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The Man From St Petersburg

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The Man From St Petersburg

By: Ken Follett
Narrated by: Richard Armitage
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About this listen

Read by Richard Armitage (The Hobbit, Missing You)

The Man From St Petersburg is a dark tale of family secrets and political consequences. Ken Follett's masterful storytelling brings to life the danger of a world on the brink of war.

A Secret Negotiation
1914. Tensions are rising as Europe finds itself caught in a web of alliances and dangerous warmongering. To help tip the balance in their favour, Britain aims to draw Russia into an alliance with them instead of Germany. Czar Nicholas’s nephew, Prince Aleksei, is sent to London for secret naval talks with Lord Walden.

A Play for Power
Walden has a personal connection to Aleksei; his wife is Aleksei’s aunt. And they are not the only ones interested in the Russian's arrival; so too are Walden’s wilful, idealistic daughter, the head of Special Branch, and a ruthless Russian anarchist.

A World at War
With the British desperately needing a signed treaty and the fate of the world hanging in the balance, the destinies of these individuals become inextricably linked, as tragedy threatens to shatter the Waldens’ complacency . . .

 20th Century Espionage Historical Historical Fiction Spies & Politics Thriller & Suspense World War I Russia Exciting Fiction War Mystery

Critic reviews

Ken Follett has done it once more . . . goes down with the ease and impact of a well-prepared martini
Eerily plausible . . . one of Follett's finest
All stars
Most relevant
This was an enjoyable read. A book set pre WWI is not usually my novel of choice but my lack of familiarity gave me some interesting insights into both historical characters and political situations. I found it a 'page-turner' and it bowled along at a cracking pace, culminating in a great set piece which I could easily envisage because Ken Follett writes well and in exciting detail. My great-great aunt was a suffragette and so I enjoyed meeting Mrs Pankhurst, listening in on her speeches and learning about the maltreatment of the marchers and protestors. KF has us sympathising with all his characters - even the villain - because we see the world through their eyes. A satisfying ending.

The reader, Richard Armitage, was so good that I found myself binge-listening in one weekend. He has a superb voice and does some lovely accents - various cultured upper-class ones, including a youngish Winston Churchill, Cockney, Russian, Irish, Northern. Even his teenage girls sound right. I have a feeling that his reading has made the book seem better than it actually is but I shall give it 5 stars nevertheless because of the enjoyability factor.

Recommended.

Great Read! Great Reader!

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Ken Follett back to his best. Fantastic listen twists right through to the end. Highly recommended

Excellent

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I absolutely loved this book, almost as much as I loved the narration. The contents of the book from the storyline to the characters are just so well thought out, yet another literary success for Ken Follett! And the narration by Richard Armitage - honestly, I would be happy for every single book I listen to to be narrated by him, it’s just superb! He nailed every accent perfectly and his intonation and timing is just impeccable. The personality of each character comes across SO well. You’re left feeling like you really “get” each one of them which then leads you to love, hate or even sympathise with each one in turn.
One of my favourite listens to date.
If you’re considering buying this book, just do it!!

An absolute triumph for both author and narrator!

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I chose it for the period and it didn't disappoint as it was set against the backdrop of the looming war, sufragettes and anarchism.
The story rolls along and apart from a spot of melodrama near the end, kept me engaged. Richard Armitage is great at accents ( apart from Norfolk of course)

Interesting period

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I loved this story. The narration was perfect. Ken Follett writes so well but I felt this one was rushed towards the end. As if the deadline dictated the length of the story.

Ending a bit predictable

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