The Berlin Exchange

Questions, questions, and more questions about motives, feelings, and so much more drive this espionage thriller by Kanon (Leaving Berlin). The novel, set in 1963, is far more reminiscent of the world of John le Carré than of James Bond, as morality and right and wrong are viewed in shades of gray—much to the joy of listeners. American physicist and ex-spy Martin Keller is released from a British prison and exchanged to East Germany in a spy swap where he is welcomed as an honored guest and hopes to reconnect with his ex-wife and son before he starts his life anew. But things are not always as they seem. His scientific knowledge is out of date, so who pulled the stings to get him released and for what purpose? Kanon expertly draws the clues, and while doing so he wonderfully focuses on the small descriptive features of life in 1963 Berlin. The drabness is almost palpable. The narration of Davis is masterful in ratcheting up the tension and his magnificent accents add an exciting element.