It is wonderful when an author zeros in on a hero who does not garner headlines while doing exceptional things. In fact, if Robert Ames had been in the headlines during his life, he would not have been such an effective spy.
I particularly appreciate a biography as Kai Bird has given us because he ties the (often fragmented) historical events in a far-off lands into one understandable whole. It is obvious that the author did a great deal of research.
This is the story of one exceptional Arabist, Robert Ames, and his large family. It is a very interesting story of spy craft in the Middle East. There are focused cameos on important personages in Robert Ames' working world. The history of the whole region is the backdrop for Bob Ames' story.
Reading the facts of the Beirut Embassy bombing in April 1983 is beyond painful. But the reader cannot turn away because these people have become important through the reader's appreciation of their work, as outlined by the author. I was overcome by the feeling of loss and the horror of the waste of such talented individuals in the service of our country.
I found it interesting that John Le Carre was involved in some events in the Middle East. Having learned about all I know about spy craft from Le Carre's George Smiley, it seemed such an ironic touch. I think George Smiley would have been proud to have had Robert Ames on his team.
I particularly appreciate a biography as Kai Bird has given us because he ties the (often fragmented) historical events in a far-off lands into one understandable whole. It is obvious that the author did a great deal of research.
This is the story of one exceptional Arabist, Robert Ames, and his large family. It is a very interesting story of spy craft in the Middle East. There are focused cameos on important personages in Robert Ames' working world. The history of the whole region is the backdrop for Bob Ames' story.
Reading the facts of the Beirut Embassy bombing in April 1983 is beyond painful. But the reader cannot turn away because these people have become important through the reader's appreciation of their work, as outlined by the author. I was overcome by the feeling of loss and the horror of the waste of such talented individuals in the service of our country.
I found it interesting that John Le Carre was involved in some events in the Middle East. Having learned about all I know about spy craft from Le Carre's George Smiley, it seemed such an ironic touch. I think George Smiley would have been proud to have had Robert Ames on his team.
Very good story
