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A Foreign Country

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description A Foreign Country Overview

A Foreign Country is a spy novel written by Scottish author Charles Cumming, published in 2012. The narrative follows Thomas Kell, a disgraced former MI6 officer who is brought out of forced retirement to investigate the disappearance of the intelligence agency's incoming chief. The story incorporates elements of traditional espionage, focusing on geopolitical maneuvering and intelligence gathering across European borders. The book was awarded the CWA Ian Fleming Steel Dagger for best thriller of the year.

help A Foreign Country FAQ

What is the plot of Charles Cumming's A Foreign Country?

The novel follows disgraced MI6 agent Thomas Kell who is brought out of retirement to investigate the mysterious disappearance of the incoming head of the Secret Intelligence Service. His search leads him across Europe and into North Africa as he unravels a dark secret from the candidate's past.

Do you need to read other books to understand Thomas Kell's story in A Foreign Country?

A Foreign Country is the first book in Charles Cumming's Thomas Kell trilogy, so it serves as the perfect starting point. It introduces Kell's background and his complex relationship with British intelligence before the events of the sequels like A Colder War.

Did A Foreign Country win any major awards for espionage fiction?

Yes, the novel won the CWA Ian Fleming Steel Dagger in 2012. This prestigious award is given by the Crime Writers' Association for the best thriller or spy novel of the year.

How does Charles Cumming's writing style in A Foreign Country compare to John le Carré?

Many critics compare Charles Cumming's focus on bureaucratic realism and psychological intelligence work to the legendary John le Carré. A Foreign Country focuses heavily on grounded tradecraft and the political infighting within MI6 rather than over-the-top action.

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