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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

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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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Gripping from start to finish! I had thought several times that I hated or despised, or felt exasperated with a character for their actions and thoughts, only to later feel sympathy and understanding. Walden, Lydia, Charlotte and Felix, all victims of either societal/class, political, emotional repression’s. Ken Follett writes with such understanding of the human mind, character, experiences and the impact these have on ones perceptions, that not one character is ever one dimensional, there is always reason behind their actions even if you don’t agree with them. A fascinating read. As for Richard Armitage as narrator, his performance is outstanding. The richness of voice and masterful vocal interpretation of characters combine to enthral the listener into easily imagining & feeling the story. I particularly liked his Russian accent and that of Walden, the latter not being reduced to simple pomposity, as some might have been tempted to represent him. If you haven’t listened to this book then please do as I cannot imagine anyone being disappointed with it. It’s quite a ride!

Outstanding

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Richard Armitage makes this such a journey, one that he leads us into and through, never leaving our side till tales end. Magical.

The perfect narrator.

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great read, though the constant he said she said ruined the flow of the book, still excellent read though, interesting story and exciting ending.

exciting ending.

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