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Die Nadel
>It is 1944, only months, and then weeks before D-Day. The Allies have set up an ersatz armada of ships and planes in East Anglia, clever shells to divert German attention to the shores of Calais, and away from D-Day's actual landing site of Normandy. It seems to be working. But if one enemy agent should learn of the plan, just one. . .
His code name is "Die Nadel," "The Needle," after his favorite weapon, the stiletto; he is Hitler's hand-picked agent, an independent man of extraordinary intelligence who has been "out in the cold" long enough to scorn such home-based establishment superiors as von Braun and Canaris. He was planted in London years before. And now he has discovered the secret that will destroy the Allies and defeat the D-Day landing – if he can escape to Germany with it.
As "Die Nadel" moves quickly across England, he is tracked by a British Military Intelligence officer (MI5), a former history professor and once retired agent who has forsaken his medieval kings to get "back in the game." The murderous duel of ingenuity and endurance that follows, particularly as it intertwines with the life of a remarkable young woman, finishing in a terrifying climax on a storm-battered island, will make
336 pages, Hardcover
First published May 23, 1978
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 5,062 reviews
May 12, 2014
This was the novel that gave Follet star quality status in publishing circles. Not only was it a best seller but it also was adapted into a movie, starring Donald Sutherland.
Here are some reasons to read THE EYE OF THE NEEDLE:
(1) PRECISION: you like reading about cool, precise heroes or anti-heroes or villains who are painfully precise in their plans, the best at what they do and are totally "stone cold.";
(2) WWII BUFF: you love to read about the "big thrills" of WWII; this has it since the German spy discovers D-Day plans and tries to get back to Germany to warn the High Command (i.e. his tap was taken after he was shortly exposed);
(3) TAUT THRILLS: if this turns you on, Follet is right up there with Forsythe, Higgins and other masterful spy thriller novelists.;
(4) MOVING LOVE/LUST TALES: Follet has always been unusually good at the subplot love stories in his tales; the intimacy level is higher than some people encounter in their real lives; the details of the lovemaking is hot. I still remember, at one point, the female interest asks the male love interest why he never married and he replied to something along the lines as: "I never loved any woman enough to marry them."; and
(5) LOTS OF COMPLICATIONS FOR THE CHARACTERS: especially for the villain who seems to overcome almost all of them.
Follet also does a good job of centering the story on the villain so that you like him and then switching over to another character later. The transition works for a number of reasons but saying more would spoil the story.
STORY/PLOTTING: A minus to A; CHARACTERS/DIALOGUE: A minus; TENSION LEVEL: B plus; WHEN READ: 2002 (revised review July 2012); OVERALL GRADE: A minus.
Here are some reasons to read THE EYE OF THE NEEDLE:
(1) PRECISION: you like reading about cool, precise heroes or anti-heroes or villains who are painfully precise in their plans, the best at what they do and are totally "stone cold.";
(2) WWII BUFF: you love to read about the "big thrills" of WWII; this has it since the German spy discovers D-Day plans and tries to get back to Germany to warn the High Command (i.e. his tap was taken after he was shortly exposed);
(3) TAUT THRILLS: if this turns you on, Follet is right up there with Forsythe, Higgins and other masterful spy thriller novelists.;
(4) MOVING LOVE/LUST TALES: Follet has always been unusually good at the subplot love stories in his tales; the intimacy level is higher than some people encounter in their real lives; the details of the lovemaking is hot. I still remember, at one point, the female interest asks the male love interest why he never married and he replied to something along the lines as: "I never loved any woman enough to marry them."; and
(5) LOTS OF COMPLICATIONS FOR THE CHARACTERS: especially for the villain who seems to overcome almost all of them.
Follet also does a good job of centering the story on the villain so that you like him and then switching over to another character later. The transition works for a number of reasons but saying more would spoil the story.
STORY/PLOTTING: A minus to A; CHARACTERS/DIALOGUE: A minus; TENSION LEVEL: B plus; WHEN READ: 2002 (revised review July 2012); OVERALL GRADE: A minus.
April 26, 2016
Today, most people know Ken Follett as the author of mammoth works of historical fiction. I mean, we’re talking novels that would make War and Peace turn and run like Napoleon’s troops from Moscow. (See what I did there?) It’s a known fact that you can construct a home able to withstand an F5 tornado solely from copies of Pillars of the Earth, World Without End and Fall of Giants. (Note: this house will not have doors, windows, a roof, or the ability to withstand an F5 tornado).
Before he started authoring 1,000-page beasts populated with dozens of characters and crammed with historical tidbits, Ken Follett was known for his thrillers, including Eye of the Needle, his breakout hit. Published in 1978, Eye of the Needle weighs in at a trim 330 pages (in trade paperback), features three main characters, and gets to its point with the precision of a Swiss watch, or at least a very well-run subway system.
Eye of the Needle is filled with Follett hallmarks: paper-thin characters who exist solely to fulfill plot-derived motivations; dialogue that is mostly expository, but veers towards the excruciating when touching on matters of the heart; and, most important of all, anatomically-precise sex scenes.
Set during World War II, the main character of Eye of the Needle is a German spy named Henry Faber. Faber is known as “die Nadel” – the Needle – because his weapon of choice is a stiletto, which is a knife with a long, slender blade. He is your typical Nordic superman:
Faber is quite skilled with his stiletto, which he proves early in the book. And it makes perfect sense that Faber, who exudes lethal sexiness, would choose as his weapon what amounts to a sharp, steel penis.
The plot kicks into gear quickly, when Faber learns about Operation Fortitude, a real-life counterespionage operation undertaken by the Allies on the eve of D-Day. Operation Fortitude used leaks of fake information, dummy tanks and equipment, and meaningless wireless traffic to fool the Germans into thinking that the invasion of Europe would come at Calais, instead of Normandy. Faber learns of the deception and realizes its vital importance. With dogged MI5 agents on his trail, Faber attempts to escape England and deliver the news to Hitler.
Meanwhile, there is a parallel story involving David and Lucy Rose. David is a dashing young RAF officer (was there any other kind?), and Lucy is his beautiful bride. They have an awkward first sexual encounter, because apparently British people do not know how to have sex. (For proof, please read Ian McEwan’s Chesil Beach). This is enough to get Lucy pregnant. Shortly thereafter, David gets in a car wreck, putting him in a wheelchair. Later, they move to a secluded island off the coast of Scotland. It’s called Storm Island. (Hey, honey, where should we live? How about Storm Island? Sounds nice!)
It’s not giving too much away to tell you that Faber ends up on Storm Island with David and Lucy. I also hope I’m not ruining anything by revealing that Faber and Lucy develop “feelings” for each other. This won’t come as a surprise to anyone who’s read Lady Chatterley’s Lover, which is explicitly mentioned several times, and is paid homage in the love triangle between the crippled husband, lovelorn wife, and virile male interloper.
(And just in case you don’t pick up on the Chatterley angle, Lucy exclaims “Now I know what Lawrence means” after receiving cunnilingus for the first time. The combination of execrable dialogue and a sex scene so detailed it’d make a doctor blush is Follett at his most enjoyable. I mean that sincerely).
Whatever his shortcomings as a writer (and frankly, he’s always readable), Follett is a master storyteller. In Eye of the Needle, he is especially good at placing his fictional character into a fascinating, true-life context (especially one that might not be known to casual fans of history). It is a testament to Follett’s plotting that, despite knowing the overall outcome of the novel (the Allies successfully invaded Normandy and won World War II), you will tear through the book to see how it ends.
Of course, when it does end, you will probably feel vaguely unsatisfied, and maybe a little dirty, but that’s to be expected. You don’t read a Follett thriller to be intellectually nourished. You read a Follett thriller for the twists and turns, the outbursts of violence, and the it-leaves-nothing-to-the-imagination sexual encounters.
Before he started authoring 1,000-page beasts populated with dozens of characters and crammed with historical tidbits, Ken Follett was known for his thrillers, including Eye of the Needle, his breakout hit. Published in 1978, Eye of the Needle weighs in at a trim 330 pages (in trade paperback), features three main characters, and gets to its point with the precision of a Swiss watch, or at least a very well-run subway system.
Eye of the Needle is filled with Follett hallmarks: paper-thin characters who exist solely to fulfill plot-derived motivations; dialogue that is mostly expository, but veers towards the excruciating when touching on matters of the heart; and, most important of all, anatomically-precise sex scenes.
Set during World War II, the main character of Eye of the Needle is a German spy named Henry Faber. Faber is known as “die Nadel” – the Needle – because his weapon of choice is a stiletto, which is a knife with a long, slender blade. He is your typical Nordic superman:
[A] fine figure of a man: tall, quite heavy around the neck and shoulders, not a bit fat, with long legs. And he had a strong face, with a high forehead and a long jaw and bright blue eyes…
Faber is quite skilled with his stiletto, which he proves early in the book. And it makes perfect sense that Faber, who exudes lethal sexiness, would choose as his weapon what amounts to a sharp, steel penis.
