Overview

In the heart of the Soviet Union during the turbulent 1970's, Natalya Petrovna - code-named Youriko - is a brilliant Kazakh linguist whose striking resemblance to her Japanese friend, who works in a government position, sparks a daring, almost suicidal plan. Natalya is suddenly plucked from her quiet, provincial life and thrust into a world of espionage, assuming a false identity to infiltrate Japan's Foreign Office. However, when loyalty to her country clashes with her conscience, Natalya's life spirals into chaos. A disillusioned spy turned defector, she faces show trials, the brutal confines of a gulag, and a rôle she detests - running honey-trap operations in Soviet holiday resorts. Yet, amidst the darkness, she finds a glimmer of hope in an unlikely place: William, a British exchange student who awakens her yearning for freedom and love. As Natalya risks everything to flee the Iron Curtain, her journey becomes a breath-taking tale of daring escapes, international intrigue, and unwavering resilience. From the icy shadows of a gulag to the bright shores of freedom, Andropov's Cuckoo is a gripping story of sacrifice, survival, and the indomitable spirit of a woman torn between duty and her heart.

Full Product Details

9781068353888

Table of Contents

Reviews

""Intriguing - If you're a fan of spy thrillers and love to revisit the time of Brezhnev's term in Russia, you will love this book"" - Anon Anon. ""This is a spy thriller. Our spy isn't the suave super hero of modern fiction, but a young woman who survives mostly on grit and determination. I found the story fascinating and compelling"" - D. McCann. ""I defy you to pick up this book and be able to put it down. This story is based on a true story told to the author by a protagonist in the story..."" - MikiHope. ""Once in a while the heavy curtain covering the real world of spies and intelligence agencies is lifted and we get a glimpse of the motivations and crudeness that compels people to live that existence... Recommended for those you enjoy less-fanciful spy thrillers of the Le Carré variety"" - Enrico Grafitti.

Author Information

Owen Jones is a best-selling author from Barry, Wales, with an impressive range of fiction and non-fiction. His diverse works span romantic thrillers, supernatural tales, and practical self-help guides. Owen's life experiences, including studying in the USSR, getting caught up in a coup in Suriname and sailing a home-made concrete yacht from Wales to Gibraltar, inform his writing, creating rich, immersive narratives. His stories often reflect his beliefs in Karma, Fate, and reincarnation, offering unique perspectives that captivate readers. Since 2004, he has called Thailand home, living a quiet life in a rural village with his wife.

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