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Zoo Station

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Zoo Station

By: David Downing
Narrated by: Simon Prebble
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About this listen

By 1939, Anglo-American journalist John Russell has spent 15 years in Berlin, where his German-born son lives. He writes human-interest pieces for British and American papers, avoiding the investigative journalism that could get him deported. But as war approaches, he faces the prospect of having to leave his son and his longtime girlfriend.

Then, an acquaintance from his communist days approaches him to do some work for the Soviets. Russell is reluctant but ultimately unable to resist. He becomes involved in other dangerous activities, helping a Jewish family and an idealistic American reporter. When the British and the Nazis notice his involvement with the Soviets, Russell is dragged into the world of warring intelligence services.

©2008 David Downing (P)2009 Audible Ltd Espionage Genre Fiction Historical Literary Fiction Mystery Spies & Politics Thriller & Suspense Fiction Soviet Union War Imperialism

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All stars
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Enjoyed this, having read a lot of Philip Kerr. Performance was really good. One gripe: there is some diabolically awful music at the beginning and end of the book that never seems to finish. Why is this necessary?

A good listen, interesting story

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Superb story set cleverly during the darkest period of German history. Literally, you sit beside John Russell on his journey and will him to succeed. Unquestionably well-researched by the author.

Suspenseful pageturner!

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A well narrated and well informed book. Atmospheric and interesting. Ending seemed a little flat however I would read more books from this author.

Well narrated.

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This is a very interesting and very well written book that has completely captured my interest. The central character is a veteran English journalist John Russell, living and working in Berlin as part of the press corps in 1939 - he was previously married to a German and has a son Paul, who is to all intents a young German. The storyline vividly brings to life the poisonous atmosphere in Berlin the year tat war breaks out - with the persecution of the Jews and other sections of society, and the helplessness of these people in the face of oppression under Nazism. The story really brings to life the grim streets and the reality of what it must have been like in these times.

I find myself going on long walks with the dog to hear what is happening next with this enthralling story, as he is drawn into a complex web working for the Russians, the Germans and the British

Berlin before the outbreak of World War 2

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The premise of the book interested me but it plodded. Perhaps the narrator’s laidback style wasn’t right for this story or perhaps he was bored reading it? Perhaps I just prefer books with pace and more in depth characters. This novel tried hard, and did have moments when I thought it would take off, but overall just didn’t hit the mark for me. However, I did listen to the end as I knew if I started to read another book I wouldn’t go back to this one and I was interested enough to want to know what happened at the end so something about the plot must have been right!

It never really got going.

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