The plot kicks into gear quickly, when Faber learns about Operation Fortitude, a real-life counterespionage operation undertaken by the Allies on the eve of D-Day. Operation Fortitude used leaks of fake information, dummy tanks and equipment, and meaningless wireless traffic to fool the Germans into thinking that the invasion of Europe would come at Calais, instead of Normandy. Faber learns of the deception and realizes its vital importance. With dogged MI5 agents on his trail, Faber attempts to escape England and deliver the news to Hitler.
Meanwhile, there is a parallel story involving David and Lucy Rose. David is a dashing young RAF officer (was there any other kind?), and Lucy is his beautiful bride. They have an awkward first sexual encounter, because apparently British people do not know how to have sex. (For proof, please read Ian McEwan’s Chesil Beach). This is enough to get Lucy pregnant. Shortly thereafter, David gets in a car wreck, putting him in a wheelchair. Later, they move to a secluded island off the coast of Scotland. It’s called Storm Island. (Hey, honey, where should we live? How about Storm Island? Sounds nice!)
It’s not giving too much away to tell you that Faber ends up on Storm Island with David and Lucy. I also hope I’m not ruining anything by revealing that Faber and Lucy develop “feelings” for each other. This won’t come as a surprise to anyone who’s read Lady Chatterley’s Lover, which is explicitly mentioned several times, and is paid homage in the love triangle between the crippled husband, lovelorn wife, and virile male interloper.
(And just in case you don’t pick up on the Chatterley angle, Lucy exclaims “Now I know what Lawrence means” after receiving cunnilingus for the first time. The combination of execrable dialogue and a sex scene so detailed it’d make a doctor blush is Follett at his most enjoyable. I mean that sincerely).
Whatever his shortcomings as a writer (and frankly, he’s always readable), Follett is a master storyteller. In Eye of the Needle, he is especially good at placing his fictional character into a fascinating, true-life context (especially one that might not be known to casual fans of history). It is a testament to Follett’s plotting that, despite knowing the overall outcome of the novel (the Allies successfully invaded Normandy and won World War II), you will tear through the book to see how it ends.
Of course, when it does end, you will probably feel vaguely unsatisfied, and maybe a little dirty, but that’s to be expected. You don’t read a Follett thriller to be intellectually nourished. You read a Follett thriller for the twists and turns, the outbursts of violence, and the it-leaves-nothing-to-the-imagination sexual encounters.
May 29, 2021
A enthralling tale with falling off your seat suspense.
I absolutely couldn't stop thinking about the characters and their plight in this "older" gem of a read! I enjoy WWII historical fiction and this one delivered on many fronts.
The terrifying German spy called "The Needle", a determined British intelligence officer, a betrayal, a strong English woman, a hunt for the villain, a shipwreck, an unlikely rendezvous. There are even a few steamy scenes that may give you some chills.
A friend handed me this old paperback and said, "read this". It sat on my side table for weeks, but when I picked it up and began reading, I was captivated.
Highly recommend to the espionage, historical WWII fiction fans! Or anyone who loves a suspenseful and intriguing ride!
I absolutely couldn't stop thinking about the characters and their plight in this "older" gem of a read! I enjoy WWII historical fiction and this one delivered on many fronts.
The terrifying German spy called "The Needle", a determined British intelligence officer, a betrayal, a strong English woman, a hunt for the villain, a shipwreck, an unlikely rendezvous. There are even a few steamy scenes that may give you some chills.
A friend handed me this old paperback and said, "read this". It sat on my side table for weeks, but when I picked it up and began reading, I was captivated.
Highly recommend to the espionage, historical WWII fiction fans! Or anyone who loves a suspenseful and intriguing ride!
January 7, 2022
I do enjoy a good old fashioned spy thriller and who better than Ken Follett to write a suspenseful and exciting story that had me intrigued from start to finish.
In the weeks leading up to D-Day. Hitler’s prize undercover agent and a cold and professional Killer who goes by the enamel of The Neddle, is on the cusp of discovering the Allies Invasion plans and ruining what has been months of planning. Hunted by MI5 he leads a murderous trail across Britain to a waiting u Boat but he hasn’t planned for a storm-bartered island the the remarkable young woman who lives there.
Ken Follett’s Eye of the Needle (written in 1978) reads so well even 40 year later. I really appreciated the complex characters, the well crafted and suspenseful story. The great chase of MI5 agents on the trail of Henry Fabre ( The needle) had me on the edge of my seat.
A compelling and unputdownable story.
I listened to this one on Audio and the narration by Samuel West was excellent and really added to my enjoyment of the story.
In the weeks leading up to D-Day. Hitler’s prize undercover agent and a cold and professional Killer who goes by the enamel of The Neddle, is on the cusp of discovering the Allies Invasion plans and ruining what has been months of planning. Hunted by MI5 he leads a murderous trail across Britain to a waiting u Boat but he hasn’t planned for a storm-bartered island the the remarkable young woman who lives there.
Ken Follett’s Eye of the Needle (written in 1978) reads so well even 40 year later. I really appreciated the complex characters, the well crafted and suspenseful story. The great chase of MI5 agents on the trail of Henry Fabre ( The needle) had me on the edge of my seat.
A compelling and unputdownable story.
I listened to this one on Audio and the narration by Samuel West was excellent and really added to my enjoyment of the story.
November 8, 2018
If you have never read any of Follett's work, then this is a good place to start. The paperback is 368 pages, which is shorter than many of his other books. If you like his style, then his other books have even more point-of-view characters that he rotates his narration around. I'm guessing that Follett realized he had a solid formula for creating tension. He just added more characters to prevent telegraphing too many plot points.
This spy thriller delivers quite the adventure! No master work of literature here, but the story certainly diverts your attention and allows you to escape into WWII moves and counter-moves.
Follett sets his story as the Allies are building up forces for D-Day and they are trying to camouflage their activity with misdirection in a variety of areas. While the plot centers around these true events, the majority of the characters are fictional. Sure Hitler and Churchill get some face time, but Follett's point is who knows if a spy like Faber really existed.
I think what makes this book truly great is the superb use of character. Yes, the plot is exciting, well-constructed, and full of wonderful historical detail. But Die Nadel is one of the best 10 villains ever written, not because he is the most evil, but because of his complexity. I swear, for most of the book, I was rooting for him despite myself. Each challenge the spy faces, the reader actually wants him to overcome. Which makes the climax all the more compelling—how ought the story to end? How do I want it to end?
Fabulous novel. Highly recommend.
This spy thriller delivers quite the adventure! No master work of literature here, but the story certainly diverts your attention and allows you to escape into WWII moves and counter-moves.
Follett sets his story as the Allies are building up forces for D-Day and they are trying to camouflage their activity with misdirection in a variety of areas. While the plot centers around these true events, the majority of the characters are fictional. Sure Hitler and Churchill get some face time, but Follett's point is who knows if a spy like Faber really existed.
I think what makes this book truly great is the superb use of character. Yes, the plot is exciting, well-constructed, and full of wonderful historical detail. But Die Nadel is one of the best 10 villains ever written, not because he is the most evil, but because of his complexity. I swear, for most of the book, I was rooting for him despite myself. Each challenge the spy faces, the reader actually wants him to overcome. Which makes the climax all the more compelling—how ought the story to end? How do I want it to end?
Fabulous novel. Highly recommend.
December 23, 2025
Um Amor Complicado
Por onde passa deixa um rasto de morte. Mata com um estilete e por isso lhe chamam o Agulha. Tem uma missão a cumprir e é tudo o que lhe importa. Até que Ela aparece...
E... se mais quiserem saber... terão que ler a sinopse ou outras resenhas (algo que definitivamente não recomendo), pois eu irei calar-me por aqui.
É ler e ganhar ou não ler e perder. O conselho é meu e a escolha é vossa! 😉
———————————++++++++++++++++++——
☠️💕 Love is a Hunter 💕 ☠️
They call him The Needle. They know he’s been there by the trail of corpses stabbed with a Stilleto — his trademark “needle”. He has a mission to accomplish and nothing else matters. Until the day he met Her...
Are you eager for more?
If your answer is Yes, you have one of 3 options:
Option number 1 - Read the book
Option number 2 - Read the book
Option number 3 - Read the book
Did you chose number 3?
I bet you did!!! 😉😜
Por onde passa deixa um rasto de morte. Mata com um estilete e por isso lhe chamam o Agulha. Tem uma missão a cumprir e é tudo o que lhe importa. Até que Ela aparece...
