Agent Without a Name
by Serge Smith and William Michael
The Peppertree Press


"The name that we’re given becomes us, just as much as our genes, our trials, our habits and our life experiences."

Smith was born and raised in Milan, Italy, on the eve of World War II. He was of Jewish heritage on his mother’s side, but the danger to his family didn’t become apparent until the German occupation began in 1943. The family managed to avoid detection and being rounded up by the SS, but the intense Allied bombing campaign forced them from Milan. This would be the first of many travels for Smith in his adventure-packed existence. Smith’s lineage and youthful travels led to his fluency in German, Italian, French, and English. This, coupled with his affability, led him to become acquainted with and to befriend intelligence and law enforcement officials throughout his life. Smith became the man to see regarding consulting and logistics, which often served as cover for vital clandestine work.

The life of a spy has often by glamorized in the pages of the dog-eared best seller or emblazoned on the silver screen. In the case of Smith, his story is told in a fairly straightforward manner where no sugarcoating of the rehashed events is needed. The narrative about the man of mystery begins with him unearthing a secret of his own relating to his parentage. This poignant moment highlights the surprises that await the reader with the book’s progression. Smith’s exploits don’t rely on salacious details to garner interest, but there are many amusing anecdotes along the way, from impersonating a movie star to impromptu bodyguard work. This is not your typical spy memoir, and perhaps this is what makes it twice as memorable.

RECOMMENDED by the US Review

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