57 pages 1 hour read

Ken Follett

Eye of the Needle

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1978

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

Eye of the Needle, an espionage thriller by Ken Follett, follows German spy Henry Faber as he obtains crucial information influencing Hitler’s military decisions during World War II. British intelligence agents Percy Godliman and Frederick Bloggs hunt Faber, who evades capture and ends up on Storm Island with Lucy and David Rose, leading to deadly confrontations that jeopardize Allied plans. The book includes acts of violence and sexual assault.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Ken Follett's Eye of the Needle is lauded for its gripping narrative, well-developed characters, and historical accuracy, capturing the tension of World War II espionage. Some readers find the pacing occasionally slow and character decisions implausible. Overall, it remains a compelling thriller with high stakes and rich detail.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Eye of the Needle?

A reader who enjoys Eye of the Needle by Ken Follett typically appreciates historical thrillers with intricate plots and espionage. Fans of Robert Ludlum’s The Bourne Identity or John Le Carré’s The Spy Who Came in from the Cold will likely enjoy Follett's gripping World War II narrative replete with suspense and complex characters.

RecommendedReading Age

18+years

Book Details

Genre

Horror / Thriller / Suspense Fiction

Historical Fiction

Mystery / Crime Fiction

Period

WWII / World War II

Themes

Emotions/Behavior: Courage

Emotions/Behavior: Determination / Perseverance

Emotions/Behavior: Grief

Topics

Military / War

History: World