E... se mais quiserem saber... terão que ler a sinopse ou outras resenhas (algo que definitivamente não recomendo), pois eu irei calar-me por aqui.
É ler e ganhar ou não ler e perder. O conselho é meu e a escolha é vossa! 😉
———————————++++++++++++++++++——
☠️💕 Love is a Hunter 💕 ☠️
They call him The Needle. They know he’s been there by the trail of corpses stabbed with a Stilleto — his trademark “needle”. He has a mission to accomplish and nothing else matters. Until the day he met Her...
Are you eager for more?
If your answer is Yes, you have one of 3 options:
Option number 1 - Read the book
Option number 2 - Read the book
Option number 3 - Read the book
Did you chose number 3?
I bet you did!!! 😉😜
July 30, 2023
For years, Ken Follett has been one of the authors I most admire... but given the length of his novels and the historical aspects, I tend to only read one or two a year -- and he has a lot to catch up on. This year, I started with Eye of the Needle, perhaps his most well-known novel. A German spy is at the center of the story, and he's infiltrated the British military intelligence agency... several are killed before his identity becomes compromised, and then he's on the run. He kills with a stiletto and it's never a clean kill. The book switches POV a few times to cover different primary characters, including the heroine who suffers greatly for many years before finally winning at something in her life. Great dialog, beautiful settings, and just a fantastic story to read. The only reason I didn't give it five stars is that I'm a bit worn down on WWII spy thrillers and all that comes with them. I found this one compelling and easy to read, and I'd highly recommend it to anyone as a way to understand the art that is Ken Follett's imagination and writing style. Now I get to pick my next read from his behemoth of a backlog!
September 30, 2023
I just finished The Day of the Jackal, loved it, and decided to try another suspenseful fiction book which is a genre that I seldom read. It was a good decision.
This book, which was made into a film in 1981, is a well written story of the Nazi top secret agent, The Needle (Die Nadel), who has discovered that the Allies will indeed attack Fortress Europa at Normandy. The Allies have so far convinced the Nazis that they will invade at Cherbourg where Hitler is moving his troops to stop them on the beaches. But Hitler is waiting to hear from die Nadel before he makes his final decision. The plot revolves around the attempted escape of the spy who is still in Britain and whose identity is unknown to the authorities.
Much of this exciting tale is based on actual history but the author weaves his fiction seamlessly into the facts. Granted, it stretches credibility at times, especially the denouement, but that's what makes it so suspenseful. I would recommend this book, even to the reader who does not read spy fiction.It's a dandy!
This book, which was made into a film in 1981, is a well written story of the Nazi top secret agent, The Needle (Die Nadel), who has discovered that the Allies will indeed attack Fortress Europa at Normandy. The Allies have so far convinced the Nazis that they will invade at Cherbourg where Hitler is moving his troops to stop them on the beaches. But Hitler is waiting to hear from die Nadel before he makes his final decision. The plot revolves around the attempted escape of the spy who is still in Britain and whose identity is unknown to the authorities.
Much of this exciting tale is based on actual history but the author weaves his fiction seamlessly into the facts. Granted, it stretches credibility at times, especially the denouement, but that's what makes it so suspenseful. I would recommend this book, even to the reader who does not read spy fiction.It's a dandy!
August 4, 2016
Clichéd and predictable: an ultimate disaster. Wasted my precious time on this one.
December 23, 2020
Eye of the Needle by Ken Follett is an adventurous spy thriller novel set in the backdrop of World War II, specifically leading to the D-Day aka the Battle of Normandy. Henry Faber aka The Needle, is a German spy in the midst of the English. He somehow gathers the most important intelligence information that can decide the fate of the war for the Germans. Hitler trusts him, but will he able to successfully transfer that knowledge, given that the English Intelligence is doing everything in their power to catch him before he leaves England? The result is a cat-and-mouse chase between the spy and the intelligence officers, one which kept the reader in me hooked.
Love-making scenes written by Ken are spicier than the ones by the authors in the erotica genre. Is there anything he is not good at?
Given that his other books are tomes, this one can be a perfect choice to start reading Ken. Now that I have liked his style, I will definitely be picking more of his works.
Verdict: Recommended.
Love-making scenes written by Ken are spicier than the ones by the authors in the erotica genre. Is there anything he is not good at?
Given that his other books are tomes, this one can be a perfect choice to start reading Ken. Now that I have liked his style, I will definitely be picking more of his works.
Verdict: Recommended.
February 25, 2021
One of the Best of All Time
“The Eye of the Needle” by Ken Follet is one of the top ten books that I have ever read
Besides being a WWII psychological thriller, it is 100% factual about the planning and spying of the Normandy Landing.
Memorable characters like Henry Faber, a nondescript Englishman, who is a railway clerk living in a widow's house. Oh by the way, Henry is a German agent and assassin working in Britain where bhe discovers one of the biggest secrets of WWII--rhe date and location for D-DAY. All he needs to do now is escape the UK and meet a Nazi U-Boat off the coast of Scotland. The chase is on.
This book by Follet is a psyological hriller, with an outstanding plot, superb writing, and a pace with breakneck speed. It was so well written, I found myself rooting for the spy to get away.
It is one of the finest novels of all time. Somehow, I missed it previously. I am glad I picked it up now. You should get a copy & read it right away.
I highly recommend this novel.
“The Eye of the Needle” by Ken Follet is one of the top ten books that I have ever read
Besides being a WWII psychological thriller, it is 100% factual about the planning and spying of the Normandy Landing.
Memorable characters like Henry Faber, a nondescript Englishman, who is a railway clerk living in a widow's house. Oh by the way, Henry is a German agent and assassin working in Britain where bhe discovers one of the biggest secrets of WWII--rhe date and location for D-DAY. All he needs to do now is escape the UK and meet a Nazi U-Boat off the coast of Scotland. The chase is on.
This book by Follet is a psyological hriller, with an outstanding plot, superb writing, and a pace with breakneck speed. It was so well written, I found myself rooting for the spy to get away.
It is one of the finest novels of all time. Somehow, I missed it previously. I am glad I picked it up now. You should get a copy & read it right away.
I highly recommend this novel.
January 8, 2023
I recently reread the Eye of the Needle, and this is the best espionage story set in the time of WWII that I know (I don't know too many, though). I enjoyed the characters, the fast-paced plot, the setting, the suspense and how the outcome was open until the very end of the story.
So, if you are interested in this kind of story I can highly recommend the Eye of the Needle.
5 out of 5 stars
My review is based on the English kindle version.
So, if you are interested in this kind of story I can highly recommend the Eye of the Needle.
5 out of 5 stars
My review is based on the English kindle version.
April 19, 2020
"It has taken the total military and industrial might of the whole English-speaking world - the greatest civilization since the Roman Empire - four years to win this 50/50 chance. If this spy gets out, we lose even that. Which is to say, we lose everything. Don't bring me probabilities, professor. Bring me 'Die Nadel.'" -- Winston Churchill, fictional quote but actual U.K. prime minister
Follett's Eye of the Needle is probably best remembered as being his first bestseller over 40 years ago, as well as (I think) the only one of his books that received a film adaptation. Set in Europe on the eve of D-Day, the plot centers on 'The Needle' (a.k.a. 'Die Nadel' in his native tongue), a shrewd German espionage operative who has been eluding capture in the British Isles for four years. Known for his stealth abilities as well as his lethal use of a stiletto, he is on the run from British military intelligence (represented here by a pair of 'citizen soldiers' - a keen university professor and a dogged Scotland Yard detective) after obtaining photographic evidence for the Allied plan of Operation Overlord.
The first half of the book is a traditional hero / villain pursuit (though still well written), but the narrative is then kicked up a notch in the latter part once The Needle is unexpectedly forced to take refuge on a sparsely inhabited island on the Scottish coast. There he meets Lucy, an unhappy wife of a disabled man and mother of a very young son. The Needle insinuates himself into this family dynamic, but things soon go very awry and Lucy has to 1.) flee for her safety during a storm to avoid The Needle, which is obviously a very difficult thing to do on a small isolated island, plus 2.) attempt to contact British authorities - as there is only a single two-way radio locally available - for both assistance and to advise of The Needle's activities. Without giving everything away, the quiet Lucy believably rises to the occasion and displays admirable grit and determination for her son and 'for Queen and country' - I know I stayed put to read the final 100 or so suspenseful pages in one sitting.
Follett's Eye of the Needle is probably best remembered as being his first bestseller over 40 years ago, as well as (I think) the only one of his books that received a film adaptation. Set in Europe on the eve of D-Day, the plot centers on 'The Needle' (a.k.a. 'Die Nadel' in his native tongue), a shrewd German espionage operative who has been eluding capture in the British Isles for four years. Known for his stealth abilities as well as his lethal use of a stiletto, he is on the run from British military intelligence (represented here by a pair of 'citizen soldiers' - a keen university professor and a dogged Scotland Yard detective) after obtaining photographic evidence for the Allied plan of Operation Overlord.
