THE PERSIAN

The Den has chosen a compelling spy thriller for this month’s Book of the Moment, 'The Persian' by the former CIA analyst David McCloskey. A fast pace read which couldn’t be more politically topical with its setting in Tehran.

The narrative revolves around two characters, Roya and Kamran:

Roya has witnessed her Iranian government scientist husband Abbas shot down in broad daylight whilst driving their 5 year old daughter Alya to her birthday party. Roya and her daughter escape and she begins work in the house in Niavarn, which is the headquarters for the Iranian assassination team.

Kamran (Kam) Esfahni is a prisoner in Tehran, where it becomes apparent Kam has been held for several years. During this time, we discover he has endlessly been interrogated and made to confess his crimes by writing down chronologically his testament, particularly the end, which it evolves he is unable to address. The Colonel leading the investigation, Jaffar Ghorbani, has accused Kam of representing the intelligence services of Israel, America, Britain and Sweden. Kam is a Persian Jew, born in Tehran but raised in Sweden where he was working as a dentist. On a visit to Tehran he is recruited by General Glitzman, a powerful and persuasive Mossad agent. We learn as his story unfolds that he was part of a botched kidnap which saw his best friend and co-worker Amir-Ali killed. However he had received limited training and was never really a skilled professional spy. In captivity, he has time to reflect on his actions and finds himself wondering if what he did was the just and morally right.

McCloskey is adept at portraying the emotional turmoil of both sides who passionately believe in their cause and what happens when the opposing sides have no alternative but to trust each other. As the background story as to why Kam is captive emerges, McCloskey is able to offer a good balance in understanding and appreciating both sides of the struggle and an insight into the shadow war between Iran and Iraq. We begin to wonder if Kam will ever provide the ending to his confession which will satisfy his captors and if he does what the consequences will be?

Den tip - David McCloskey co-hosts 'The Rest is Classified' podcast if you are interested in further insights into the undercover world.