Kim Philby: Greatest Liar of All Time?

This book tells the story of Kim Philby, one of the most notorious spies in history, who rose to head Britain’s counterintelligence against the Soviet Union while secretly working for the enemy. The narrative focuses on Philby’s friendship with Nicholas Elliott, a fellow Cambridge-educated spy, and how Philby’s betrayal affected Elliott and the intelligence services. The book explores the complex world of espionage, the psychological and sociological aspects of friendship, and the devastating consequences of Philby’s actions on the intelligence community and the lives of countless operatives.

The novel follows Kimball O'Hara, a white orphan boy living in British India, who becomes embroiled in the 'Great Game' of espionage while also being spiritually bound to a Tibetan Buddhist lama. Kim navigates between his life as a spy and his role as the lama's disciple, traveling across India and encountering various cultures and characters. The story explores themes of identity, imperialism, and spiritual quest, set against the vibrant backdrop of Indian society under British rule.