The first half of the book is a traditional hero / villain pursuit (though still well written), but the narrative is then kicked up a notch in the latter part once The Needle is unexpectedly forced to take refuge on a sparsely inhabited island on the Scottish coast. There he meets Lucy, an unhappy wife of a disabled man and mother of a very young son. The Needle insinuates himself into this family dynamic, but things soon go very awry and Lucy has to 1.) flee for her safety during a storm to avoid The Needle, which is obviously a very difficult thing to do on a small isolated island, plus 2.) attempt to contact British authorities - as there is only a single two-way radio locally available - for both assistance and to advise of The Needle's activities. Without giving everything away, the quiet Lucy believably rises to the occasion and displays admirable grit and determination for her son and 'for Queen and country' - I know I stayed put to read the final 100 or so suspenseful pages in one sitting.
January 28, 2024
EYE OF THE NEEDLE [1978] By KEN FOLLETT
My Review 5.0 Stars Out Of 5.0 Stars
It was not surprising that just between Amazon and Goodreads, this timeless debut novel by a young Ken Follet had amassed roughly 200,000 ratings. One must realize that this number is likely to be woefully low when one considers that the book was originally published by MacDonald & Jane's Publishers in 1978 under the title Storm Island. That same year the rights were acquired by the Penguin Group who published the novel under the title “Eye of The Needle.” I read the Reprint Kindle Edition dated July 7, 2015, but I make it a point of indicating the original release date in my reviews as I have done above.
The title of this worldwide phenomenon by the 27-year-old Welshman was “EYE OF THE NEEDLE” when I read it for the first time. The title is derived from the code name of a master spy for Hitler, one nicknamed ‘die Nadel’ (the needle). Henry Faber had been given the nickname because of his kill method using a stiletto in a single move to pierce the heart of his target and silence him or her simultaneously. However, the main character in this spellbinding work of historical fiction set in 1940’s wartime felt as though the nickname was bad luck. It may have been just that when one reads the final pages of this thrilling, pulse-pounding wartime adventure.
This novel was Follett's first successful, best-selling effort as a novelist, and one he had written over a period of a mere five weeks. It was therefore kismet that the finished product won the 1979 Edgar Award for Best Novel. Follet was destined to become a great author of outstanding abilities which found his novels instant bestsellers on the NYT Bestseller List and also with options for film adaptation in many cases. However, it was the novel he wrote at age 27 in an effort to win a cash price to get his car repaired that would be the start of it all. “Eye Of the Needle” became an international bestseller selling over 10 million copies. It was the nerve-wracking and breather thriller of a sociopathic spy and the unlikely nemesis that would bring him down and save the free world that made Follett both rich and famous across the globe.
The teaser description for this masterpiece on Amazon is quite brief. The reader is told a bit more about the lethality, skills, and temperament of Hitler’s favorite and most reliable purveyor of information about the allies and strategies. “The Needle” [Henry Faber] is a German aristocrat who possesses if not a genius IQ extraordinary intelligence. Faber is not just smart, he “reads” people with uncanny accuracy, he is patient, methodical and lethal. ‘Die Nadel’ is a master spy in all facets of the word with violence as much a part of his birthright as his brains.
The author does a wonderful job with fleshing out Faber’s British counterparts, namely a history professor named Godliman, and a widowed ex-policeman named Bloggs. The pair are brought on board by MI5 to catch this proverbial “needle” in a haystack. Dialogue is colorful between the two and the reader feels like they know these two guys, who have both suffered enough heartbreak between them to diminish most men but they are successful in turning their losses into flames of a tireless manhunt to save their homeland. Bloggs is the more colorful and forceful of the two and it is he who is there at the end of the story to marvel in its events.
Basically, our tale takes place in 1940 when ‘die Nadel’ is both acting and dressing the part of a nondescript nobody, but collecting information on Allied troop movements. Faber is holed up in his small rental space radioing his collected findings on the Allied Troop movements to Berlin when his landlady literally uses her master key to his room and walks in unannounced in high hopes of seducing him. He is halfway through the transmission and fears that she has noticed the fact that he was deploying a transmitter. Would the love-starved widow have spotted the transmitter and extrapolated that her unassuming but hunky renter was a German spy? Faber is too meticulously mindful of such risks and dispatches her with his stiletto without further ado. He then resumes his transmission, the threat neutralized.
It is fascinating how and under what circumstances that ‘die Nadel’ stumbles across the most vital information that was available. He recognized the ramifications of what he had discovered but his intelligence told him that only physical evidence would convince the Furor. It comes to pass that the Allies discover what pure golden spy intel that Faber possesses. It is in this fashion that Faber (‘Di Nadel’) becomes the target of the most desperate manhunt in the Allies history.
There are few accolades not bandied about when readers start discussing “Eye of The Needle.” “One of the twelve best thrillers from the last fifty years” is a good one. I started thinking about this book when I was chatting back and forth with a fan of Follet’s present day, and she had not read his phenomenal book “Eye of The Needle.”
I have not touched upon any information about the events or the participants of the end of the novel because that material although not a spoiler, I do not want a new reader to be thinking ahead or speculating. This is an absolutely riveting, pulse-pounding thriller of thrillers. Yes, it is a “spy thriller.” I for one am fascinated with the World War II period. Espionage was a go-to genre for me when I was younger, and I laugh now at the fact that I read all of the 007 Novels by the great Ian Fleming when I was still a young kid in my mid-teens. I later discovered Robert Ludlum and reread his famous Jason Bourne Trilogy when I bought my first Kindle and bought the digital copies. I know I went off a tangent, but I did have a point, and that is I believe that any lover of “thrillers” would love this one. The novel has a sympathetic well-drawn protagonist at the end whose life is pitted against the robotic nemesis and killing machine that Hitler dubbed “Di Nadel.” It is not one life but the fate of the Allies and all of Britain that is in the balance.
A PHENOMENAL SUSPENSE THRILLER FROM THE ‘70s STILL HEART-STOPPING TODAY
My Review 5.0 Stars Out Of 5.0 Stars
It was not surprising that just between Amazon and Goodreads, this timeless debut novel by a young Ken Follet had amassed roughly 200,000 ratings. One must realize that this number is likely to be woefully low when one considers that the book was originally published by MacDonald & Jane's Publishers in 1978 under the title Storm Island. That same year the rights were acquired by the Penguin Group who published the novel under the title “Eye of The Needle.” I read the Reprint Kindle Edition dated July 7, 2015, but I make it a point of indicating the original release date in my reviews as I have done above.
The title of this worldwide phenomenon by the 27-year-old Welshman was “EYE OF THE NEEDLE” when I read it for the first time. The title is derived from the code name of a master spy for Hitler, one nicknamed ‘die Nadel’ (the needle). Henry Faber had been given the nickname because of his kill method using a stiletto in a single move to pierce the heart of his target and silence him or her simultaneously. However, the main character in this spellbinding work of historical fiction set in 1940’s wartime felt as though the nickname was bad luck. It may have been just that when one reads the final pages of this thrilling, pulse-pounding wartime adventure.
This novel was Follett's first successful, best-selling effort as a novelist, and one he had written over a period of a mere five weeks. It was therefore kismet that the finished product won the 1979 Edgar Award for Best Novel. Follet was destined to become a great author of outstanding abilities which found his novels instant bestsellers on the NYT Bestseller List and also with options for film adaptation in many cases. However, it was the novel he wrote at age 27 in an effort to win a cash price to get his car repaired that would be the start of it all. “Eye Of the Needle” became an international bestseller selling over 10 million copies. It was the nerve-wracking and breather thriller of a sociopathic spy and the unlikely nemesis that would bring him down and save the free world that made Follett both rich and famous across the globe.
The teaser description for this masterpiece on Amazon is quite brief. The reader is told a bit more about the lethality, skills, and temperament of Hitler’s favorite and most reliable purveyor of information about the allies and strategies. “The Needle” [Henry Faber] is a German aristocrat who possesses if not a genius IQ extraordinary intelligence. Faber is not just smart, he “reads” people with uncanny accuracy, he is patient, methodical and lethal. ‘Die Nadel’ is a master spy in all facets of the word with violence as much a part of his birthright as his brains.
The author does a wonderful job with fleshing out Faber’s British counterparts, namely a history professor named Godliman, and a widowed ex-policeman named Bloggs. The pair are brought on board by MI5 to catch this proverbial “needle” in a haystack. Dialogue is colorful between the two and the reader feels like they know these two guys, who have both suffered enough heartbreak between them to diminish most men but they are successful in turning their losses into flames of a tireless manhunt to save their homeland. Bloggs is the more colorful and forceful of the two and it is he who is there at the end of the story to marvel in its events.
