Ken Follett’s The Key to Rebecca took readers and critics by storm when first published forty years ago. Today, it remains one of the best espionage novels ever written. A brilliant and ruthless Nazi master agent is on the loose in Cairo. His mission is to send Rommel’s advancing army the secrets that will unlock the city’s doors. In all of Cairo, only two people can stop him. One is a … him. One is a down-on-his-luck English officer no one will listen to. The other is a vulnerable young Jewish girl. . . .
more
This was an exciting book and interesting the way the writer wove the character Alex Wolff action’s into the fighting of World War II. I did not like the detailed descriptions of the erotic sex scenes, however.
My favorite since discovering Ken Follett many years ago
Gripping WWII espionage novel that holds one’s attention from beginning to end. Masterful plotting, complex compound sentences (no misused words, e.g. no “then” for “than”, no “accede” for “exceed” – which have become commonplace), excellent descriptions, all of which grab the reader’s attention and keep it. One of the best espionage books of all time, but second to his “The Eye of the Needle”. Heartily recommended.
I do not like this type of book, but since I bought it I read it. It was not my cup of tea but it was entertaining.
Great bopk
Great book until the very end and I was disappointed
A good read but not first-rate Follett.
One of his best
While the book seems historically accurate and the action is consistent with actual events, the characters are deeply flawed and dark. This may also be accurate, but their actions detract from relating to the story.
I was not interested in any of the characters. Just an ok read
Not his best but still an excellent read
The characters are very well constructed. Motivation is clear. There are no flat characters. Even those with brief appearances have a reality to them. The puzzles, the twists, make this a fascinating and educational read. I haven’t enjoyed a book so much in a long time. Brilliant! A must read.
An action packed thriller with smaterings of WWII history thrown in. Will the hero be able to save his son and new found love from a vicious Cairo spy supporting Rommel’s desert warfare? A very good read!
Exciting spy novel in Cairo. Get to see Rommel.
I enjoy all of Ken Follet’s work. This was very fast paced. Great character and plot development. A good many surprises and twists!
I had read this book before but purchased it to read again as it is very good spy movie depicting the war in the desert during WWII.
Seen the plot too any times
Exciting page turner.
Superior writing, diction, descriptives.
A tale of spies, army intelligence, and world war II in the balance. Follett combines history,realistic plot, and great story telling about the event s leading to Rommel’s defeat at el-alamein. This battle kept the Suez canal in British hands which was a major turning point in WW II.