The American School of Spies by Stephan Talty

Brendan’s Alternate Tagline for The American School of Spies:

If you can’t run with it, then bury it.

Quick synopsis:

The spies who protected Greek treasures in World War II.

Fact for Non-History People:

Many of the spies were Ivy Leaguers with backgrounds in the classics and archaeology.

Fact for History Nerds:

One member was among the last Harvard graduates to write his dissertation in Latin.

My Take on The American School of Spies:

There are certain corners of World War II which are frequently forgotten. One of them is Greece, and Stephan Talty is here to shed some light on it in The American School of Spies.

Talty looks at a group of American spies and some other likely (and not so likely) allies as they try to keep the treasures of Greece from being destroyed or straight up stolen by the dang Nazis. I enjoy every single one of Talty’s books because he always writes narratives which feel like they are very detailed while being briskly paced. This one feels like an especially fast read since he does have about half a dozen main characters who aren’t always directly connected.

The main crux of the narrative is about protecting Greece’s treasures with a healthy dose of post-World War II Red Scare thrown in for a little spice at the end. This is the type of book which is great for people who want to dip their toe into World War II without reading a 1,000-page tome. Talty always delivers and this book is no different.

(This book was provided as an advanced reader copy by NetGalley and Dutton Books.)

Verdict:

A great look at a forgotten part of World War II. Buy it here!

If You Liked This Try:

• Hampton Sides, Ghost Soldiers
• Lynne Olson, Madame Fourcade’s Secret War