about that, but for me that could have been done in fewer pages. I would rather have had more details about the main journey of the book, to be honest. However, that did not lessen my overall enjoyment of reading about this man’s unique and intriguing experiences, while also gaining a little insight as to how the US intelligence community operates. This book is a quick read so pick it up; you won’t want to put it down.
This book resonated with me due to the fact that, considering my age, I remember vividly the fear of the old USSR, and its stunning collapse and turbulent aftermath, so I could relate to so much of the history involved with this story. There is so much tension throughout this journey that I was constantly having to remind myself that this was a true story and not a fictional drama novel. The detail of the storytelling really helps the reader to experience literally all of the senses of the various places and circumstances experienced by the author.
My only knock (and it's a minor one) is that the last segment of the book deals almost exclusively with the author’s family and their relationships in a “And they lived happily ever after” kind of way. It was nice to read about that, but for me that could have been done in fewer pages. I would rather have had more details about the main journey of the book, to be honest. However, that did not lessen my overall enjoyment of reading about this man’s unique and intriguing experiences, while also gaining a little insight as to how the US intelligence community operates. This book is a quick read so pick it up; you won’t want to put it down.
May 1, 2024
Kind of interesting, it might have been more appealing to me if I was a family member as he has lots of flash back to his experiences with family. I was more interested in the Russian spy story line and would have liked more on that story line.
August 1, 2022
Great story. Well written. Plenty of excitement and yet sufficiently realistic.
July 27, 2016
This book is made up of two elements, one I'd call a definite page-turner about a real-life spy story, and the other I'd call "The life and times of an American Utah Mormon spy in Russia". Had I picked it up with the expectation that I'd be reading a lot of memoir content, I would have probably rated it higher, as I would have had it been only a spy story (The main story line really was captivating.).
However, the book is presented as a spy story, so long personal memoir passages do detract from the expected can't-put-it-down content. These experiences are interesting to a point, and aren't necessarily irrelevant to the story, but definitely make the entire book a better fit for the memoir genre. In my own opinion, the 300-ish pages could have been condensed to around 200 with more concise and focused flashbacks/supporting background material, and readers would have had the info they needed to understand the significance of the described events while still being allowed to keep pace with the more exciting part of the story.
There was a lot that I did like about this book, however. The fact that it's a true story, frankly makes it AWESOME. I also enjoyed the historical insight the author offered. It was nice to have a historical timeline and glossary enabling a wide spectrum of readers to understand and appreciate the content. Also, the book feels genuine. I think the reader begins quickly to understand that the author isn't a professional writer, and once the expectation shifts, the reader feels like they are in the author's living room just listening to an experienced man tell a fascinating story. Even with my criticism, I do feel like it was worth my time to read this book. I also liked the elements of faith and perseverance in the story.
As far as mature content, there was nothing to worry about. There were descriptions of violence and blood, but nothing overdone in that regard. (I guess there was a little outhouse humor...)
However, the book is presented as a spy story, so long personal memoir passages do detract from the expected can't-put-it-down content. These experiences are interesting to a point, and aren't necessarily irrelevant to the story, but definitely make the entire book a better fit for the memoir genre. In my own opinion, the 300-ish pages could have been condensed to around 200 with more concise and focused flashbacks/supporting background material, and readers would have had the info they needed to understand the significance of the described events while still being allowed to keep pace with the more exciting part of the story.
There was a lot that I did like about this book, however. The fact that it's a true story, frankly makes it AWESOME. I also enjoyed the historical insight the author offered. It was nice to have a historical timeline and glossary enabling a wide spectrum of readers to understand and appreciate the content. Also, the book feels genuine. I think the reader begins quickly to understand that the author isn't a professional writer, and once the expectation shifts, the reader feels like they are in the author's living room just listening to an experienced man tell a fascinating story. Even with my criticism, I do feel like it was worth my time to read this book. I also liked the elements of faith and perseverance in the story.
As far as mature content, there was nothing to worry about. There were descriptions of violence and blood, but nothing overdone in that regard. (I guess there was a little outhouse humor...)
July 20, 2008
Another book I read recently is "A Train To Potevka" written by Mike Ramsdell, a native Utahn.
Train To PotevkaRamsdell spent many years working in Military Intelligence (MI) and with his mastery of the German and Russian languages, was involved in missions behind the Iron Curtain in the 1980s.
This book, Ramsdell's first, is classified as fiction, but it's clear from reading that it is, at a minimum, based on real events. The stories take place shortly before the collapse of the Communist government in the former Soviet Union. Ramsdell was involved in a mission to capture a member of the Russian mafia for being involved in fraudulent activities surrounding the construction of the U.S. embassy in Moscow.
Just as the mission was getting close to finishing, the team's security is compromised. Ramsdell sends his two other operatives home while he "cleans up" and prepares to leave as well. He is intercepted by a mafia hit man and must find a way to escape and get out of the city to a safehouse in the town of Potevka.
This is a great book, especially for a first-time author. It ends up being both a love story and a spiritual story. For readers who are LDS, they will be especially touched by the spiritual side of the story. All readers will likely be captivated by the nitty-gritty details of Ramsdell's writing as he describes degrading conditions in the Siberian provinces of the former Soviet Union near the fall of Communism.
You can purchase this book from Amazon.com.
July 25, 2014
Really not very good. I heard a five-minute version of this story on NPR's Snap Judgment. The story was so exciting, like a real life Bourne movie. KGB, Russian Mafia, the CIA, real danger, real fear of death and starving! I wanted to learn more about the story so I snagged the book.
Unfortunately, the five minute summary was much better than the book. It's true, the first third or so of the book was exciting, recapping what I had heard on the radio. Then all of the sudden, the story stops, and he spends like five chapters in odd reminiscing about his boyhood and his divorce, and it just rambles seemingly without purpose and out of the blue.
