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Book Review By Louisa Eggleton
The Crossing by Ted Allbeury

The novel starts at the beginning of the Russian Revolution with a young man named Josef, a Brit who sides with the Communists. He becomes a spy for them but flees the organisation when he witnesses atrocities committed to non-Communists. He escapes and tries to live an ordinary life - however his wife is murdered and his young son stolen - undoubtedly an act by the Communists.
The novel then focuses on different spies within Britain. In particular in looks at the SIS's investigations on five Russian spies. They arrest the spies and they are tried, with all of them receiving prison sentences.

Joe Shapiro, head huncho of the Russian division of the SIS, wants to exchange one of those convicted (or more if necessary) for a spy that was caught in Russia, a young pilot named Powers. However, the exchange doesn't seem fair as the pilot is really a nobody, and the spy captured in Britain is someone Moscow wants to get back! But the deal is layered - Shapiro also wants a young spy the KGB captured as part of the deal that is to remain secret.


Plot & Themes
Tone of story - depressing/sad
Time/era of story:
Spying/Terrorism Thriller Yes
Cloak & Dagger Plotlets:
Kid or adult book? - Adult or Young Adult Book
descript. of violence and chases - 10 %
Planning/preparing, gather info, debate puzzles/motives - 50 %
Feelings, relationships, character bio/development - 20 %
How society works & physical descript. (people, objects, places) - 20 %
Who's the terrorist enemy here?

Main Character
Gender - Male
Profession/status:
Age: - 60's-90's
Ethnicity/Race

Main Adversary
Identity: - an organization
Motive of antagonist - power
The antagonists are: - KGB
How sensitive is this character?
Sense of humor - Mostly serious with occasional humor
Intelligence - Average intelligence

Setting
Europe Yes
European country: - England/UK - Russia

Writing Style
Accounts of torture and death? - generic/vague references to death/punishment
Amount of dialog - significantly more descript than dialog
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