Basically, our tale takes place in 1940 when ‘die Nadel’ is both acting and dressing the part of a nondescript nobody, but collecting information on Allied troop movements. Faber is holed up in his small rental space radioing his collected findings on the Allied Troop movements to Berlin when his landlady literally uses her master key to his room and walks in unannounced in high hopes of seducing him. He is halfway through the transmission and fears that she has noticed the fact that he was deploying a transmitter. Would the love-starved widow have spotted the transmitter and extrapolated that her unassuming but hunky renter was a German spy? Faber is too meticulously mindful of such risks and dispatches her with his stiletto without further ado. He then resumes his transmission, the threat neutralized.
It is fascinating how and under what circumstances that ‘die Nadel’ stumbles across the most vital information that was available. He recognized the ramifications of what he had discovered but his intelligence told him that only physical evidence would convince the Furor. It comes to pass that the Allies discover what pure golden spy intel that Faber possesses. It is in this fashion that Faber (‘Di Nadel’) becomes the target of the most desperate manhunt in the Allies history.
There are few accolades not bandied about when readers start discussing “Eye of The Needle.” “One of the twelve best thrillers from the last fifty years” is a good one. I started thinking about this book when I was chatting back and forth with a fan of Follet’s present day, and she had not read his phenomenal book “Eye of The Needle.”
I have not touched upon any information about the events or the participants of the end of the novel because that material although not a spoiler, I do not want a new reader to be thinking ahead or speculating. This is an absolutely riveting, pulse-pounding thriller of thrillers. Yes, it is a “spy thriller.” I for one am fascinated with the World War II period. Espionage was a go-to genre for me when I was younger, and I laugh now at the fact that I read all of the 007 Novels by the great Ian Fleming when I was still a young kid in my mid-teens. I later discovered Robert Ludlum and reread his famous Jason Bourne Trilogy when I bought my first Kindle and bought the digital copies. I know I went off a tangent, but I did have a point, and that is I believe that any lover of “thrillers” would love this one. The novel has a sympathetic well-drawn protagonist at the end whose life is pitted against the robotic nemesis and killing machine that Hitler dubbed “Di Nadel.” It is not one life but the fate of the Allies and all of Britain that is in the balance.
A PHENOMENAL SUSPENSE THRILLER FROM THE ‘70s STILL HEART-STOPPING TODAY
April 12, 2023
Thriller histórico muy interesante en los preludios del día D. Una de espías de toda la vida vamos.
Tendré que leer mas de Follett de esta temática ya que me ha gustado mucho, lo único es que ya sabía como acababa ya que había visto en su día la genial película de dicha obra.
Muy buen ritmo e intriga, con un final muy correcto y esperado.
El antagonista muy bueno, yo siempre le ponía la cara de Donald Sutherland.
Valoración: 8/10
Sinopsis: En el año 1944 los aliados preparan en secreto una de las mayores operaciones militares de la historia: la invasión de la Europa ocupada por los nazis.
Henry Faber, espía alemán, descubre que el desembarco se efectuará en Normandía e intenta llevar la noticia al Alto Mando alemán, pero nunca llegará a su destino...
Tendré que leer mas de Follett de esta temática ya que me ha gustado mucho, lo único es que ya sabía como acababa ya que había visto en su día la genial película de dicha obra.
Muy buen ritmo e intriga, con un final muy correcto y esperado.
El antagonista muy bueno, yo siempre le ponía la cara de Donald Sutherland.
Valoración: 8/10
Sinopsis: En el año 1944 los aliados preparan en secreto una de las mayores operaciones militares de la historia: la invasión de la Europa ocupada por los nazis.
Henry Faber, espía alemán, descubre que el desembarco se efectuará en Normandía e intenta llevar la noticia al Alto Mando alemán, pero nunca llegará a su destino...
August 7, 2013
Oh Ken Follett, you've fooled me again. You are so good at the spy cat-and-mouse game aspects of writing these great WWII spy novels. Generally the first 2/3 of your books have me waking up at night to finish reading a chapter or two. Such great and complex heroes and villians. But then...you try to write sexy stuff. And honestly, you have no idea what women want or need.
I'm sorry, but a housewife is not going to wander into the next room to ravage the stranger she just met and bandaged up from his mysterious injuries two hours ago--while her disabled husband and son are in the next room! I know that's a great man fantasy--but it's just not going to happen.
So, this again follows the theme of
2/3 of book - great spy thriller
1/3 of book - terrible spy smut
And a 5 page wrap up where the good guys are vindicated.
I'm sorry, but a housewife is not going to wander into the next room to ravage the stranger she just met and bandaged up from his mysterious injuries two hours ago--while her disabled husband and son are in the next room! I know that's a great man fantasy--but it's just not going to happen.
So, this again follows the theme of
2/3 of book - great spy thriller
1/3 of book - terrible spy smut
And a 5 page wrap up where the good guys are vindicated.
April 29, 2018
full review…
Again I am truly mesmerized by Ken Follett's imagination his writing style and this absolute gem of a book Eye of the Neddle. This is an incredible novel that will keep you on the edge of your seat, with massive suspense, thriller and the elaborate machinations that only Follet could design! I'm truly shook!
"In wartime, truth is so precious that she should always be attended by a bodyguard of lies. "
—Winston Churchill
Eye of the Needle became Follett’s first ‘breakthrough’ book, the one that got him accepted in publishing circles, and gave him early fame. Believe it or not, ‘Eye’ was his eleventh published book, as Follett himself describes “It was my eleventh try”!
His eleventh try was a charm, because this book is phenomenal! A big difference according to Follett was his in depth research into the lives of soldiers and spies during WW II. Eye of the needle is a spot on, accurately written depiction of WW2 spy thriller at its best!.
The research that went on the story is self evident from the very beginning. As in most relevant ‘historical fiction’ books, ‘the preface’ becomes critically important for laying down the landscape for the entire book. Follett starts with a description of a massive ‘D-Day’ deception. Allied forces (Brittain, US) conceived a brilliant ‘illusion’ of ships, tanks and barracks made of rubber, to fool the Germans into believing in a completely different location than ‘Normandy’ for the invasion of D-day:
- “It was a huge, near-impossible deception. Literally thousands of people were involved in perpetrating the trick. It would have been a miracle if none of Hitler’s spies ever got to know about it.
The remainder of the story is told in several first POVs, as we follow the most dangerous and effective German spy known as ‘Faber’ (code name ‘Eye of the Needle’). We’re also introduced to two British MI5 agents, and soon enough the race for WW II’s most well kept secret begins!
The tension in this book is forever ascending..its fucking awesome! Follett creates memorable characters, and despite the fact we know the outcome of the war, and “Normandy’s D-day” surprise invasion, Follett takes the reader for a hellish ride!
Faber, the German spy is so ruthless, yet Follett is able to dab speckles of humanity in his character..just brilliant. Despite his transgressions and murders, we almost feel compassion towards him! Themes of ‘nationalism’, ‘love’, ‘pride’ and ‘deception’ are widespread in this book. Also there are some romantic relationships including some vividly described ‘sex scenes’, that are done in good taste and add a great deal to the narrative.
Follett again has impressed me with this masterpiece of war, deception and humanity’s greatest struggle for survival! Eye of the Needle is an expertly crafted WWII spy thriller, likely the best ever written amongst its genre! It’s a must read to those who enjoy thrillers and historical fiction!
5 Stars
Again I am truly mesmerized by Ken Follett's imagination his writing style and this absolute gem of a book Eye of the Neddle. This is an incredible novel that will keep you on the edge of your seat, with massive suspense, thriller and the elaborate machinations that only Follet could design! I'm truly shook!
"In wartime, truth is so precious that she should always be attended by a bodyguard of lies. "
—Winston Churchill
Eye of the Needle became Follett’s first ‘breakthrough’ book, the one that got him accepted in publishing circles, and gave him early fame. Believe it or not, ‘Eye’ was his eleventh published book, as Follett himself describes “It was my eleventh try”!
His eleventh try was a charm, because this book is phenomenal! A big difference according to Follett was his in depth research into the lives of soldiers and spies during WW II. Eye of the needle is a spot on, accurately written depiction of WW2 spy thriller at its best!.
