Siro

by David Ignatius
Siro cover
Good Books rating 4.17
Thriller/Suspense
Buy online
Amazon
Format/Price Check
Technical
  • ID: 8571
  • Added: 2025-12-22
  • Updated: 2025-12-22
  • ISBN: 9781848667471
  • Publisher: Hachette UK
  • Published: 2013-12-24
  • Reviews: 3

In David Ignatius's gripping novel Siro, CIA agent Alan Taylor becomes increasingly disillusioned with the bureaucratic constraints of his agency. Driven by a desire to make a difference, he embarks on a high-stakes, top-secret mission to destabilize the Soviet Union, crossing moral and legal lines in the process. His new recruit, the enigmatic and beautiful Anna Barnes, finds herself drawn into a world far more complex than she anticipated, grappling with her growing feelings for Taylor and the ethical implications of their actions. Set against the backdrop of shifting international and domestic pressures, Siro delves into a world of secret agendas and hidden loyalties. As Taylor and Barnes navigate the treacherous landscape of Cold War espionage, they must confront the consequences of their choices and the true cost of their mission. Ignatius's trademark blend of political intrigue and personal drama creates a compelling narrative that explores the blurred lines between duty and desire, loyalty and betrayal.

Reviews
Mal Warwick on Books · 2019-01-05
intelligent 4.50

The book is praised for its intelligent and realistic portrayal of the CIA, without romanticizing the agency. The reviewer appreciates the nuanced approach to the political landscape.

This reviewer is really taken with the book's intelligence and realism. They highlight how Ignatius doesn't fall into the trap of romanticizing the CIA, instead offering a cynical but likely accurate portrayal. The political landscape is explored in a nuanced way, making it a standout spy novel. The absence of typical action sequences is noted, but it's seen as a strength rather than a weakness, allowing the story to focus on the intricacies of espionage and the moral complexities faced by the characters.

Quick quotes

    If you're looking for an intelligent spy novel sans gunfights and car chases, take a look at David Ignatius' Cold War thriller, Siro.

    Ignatius does not romanticize the CIA but maintains a somewhat cynical (and probably pretty accurate) approach to the agency.

    The characters are wonderfully attractive and intelligent, the southwestern Asian shenanigans sadly believable.

Publishers Weekly · 1991-04-07
stunning 4.50

The book is celebrated for its dual success as both entertaining and a profound exploration of contemporary politics. The reviewer finds it to be a stunning piece of work.

This reviewer is really impressed with how the book manages to be both a thrilling read and a deep dive into the political chessboard of our times. They describe it as stunning entertainment that also offers a searching probe into the complexities of contemporary politics. The characters and their interactions are highlighted as particularly compelling, making the reading experience both engaging and thought-provoking.

Quick quotes

    A spy thriller that succeeds as both stunning entertainment and searching probe of the contemporary political chessboard.

    This is exceptionally good. The characters are wonderfully attractive and intelligent, the southwestern Asian shenanigans sadly believable.

    It's a kooky (spooky) travel log with a great deal of administrative detail on the CIA.

The New York Times · 1991-04-07
cynical 3.50

The book is noted for its cynical portrayal of characters and the exploration of patriotism. The reviewer finds the themes and characterizations to be compelling.

This reviewer is drawn to the book's cynical take on its characters and the exploration of patriotism as a theme. They find the portrayal of virtually every character as a cynic in some guise or another to be particularly interesting. The reviewer also notes how the book delves into the complexities of patriotism, making it a thought-provoking read. The setting and the political intrigue are highlighted as key elements that enhance the overall narrative.

Quick quotes

    Virtually every character in 'Siro' is a cynic in one guise or another, and certainly patriotism is proved again to be the last refuge of a scoundrel.

    The characters are wonderfully attractive and intelligent, the southwestern Asian shenanigans sadly believable.

    It's a kooky (spooky) travel log with a great deal of administrative detail on the CIA.

Appears in Lists