I found this a great read, and a quite fascinating one. A remarkable story of a remarkable – and enigmatic – man. Part coming-of-age tale, part family saga, part thriller, part insight into spycraft and the workings of the secret service, all written in an accessible and eminently readable style with some nicely understated comedic touches and the odd one-liner. It all amounts to a truly compelling memoir by John Wood’s son, who has delved into his father’s life with painstaking and often tricky research. And what a life it was, one which would be totally implausible in a novel but which happens to be all true. The author clearly and vividly depicts the world of espionage his father was involved in, his secrets and evasions and decidedly casual relationship to the truth. If his father was absent for much of his life, Alistair Wood doesn’t seem to hold a grudge, and remains non-judgmental throughout, which makes the book even more readable. Highly recommended.

My Family and Other Spies is an exceptionally engaging blend of personal memoir and espionage history. It delivers a vivid portrayal of two influential SIS figures framed within a web of secret operations and familial mystery. While gaps remain due to classification and occasionally brisk narrative pacing, it still stands out as a compelling, entertaining, and emotionally resonant read.

Although an avid reader of this genre of books unfortunately I found that I just could not get deeply interested in this one. Probably nothing to do with the story, just didn't do it for me.
My thanks anyway to NetGalley and the publishers for this arc in exchange for an unbiased and honest review.

I'm about to complete this wonderful novel. I'm in love with Berlin where everything happens accordingly and where parents of this storyteller meet while both working at the same place.
Lovely enough there is amazing Sufism mystical personal trait that serves for me like a islamic bond that ties together this entire novel. It is not most relaxing read however it's worthwhile.