The research that went on the story is self evident from the very beginning. As in most relevant ‘historical fiction’ books, ‘the preface’ becomes critically important for laying down the landscape for the entire book. Follett starts with a description of a massive ‘D-Day’ deception. Allied forces (Brittain, US) conceived a brilliant ‘illusion’ of ships, tanks and barracks made of rubber, to fool the Germans into believing in a completely different location than ‘Normandy’ for the invasion of D-day:
- “It was a huge, near-impossible deception. Literally thousands of people were involved in perpetrating the trick. It would have been a miracle if none of Hitler’s spies ever got to know about it.
The remainder of the story is told in several first POVs, as we follow the most dangerous and effective German spy known as ‘Faber’ (code name ‘Eye of the Needle’). We’re also introduced to two British MI5 agents, and soon enough the race for WW II’s most well kept secret begins!
The tension in this book is forever ascending..its fucking awesome! Follett creates memorable characters, and despite the fact we know the outcome of the war, and “Normandy’s D-day” surprise invasion, Follett takes the reader for a hellish ride!
Faber, the German spy is so ruthless, yet Follett is able to dab speckles of humanity in his character..just brilliant. Despite his transgressions and murders, we almost feel compassion towards him! Themes of ‘nationalism’, ‘love’, ‘pride’ and ‘deception’ are widespread in this book. Also there are some romantic relationships including some vividly described ‘sex scenes’, that are done in good taste and add a great deal to the narrative.
Follett again has impressed me with this masterpiece of war, deception and humanity’s greatest struggle for survival! Eye of the Needle is an expertly crafted WWII spy thriller, likely the best ever written amongst its genre! It’s a must read to those who enjoy thrillers and historical fiction!
5 Stars
March 19, 2012
Eye of the Needle, a sharply-written WWII era thriller, is miles away in style and length from the mammoth, medieval epics Follett would later create. Though not a mindbendingly difficult read, the quality of the writing was already present at this early stage. Extra kudos must be given to any author who can switch gears and dabble in different genres. Working outside your comfortable corner can not be the easiest thing to do.
April 8, 2021
বইঃ আই অফ নিডল
লেখকঃ কেন ফলেট
অনুবাদকঃ ইমতিয়াজ আজাদ
প্রকাশনীঃ আদী প্রকাশন
পৃষ্ঠাঃ ৩৫০
মুদ্রিত মূল্যঃ ৪৮০ টাকা
দ্বিতীয় বিশ্বযুদ্ধের সময় ব্রিটেনের গোয়েন্দা সংস্থা এমআইফাইভ একের পর এক জার্মান গুপ্তচরদের আটক করে চলছিলো। কিন্তু হেনরি ফেবার কোড নেম নিডল নামের ব্যক্তিকে কিছুতেই পাকড়াও করতে পারছে না। এদিকে নিডল এমন এক তথ্য সংগ্রহ করেছে যার দ্বারা যুদ্ধে জার্মানির জয় শুধু সময়ের ব্যাপার। ব্যতিব্যস্ত হয়ে পড়লো এমআইফাইভ চলছে চিরুনি অভিযান। পেছনে শত্রু লেগে গেছে বুঝতে পেরে পালাচ্ছে নিডল সাথে সকল বাধা অতিক্রম করছে তীক্ষ্ণ বুদ্ধি ও স্টিলেটো দ্বারা খুন করে। সাগরে তার জন্য অপেক্ষা করছে সাবমেরিন। নৌকা নিয়ে পালিয়ে যাচ্ছে নিডল এমন সময় জীবন মরণ ঝড়ের কবলে পড়ে বাধ্য হয়ে একটা দ্বীপে আশ্রয় নিতে হয়। তবে শেষ পর্যন্ত বাধা মাত্র একজন তার নাম লুসি রোজ। লুসি রোজ বিয়ে করেন রয়্যাল এয়ারফোর্সের পাইলট ডেভিড। বিয়ের রাতেই গাড়ী দূর্ঘটনায় পা হারাতে হয় তার স্বামীর। তারপর শুরু হয় তাদের জনমানবহীন স্টর্ম আইল্যান্ড দ্বীপে যেখানে লুসি, ডেভিড আর টম আর আছে তাদের বেড়ার খামার। কিছুদিন পর তাদের কোলে আসলো জো নামের এক পুত্রসন্তান। দ্বীপের বুড়ো এক রাখাল, পঙ্গু পাইলট আর এক মহিলা ফেবারের জন্য কোন ব্যাপারই না। শেষ পর্যন্ত এমআইফাইভ কি পারবে হেনরি ফেবারকে রুখতে? জানতে হলে পড়ে ফেলুন বইটি।
পাঠপ্রতিক্রিয়াঃ দ্বিতীয় বিশ্বযুদ্ধের এসপিওনাজ ভুবনে যেনো ডুবে গেলাম এই বইটির মাধ্যমে। হেনরি ফেবারের তীক্ষ্ণ বুদ্ধি আর সাহস রোমাঞ্চকর এক পরিবেশ তৈরি করতে সক্ষম হয়েছে। কেন ফলটের ক্যারেক্টর বিল্ড আপ আমাকে অসাধারণ ভাবে মুগ্ধ করেছে। মনে হয়েছে প্রতিটি ক্যারেক্টর যার যার জায়গায় ঠিক সময়ে ফুটে উঠেছে। গল্পের কোন কিছুই অপ্রয়োজনীয় বলে মনে হয়নি। দ্বিতীয় বিশ্বযুদ্ধের চিত্র গুলা মনে হয়েছে নিজ চোখে দেখেছি এতটা বাস্তব মনে হয়েছে আমার। আর হ্যাঁ গল্পে দুই পৃষ্ঠার বিশ্লেষণধর্মী যৌন্যতার ব্যাখ্যা রয়েছে (যদিও এটাও গল্পের গুরুত্বপূর্ণ একটি অংশ বলা চলে) তাও বলবো ১৮+ ছাড়া কেউ পড়ার আগে একটু সচেতন থাকতে। পুরো গল্পেই ভালোরকম থ্রিল পেয়েছি যা থেকে তৃপ্তির ঢেকুর তুলতে পারলাম।
আর অনুবাদ নিয়ে বলতে গেলে ইমতিয়াজ আজাদ খুব চমৎকার কাজ উপহার দিয়েছেন একদম ঝরঝরে পরিষ্কার অনুবাদ।
যারা পড়েননি পড়ে ফেলতে পারেন কেন ফলেটের চমৎকার এই বইটি।
ব্যাক্তিগত রেটিংঃ ৪.৫০/৫
লেখকঃ কেন ফলেট
অনুবাদকঃ ইমতিয়াজ আজাদ
প্রকাশনীঃ আদী প্রকাশন
পৃষ্ঠাঃ ৩৫০
মুদ্রিত মূল্যঃ ৪৮০ টাকা
দ্বিতীয় বিশ্বযুদ্ধের সময় ব্রিটেনের গোয়েন্দা সংস্থা এমআইফাইভ একের পর এক জার্মান গুপ্তচরদের আটক করে চলছিলো। কিন্তু হেনরি ফেবার কোড নেম নিডল নামের ব্যক্তিকে কিছুতেই পাকড়াও করতে পারছে না। এদিকে নিডল এমন এক তথ্য সংগ্রহ করেছে যার দ্বারা যুদ্ধে জার্মানির জয় শুধু সময়ের ব্যাপার। ব্যতিব্যস্ত হয়ে পড়লো এমআইফাইভ চলছে চিরুনি অভিযান। পেছনে শত্রু লেগে গেছে বুঝতে পেরে পালাচ্ছে নিডল সাথে সকল বাধা অতিক্রম করছে তীক্ষ্ণ বুদ্ধি ও স্টিলেটো দ্বারা খুন করে। সাগরে তার জন্য অপেক্ষা করছে সাবমেরিন। নৌকা নিয়ে পালিয়ে যাচ্ছে নিডল এমন সময় জীবন মরণ ঝড়ের কবলে পড়ে বাধ্য হয়ে একটা দ্বীপে আশ্রয় নিতে হয়। তবে শেষ পর্যন্ত বাধা মাত্র একজন তার নাম লুসি রোজ। লুসি রোজ বিয়ে করেন রয়্যাল এয়ারফোর্সের পাইলট ডেভিড। বিয়ের রাতেই গাড়ী দূর্ঘটনায় পা হারাতে হয় তার স্বামীর। তারপর শুরু হয় তাদের জনমানবহীন স্টর্ম আইল্যান্ড দ্বীপে যেখানে লুসি, ডেভিড আর টম আর আছে তাদের বেড়ার খামার। কিছুদিন পর তাদের কোলে আসলো জো নামের এক পুত্রসন্তান। দ্বীপের বুড়ো এক রাখাল, পঙ্গু পাইলট আর এক মহিলা ফেবারের জন্য কোন ব্যাপারই না। শেষ পর্যন্ত এমআইফাইভ কি পারবে হেনরি ফেবারকে রুখতে? জানতে হলে পড়ে ফেলুন বইটি।
পাঠপ্রতিক্রিয়াঃ দ্বিতীয় বিশ্বযুদ্ধের এসপিওনাজ ভুবনে যেনো ডুবে গেলাম এই বইটির মাধ্যমে। হেনরি ফেবারের তীক্ষ্ণ বুদ্ধি আর সাহস রোমাঞ্চকর এক পরিবেশ তৈরি করতে সক্ষম হয়েছে। কেন ফলটের ক্যারেক্টর বিল্ড আপ আমাকে অসাধারণ ভাবে মুগ্ধ করেছে। মনে হয়েছে প্রতিটি ক্যারেক্টর যার যার জায়গায় ঠিক সময়ে ফুটে উঠেছে। গল্পের কোন কিছুই অপ্রয়োজনীয় বলে মনে হয়নি। দ্বিতীয় বিশ্বযুদ্ধের চিত্র গুলা মনে হয়েছে নিজ চোখে দেখেছি এতটা বাস্তব মনে হয়েছে আমার। আর হ্যাঁ গল্পে দুই পৃষ্ঠার বিশ্লেষণধর্মী যৌন্যতার ব্যাখ্যা রয়েছে (যদিও এটাও গল্পের গুরুত্বপূর্ণ একটি অংশ বলা চলে) তাও বলবো ১৮+ ছাড়া কেউ পড়ার আগে একটু সচেতন থাকতে। পুরো গল্পেই ভালোরকম থ্রিল পেয়েছি যা থেকে তৃপ্তির ঢেকুর তুলতে পারলাম।
আর অনুবাদ নিয়ে বলতে গেলে ইমতিয়াজ আজাদ খুব চমৎকার কাজ উপহার দিয়েছেন একদম ঝরঝরে পরিষ্কার অনুবাদ।
যারা পড়েননি পড়ে ফেলতে পারেন কেন ফলেটের চমৎকার এই বইটি।
ব্যাক্তিগত রেটিংঃ ৪.৫০/৫
February 11, 2024
When Faber’s boat is wrecked on Storm Island near Aberdeen, he finds a very lonely Lucy who lives with her crippled husband, an embittered man who has never touched Lucy after their marriage ceremony.
