The story follows the exploits of Khristo Stoianev, a young Bulgarian, who is recruited into the NKVD in 1934. Furst takes us through Khristo's training in Russia, his assignment to Spain during the Civil War there, his escape to Paris, and his journey back to the area from whence he came towards the end of the war. This is more than Khristo's story, though, there are his fellow students, Kulic, the already experienced Romanian guerrilla, Ilya Goldman, The Lithuanian Jew, Voluta, the Polish priest, plus Sascha, Khristo's early mentor, Eidenbaugh the American OSS officer, Andres the tragic infiltrator, Faye Bern, the American volunteer in Madrid, Aleksandra, perhaps the only woman he ever truly loved and many others.

Furst's ability to create a character using only a few sentences is unparalleled. His insight into the Easern European mind is incredible. His descriptions of the bombed out cities, the refugee clogged roads and the almost unbelievable bravery of ordinary people makes even the most mundane activity interesting.

As I have said in previous reviews, he raises the spy novel genre to the level of literature. I am rationing his books so I won't lose the anticipation of reading the next one too soon.