Canadian universities as safe havens for scholars-in-exile

In 'The Russia House,' Barley Blair, a British publisher, becomes an unwitting pawn in an international espionage game. He receives a manuscript from a Russian scientist detailing Soviet military secrets, which attracts the attention of both British and American intelligence agencies. As Barley gets drawn deeper into the world of spies, he forms a relationship with a Russian woman named Katya, adding a personal stake to the dangerous game. Le Carré explores themes of trust, betrayal, and the human cost of espionage against the backdrop of the Cold War. The novel highlights the moral ambiguities faced by individuals caught between conflicting loyalties and the complex relationships that develop in the shadows of international intrigue.