Lucy then begins a relationship with Faber.
Although, Faber supposedly ‘seems to love someone' for the very first time in his life, it sounds improbable, Faber is incapable of 'love' as we know it, he is trained to view people as objects to be eliminated immediately if and when threatened by them.
But both need release from pent up sexual energies.
However, what really stands out, is Lucy’s remarkable courage, her resourcefulness, her endurance in repeatedly foiling Faber’s plans.
With a shock Lucy realises and understands that their relationship is totally insignificant, when she grasps the immensity of what Faber is about to do, a secret that could derail the entire D-Day landings, the Allied invasion of France.
Both of them snap out of the brief interlude. There is only so much that sex can do.
After fighting Faber tooth and nail, she chops off his fingers; she even blows a fuse by inserting a finger in a live socket to prevent Faber from sending messages to a U-boat.
Yes, then Lucy kills Faber by rolling down stones on him when he tries to escape and board a submarine waiting for him.
Who knows maybe Faber is really incapable of killing Lucy for while he is growing 'soft' she has hardened and grown ruthless.
Lucy then begins a relationship with Faber.
Although, Faber supposedly ‘seems to love someone' for the very first time in his life, it sounds improbable, Faber is incapable of 'love' as we know it, he is trained to view people as objects to be eliminated immediately if and when threatened by them.
But both need release from pent up sexual energies.
However, what really stands out, is Lucy’s remarkable courage, her resourcefulness, her endurance in repeatedly foiling Faber’s plans.
With a shock Lucy realises and understands that their relationship is totally insignificant, when she grasps the immensity of what Faber is about to do, a secret that could derail the entire D-Day landings, the Allied invasion of France.
Both of them snap out of the brief interlude. There is only so much that sex can do.
After fighting Faber tooth and nail, she chops off his fingers; she even blows a fuse by inserting a finger in a live socket to prevent Faber from sending messages to a U-boat.
Yes, then Lucy kills Faber by rolling down stones on him when he tries to escape and board a submarine waiting for him.
Who knows maybe Faber is really incapable of killing Lucy for while he is growing 'soft' she has hardened and grown ruthless.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 27, 2018
Excellent thriller where the action is happening at the time of the Second World War.
July 28, 2015
A fast paced World War 2 thriller, set against the backdrop of D-Day plans secretly laid by the British. The story is very engrossing, making it a real turner and a thrilling experience, but I felt that there were a bit too many clichés. It started off pretty well, but by the end it felt like a Hollywood style spy-flick.
The writing is quite good at times, while on some occasions the lines were overtly simplistic, the romantic intrigue was mostly about sex and nothing more.
Throughout the reading I expected it to be a 4 star book, but the clichés just pulled it down to 3 stars. Still, not a bad book at all and a good conventional spy-thriller.
The writing is quite good at times, while on some occasions the lines were overtly simplistic, the romantic intrigue was mostly about sex and nothing more.
Throughout the reading I expected it to be a 4 star book, but the clichés just pulled it down to 3 stars. Still, not a bad book at all and a good conventional spy-thriller.
May 15, 2025
সময় ১৯৪৪। দ্বিতীয় বিশ্বযুদ্ধে জড়িয়ে পড়েছে ইংল্যান্ড, জার্মানিসহ আরও কয়েকটি দেশ। জার্মান গুপ্তচরে সয়লাব হয়ে গিয়েছিল পুরো ইংল্যান্ড। এসব আনাড়ি গুপ্তচর সামলাতে কোনো বেগই পেতে হয় না উপরমহলের। তাদের ডাবল এজেন্ট বানিয়ে ভালোই কায়দা দেখানো যাচ্ছিল জার্মানদের। কিন্তু মাঝখানে সুঁই হয়ে রয়ে যান এক দুর্ধর্ষ জার্মান এজেন্ট–যার উপর নির্ভর করছে হিটলারের সিদ্ধান্ত ও যুদ্ধের ফলাফল। কীভাবে রণ-গতিপথ পাল্টে দেওয়া যায়, তার রোমহর্ষক বর্ণনা বিশেষ আকর্ষণ।
গল্পের গতি ধীর-দুর্দান্তের মিশেল। কৌতূহল জাগিয়ে রাখতে সক্ষম প্রতিটি পৃষ্ঠা। তবে কেন্দ্রীয় পুরুষ চরিত্রটির চরিত্র বিকাশে পাঠককে হতাশ করে দিয়েছেন লেখক সাহেব। শুরু থেকেই তাকে রক্ষণাত্মক আক্রমণে থাকা দেখে দেখে সয়ে যাওয়া মন যখন দেখে– অকৃতদার একজন মানুষ তার অ্যাসাইনমেন্টের একদম কিনারায় এসে হুদাই ভাবলীলায় মত্ত হয়ে কাণ্ডজ্ঞান হারান, তাও আবার ৩-৪বার—ভেরি স্যাড! বাদবাকি সব ঠিক ছিল।
গল্পের গতি ধীর-দুর্দান্তের মিশেল। কৌতূহল জাগিয়ে রাখতে সক্ষম প্রতিটি পৃষ্ঠা। তবে কেন্দ্রীয় পুরুষ চরিত্রটির চরিত্র বিকাশে পাঠককে হতাশ করে দিয়েছেন লেখক সাহেব। শুরু থেকেই তাকে রক্ষণাত্মক আক্রমণে থাকা দেখে দেখে সয়ে যাওয়া মন যখন দেখে– অকৃতদার একজন মানুষ তার অ্যাসাইনমেন্টের একদম কিনারায় এসে হুদাই ভাবলীলায় মত্ত হয়ে কাণ্ডজ্ঞান হারান, তাও আবার ৩-৪বার—ভেরি স্যাড! বাদবাকি সব ঠিক ছিল।
September 21, 2025
An interesting, exciting and thoughtful book about loneliness.
A brave woman confined to a loveless marriage on an island ... an ex-fighter pilot removed from the war through tragedy ... a spy cutting his way back to his homeland with information that may win the Nazis the war. They may have been better off before they met. ...
Highly recommended. And not just for espionage or historical fiction afficionados. High 4s, almost 5.
A brave woman confined to a loveless marriage on an island ... an ex-fighter pilot removed from the war through tragedy ... a spy cutting his way back to his homeland with information that may win the Nazis the war. They may have been better off before they met. ...
Highly recommended. And not just for espionage or historical fiction afficionados. High 4s, almost 5.
May 28, 2012
Among the best thrillers ever. My comments about Follett's approach to the actual history in his historical novel "Eye of the Needle" can be found in my author blog ... http://lewweinsteinauthorblog.com/201...
