Funeral in Berlin

Penguin Modern Classics

By: Len Deighton

Narrated by: James Lailey

Brought to you by Penguin.

1963 Berlin is dark and dangerous. The anonymous hero of The IPCRESS File has been sent to help arrange the defection - in an elaborate mock coffin - of a leading Soviet scientist. But, as he soon discovers, this deception hides an even deadlier truth. One of the first novels written after the construction of the Berlin Wall, Funeral in Berlin revels in the murky, chilling atmosphere of a divided city.

'The classic and gripping spy novel of Cold War Berlin' Guardian

'A ferociously cool fable' The New York Times

© Len Deighton 1964 (P) Penguin Audio 2021

Critic reviews

A ferociously cool fable.

A most impressive book in which the tension, more like a chronic ache than a sharp stab of pain, never lets go.

Deighton's fiction has stood the test of time. His habitually acerbic narrative voice still has much to say to contemporary readers ... Now a fresh generation have the chance to sample Deighton's wares as Penguin republishes many of his books. (Vanessa Thorpe)

Like lying back in a hot bath with a large malt whisky - absolute bliss.

Len Deighton's spy novels are so good they make me sad the Cold War is over. (Malcolm Gladwell)

Len Deighton is the Flaubert of the contemporary thriller writers. (Michael Howard)

The self-conscious cool of Deighton's writing has dated in the best way possible ... Stone-cold Cold War classic. (Toby Litt)

Probably the best Harry Palmer

But that’s a very hard call. A lot of fun, good characters, fast moving, funny and engrossing. Loved it.