Redwood by Ben Macintyre review
This story of Soviet agent and his MI6 handler in revolutionary Iran is a page-turning masterpiece
TL;DR
- Ben Macintyre's "Redwood" explores unconventional motives for espionage, such as erectile dysfunction, alongside traditional MICE factors (Money, Ideology, Coercion, Ego).
- The book details the relationship between KGB agent Vladimir Kuzichkin and MI6 operative Ian McCredie in Tehran following the 1979 revolution.
- Kuzichkin was tasked with supporting the Tudeh party, while McCredie aimed to re-establish British intelligence presence.
- The narrative highlights the geopolitical shift where communists became irrelevant as Islamists rose to power.
- The book is noted for its witty writing style and is considered a compelling true espionage story.