When Espionage Meets Comedy of Errors Ben Macintyre's latest work of true espionage, "Redwood", defies categorization as strictly serious or historical nonfiction.
The story of Vladimir Kuzichkin, a KGB agent struggling with his libido, has the hallmarks of a satirical farce. Yet this odd blend of high stakes espionage and low brow humor makes "Redwood" so compelling.
Macintyre's decision to open the book with Kuzichkin's erectile dysfunction as a reason for betrayal is both unexpected and poignant.