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The Crossing Book Summary and Study Guide

Detailed plot synopsis reviews of The Crossing


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.
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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.
The review of this Book prepared by Louisa Eggleton



Chapter Analysis of The Crossing

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Plot & Themes

Composition of 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% Tone of story    -   depressing/sad Time/era of story:    -   1930's-1950's Spying/Terrorism Thriller    -   Yes Cloak & Dagger Plotlets:    -   kidnap/rescue Kid or adult book?    -   Adult or Young Adult Book Who's the terrorist enemy here?    -   commies!

Main Character

Gender    -   Male Profession/status:    -   spy Age:    -   60's-90's Ethnicity/Race    -   British

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

Books with storylines, themes & endings like The Crossing

Ted Allbeury Books Note: the views expressed here are only those of the reviewer(s).
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