Finally he gets back on with the story, but at this point, it's taken a decidedly Mormon and overtly religious turn. What started as a few passing references to his faith and The Lord was suddenly preachy, "I truly believe that The Good Heavenly Father reached down and touched my Soul that day, proving that He is a Kind and Loving Father." The overt religiosity builds and builds and is a terrible distraction from the story.
The story, by the way, fizzles to a boring ending about boring undeveloped characters. And for crying out loud man--KISS THE WOMAN!! She's BEGGING you for it, and you sit there and stare at your hot chocolate (not coffee--he's Mormon) and wait for her to come to you! What a sap.
Unfortunately, the five minute summary was much better than the book. It's true, the first third or so of the book was exciting, recapping what I had heard on the radio. Then all of the sudden, the story stops, and he spends like five chapters in odd reminiscing about his boyhood and his divorce, and it just rambles seemingly without purpose and out of the blue.
Finally he gets back on with the story, but at this point, it's taken a decidedly Mormon and overtly religious turn. What started as a few passing references to his faith and The Lord was suddenly preachy, "I truly believe that The Good Heavenly Father reached down and touched my Soul that day, proving that He is a Kind and Loving Father." The overt religiosity builds and builds and is a terrible distraction from the story.
The story, by the way, fizzles to a boring ending about boring undeveloped characters. And for crying out loud man--KISS THE WOMAN!! She's BEGGING you for it, and you sit there and stare at your hot chocolate (not coffee--he's Mormon) and wait for her to come to you! What a sap.
July 23, 2008
I didn't enjoy this book as much as I thought I would, but I'll be the first to admit that that was the result of a disconnect between my expectations of the book's direction/focus, and the true aim of the book (that of a memoir). I was hoping the book would be a true-life fresh take on the spy thriller genre - you know, not something dreamt up by a sport-jacket wearing writer somewhere, but by someone that had actually been there, and done that. While there were aspects of the book that did fit that expectation (especially in the first half of the book), it wasn't the focus of the book to be a spy thriller. The book is meant as a memoir that only uses Mike's experience in Russia as the vehicle to cover various anecdotes from Mike's life (which often don't relate much at all to his Russia experience - with the exception being a truly fascinating anecdote about an experience he had had with a former intelligence colleague in Germany).
In the end, I would still recommend it - the book does a good job of showing how a loving God does answer prayers (sometimes through miraculous means), and also has some great suspense.
In the end, I would still recommend it - the book does a good job of showing how a loving God does answer prayers (sometimes through miraculous means), and also has some great suspense.
April 17, 2012
For locals. This book enjoyed a bit of celebrity a few years back around my reading circles in Utah. I remember hearing SUCH good things about it. I think I expected a bit more. From the author's prologue we learn that Mr. Ramsdell mostly wanted to get his thoughts and memories in printed format at the request of his friends and family. From the prologue; "If the story provides a few hours of reading pleasure to some, I'll be very pleased. If not, at least my grandchildren will someday be able to read about Papa and some of his experiences in Russia at the time of the fall of the Soviet Empire". That right there made me love the guy. He's humble and honest. He does have an interesting story of unusual experiences and included some tender moments as he faced his faith and his relationship to the Lord. He is unapologetic in his strong belief in Mormonism and his love and devotion to his country and his family.
It is what it is. He accomplished his goal. A few hours of reading pleasure for me. Quite wholesome and uplifting, overall.
It is what it is. He accomplished his goal. A few hours of reading pleasure for me. Quite wholesome and uplifting, overall.
June 3, 2008
I was forced to read this book on a long plane to Buffalo, NY. I just couldn't get into it previously. Then I came across this quote and thought that this author had written a story that was interesting, and I learned about Russia and it's place in the world. This was my favorite quote from when he was in the safe house with no food for several, several days. Then a package shows up and he doesn't open it again for several days because he thinks it is from the KGB.
"One of the greatest gifts that God gives to each of us is the love we share with our family, friends, and fellowmen. It is this divine gift of love that enriches us, gives meaning and purpose to life, and makes it all worth living. Everything else in life is secondary. Everything. When our time here on earth is over, our lives will not be measured by the riches we accumulate, the honors we receive, the degrees we acquire, or the professional success we achieve, but by our capacity to love and BE LOVED."
"One of the greatest gifts that God gives to each of us is the love we share with our family, friends, and fellowmen. It is this divine gift of love that enriches us, gives meaning and purpose to life, and makes it all worth living. Everything else in life is secondary. Everything. When our time here on earth is over, our lives will not be measured by the riches we accumulate, the honors we receive, the degrees we acquire, or the professional success we achieve, but by our capacity to love and BE LOVED."
November 7, 2011
This is another book that made me cold - and hungry! It also made me feel very grateful for the freedoms I enjoy. I do agree with others who have said that this book could use some editing. But despite that, I did enjoy reading Mike Ramsdell's story. It helped when I thought about the book as an autobiography instead of an exciting spy novel. Then all the flashbacks to things that really didn't have any bearing on the main story didn't annoy me quite as much. Since chances are very slim that I will ever travel to most if not all of the places he talks about, I enjoyed visiting there vicariously through this book - even though it made me cold and hungry!
A favorite quote:
"It is not the Lord's way or His plan to take away our hardships and difficulties. It is these challenges that give us the opportunity to grow in faith, character, and understanding. And if we won't give up, He will be at our side to help us see them through."
A favorite quote:
"It is not the Lord's way or His plan to take away our hardships and difficulties. It is these challenges that give us the opportunity to grow in faith, character, and understanding. And if we won't give up, He will be at our side to help us see them through."
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