Follett starts with a one page historical preface about the D-Day deception. He ends the preface … “That much is history. What follows is fiction. Still and all, one suspects something like this must have happened.”
The high stakes of blowing the deception plan are emphasized several times … Godliman: “If one decent Abwehr agent in Britain gets to know about Fortitude … we could lose the fucking war.” · But of course we know that D Day was successful and we didn’t lose the war.
Follett successfully creates tension about an event where we know the actual outcome, ie that Faber cannot succeed.
This result is much like that achieved by Forsythe in "Day of the Jackal" (published in the early 1970s, before "Eye of the Needle"), where we know that De Gaulle was not murdered by a sniper but are carried into great tension anyway.
Perhaps Follett's tension is maintained because we don’t know if Faber will fail, or if he will succeed but Hitler doesn’t act on his knowledge. However, we are told repeatedly, by Hitler himself, that he will be guided by Faber’s report.
read more about how Follett wrote "Eye of the Needle" at my author blog ... http://lewweinsteinauthorblog.com/ ... Just search for "follett.
Follett starts with a one page historical preface about the D-Day deception. He ends the preface … “That much is history. What follows is fiction. Still and all, one suspects something like this must have happened.”
The high stakes of blowing the deception plan are emphasized several times … Godliman: “If one decent Abwehr agent in Britain gets to know about Fortitude … we could lose the fucking war.” · But of course we know that D Day was successful and we didn’t lose the war.
Follett successfully creates tension about an event where we know the actual outcome, ie that Faber cannot succeed.
This result is much like that achieved by Forsythe in "Day of the Jackal" (published in the early 1970s, before "Eye of the Needle"), where we know that De Gaulle was not murdered by a sniper but are carried into great tension anyway.
Perhaps Follett's tension is maintained because we don’t know if Faber will fail, or if he will succeed but Hitler doesn’t act on his knowledge. However, we are told repeatedly, by Hitler himself, that he will be guided by Faber’s report.
read more about how Follett wrote "Eye of the Needle" at my author blog ... http://lewweinsteinauthorblog.com/ ... Just search for "follett.
September 20, 2008
Carl Sandburg said (in another context) "it pays to have a good forgettery." In this case, a good forgettery allowed me to reread Ken Follett's EYE OF THE NEEDLE (British title, STORM ISLAND) with every bit as much enjoyment as when I first read it 30 years ago. Also, having recently reread THE DAY OF THE JACKAL, it was fun to compare these two similar, but different, thrillers.
Both books feature multiple points of view -- quite a few of them in Follett's case -- and on both sides of the good guy/bad guy divide. Both involve historical events that we know turned out OK, and ask us to imagine a scenario where things could have gone quite differently. The difference in Follett's book is that nearly all the characters are more fully developed. I still found it difficult to work up much sympathy for The Needle, though, and when I found critics (both film and book) talking about his "falling in love" with Lucy, I thought only that they must have a very different idea of love than I have.
The stronger character development in Follett's book makes a lot of artistic sense, since, unlike JACKAL, EYE OF THE NEEDLE must build suspense over a period of four years, from the period just after the Phoney War in 1940, to just before D-Day in 1944. Without the character interest, this might have made for a less engaging story; and the behavior of The Needle, David, and Lucy in the final chapters would not have been as believable.
Reading this now, when Follett has again been on the bestseller lists with WORLD WITHOUT END, his sequel to THE PILLARS OF THE EARTH (both set in the Middle Ages), one notices how he brings his interest in medieval culture and history even into a World War II thriller. For example, he parallels Godliman the medievalist's search for Henry II's travels with Godliman the intelligence agent's search for The Needle.
I haven't seen the movie of this book, but probably will before long. I am reserving judgment on the casting of Donald Sutherland as The Needle -- somehow it just doesn't seem right to me.
In any case, THE EYE OF THE NEEDLE was quite deserving of the Edgar, even though it had some stiff competition, particularly Tony Hillerman's LISTENING WOMAN.
Both books feature multiple points of view -- quite a few of them in Follett's case -- and on both sides of the good guy/bad guy divide. Both involve historical events that we know turned out OK, and ask us to imagine a scenario where things could have gone quite differently. The difference in Follett's book is that nearly all the characters are more fully developed. I still found it difficult to work up much sympathy for The Needle, though, and when I found critics (both film and book) talking about his "falling in love" with Lucy, I thought only that they must have a very different idea of love than I have.
The stronger character development in Follett's book makes a lot of artistic sense, since, unlike JACKAL, EYE OF THE NEEDLE must build suspense over a period of four years, from the period just after the Phoney War in 1940, to just before D-Day in 1944. Without the character interest, this might have made for a less engaging story; and the behavior of The Needle, David, and Lucy in the final chapters would not have been as believable.
Reading this now, when Follett has again been on the bestseller lists with WORLD WITHOUT END, his sequel to THE PILLARS OF THE EARTH (both set in the Middle Ages), one notices how he brings his interest in medieval culture and history even into a World War II thriller. For example, he parallels Godliman the medievalist's search for Henry II's travels with Godliman the intelligence agent's search for The Needle.
I haven't seen the movie of this book, but probably will before long. I am reserving judgment on the casting of Donald Sutherland as The Needle -- somehow it just doesn't seem right to me.
In any case, THE EYE OF THE NEEDLE was quite deserving of the Edgar, even though it had some stiff competition, particularly Tony Hillerman's LISTENING WOMAN.
April 22, 2019
This is undoubtedly one of the best thrillers to come out of World War II. The Allies are planning for invading Europe, and where is it going to be? Normandy or Calais? The outcome of the war depends on fooling Hitler - and the German spy, known as "The Needle", may yet prove spoilsport.
The story moves at a rapid pace as the Needle and his pursuers move across Britain - but what makes it stand apart is its exquisite climax, set on an island, involving the protagonist, an Englishwoman who has become his love unwittingly, her son, and her physically challenged husband. The suspense is so thick that you can cut it with a knife. I always feel sad that Hitchcock didn't film this one!
The story moves at a rapid pace as the Needle and his pursuers move across Britain - but what makes it stand apart is its exquisite climax, set on an island, involving the protagonist, an Englishwoman who has become his love unwittingly, her son, and her physically challenged husband. The suspense is so thick that you can cut it with a knife. I always feel sad that Hitchcock didn't film this one!
October 17, 2023
"Godliman se unió al coro, sabiendo que la suya era una nación que estaba perdiendo una guerra y que cantaba para ocultar su temor, como un hombre que silba cuando debe pasar por el cementerio por la noche."
Una de espías. 2ª Guerra Mundial, los aliados preparan un desembarco falso para engañar a los Alemanes, el mejor espía Alemán puede descubrir la treta, lo aliados deben capturarlo, ya que ganar o perder la guerra depende de ello. Esta es la premisa del libro, llevada a cabo magistralmente por un gran Follett.
Buena ambientación, buenos personajes, un final que convence y buen ritmo en una novela que va de menos a más, sin relleno y sin pecar de demasiados triples saltos mortales. En cada capítulo vamos viendo principalmente los puntos de vista del espía, de sus perseguidores, y de una pareja que tiene mucho que decir en esta historia.
Mi recomendación es que si te gustan este tipo de libros, que lo leas, pues no te defraudará, y que si puedes evitarlo no leas la sinopsis (puede que ya sea un poco tarde para eso) ni la entradilla del principio (que al menos tenía mi edición en libro electrónico), pues incomprensiblemente destripan la historia completamente.
Dicho esto, a disfrutar.
Una de espías. 2ª Guerra Mundial, los aliados preparan un desembarco falso para engañar a los Alemanes, el mejor espía Alemán puede descubrir la treta, lo aliados deben capturarlo, ya que ganar o perder la guerra depende de ello. Esta es la premisa del libro, llevada a cabo magistralmente por un gran Follett.
Buena ambientación, buenos personajes, un final que convence y buen ritmo en una novela que va de menos a más, sin relleno y sin pecar de demasiados triples saltos mortales. En cada capítulo vamos viendo principalmente los puntos de vista del espía, de sus perseguidores, y de una pareja que tiene mucho que decir en esta historia.
Mi recomendación es que si te gustan este tipo de libros, que lo leas, pues no te defraudará, y que si puedes evitarlo no leas la sinopsis (puede que ya sea un poco tarde para eso) ni la entradilla del principio (que al menos tenía mi edición en libro electrónico), pues incomprensiblemente destripan la historia completamente.
Dicho esto, a disfrutar.
December 20, 2012
A WW11 thriller that in a strange way leads you into rooting for both sides. Strange I admit but because the author writes the story from both angles you can't help wanting the spy to at times succeed. My first Ken Follett book and I will certainly try others.
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