This is a non-fiction book in which the author relates his memories, at least what he can safely expose. Having lived through the cold-war years, I was truly impressed with the contents while reading the book in its Kindle version.

Although the movie Argo is well-known, it is only a small part of this author’s story. What was most interesting to me were the years this painter-turned spy spent behind the iron curtain under disguise. Entering into the secret service because of his artistic ability, Tony Mendez became a copier of documents first, then expanded his horizons into disguise to help with surveillance and counter-surveillance. The book also discusses the stories of the turncoats in the service and those defectors from the other side who lost big.

Some of the things the author talked about made me think that maybe I shouldn’t be knowing or reading these things as they might have something to do with the welfare of my country, but the author clarified this concern by saying that his book was checked out by those who knew these things and what he relates to the general public is already known by the other side. In any case, now that he is retired from the service, the author has turned to painting again in his home in Knoxville.

The writing is clear and easily understandable, and I found the entire story stunning.

The bottom line is, I was amazed by the incredible courage the people in the CIA and other such services have shown and possibly still are continuing to show. If it did nothing, this book has been good for making us readers aware of that purpose.

learning about the details of the espionage business that we can only guess.

is Antonio Mendez, painter, author, and spy.

I found it to be exciting and interesting.

Interested in buying this? Support Writing.Com by making your purchase of The Master of Disguise: My Secret Life in the CIA   from Amazon.Com!

Created Mar 12, 2017 at 6:42pm • Submit your own review...