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 . . .
sunnyyyyy
15.8.2025
The novel begins tediously which almost made me quit listening.. The plot then thickens a bit and benefits from being read out by an excellent speaker. Lydia then, is a shallow character, overcome by sexual lust in a way that objectifies women and reduces them. Her daughter in contrast is meant to symbolise braver sides of women as the author presumes there are. She sympathises with the Suffragist movement and appears to be intelligent and courageous. What I really resent is the black and white portrayal of women in general - especially in the depiction of Lydia. Ken Follet is a masterful writer who knows how to create suspense against the backdrop of well researched historical events.
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