Edward Wilson talks to Paul Burke about his new spy novel THE PORTRAIT OF THE SPY AS A YOUNG MAN.

This novel goes back to the beginning for William Catesby, the Cold War spy, here on his first mission during WWII. The story follows the undergraduate who gives up his place at university to join the army as he is dropped into France to join the resistance. Knowing who the enemy is is not a simple matter of the colour of the uniform. The experience of war is formative for the future SIS man now looking back on his past from his retirement.

Edward discusses his homage to the brave operatives of SOE section F, William Catesby's encounters with the communist fighters, traitors an the terrible war crime at Oradour-sur-Glane, where a French village was wiped out by retreating German soldiers.

Edward explains how his time is the US army as an intelligence officer in Vietnam informed Catesby's story. He also talks about the Cold War, Meeting PD James and living in Germany and Britain after giving up his US citizenship.

Edward Wilson is without doubt one of the finest spy writers writing today.

Portrait  of the Spy as a Young Man:   https://uk.bookshop.org/a/137/9781911350811

https://www.crimetime.co.uk/

Paul Burke twitter @paulodaburka

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