The Key to Rebecca
The Key to Rebecca
Book Brief
Beta352
Novel • Fiction
Egypt • 1940s
2003
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
Ken Follett's The Key to Rebecca depicts an Egyptian spy's daring efforts to infiltrate British-held Cairo during World War II, using a novel as a code source. The story intertwines espionage, romance, and tension as individuals on both sides navigate the complexities of war.
Reviews & Readership
62,559 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Ken Follett's The Key to Rebecca is widely praised for its thrilling plot and historical accuracy, immersing readers in WWII espionage. The well-developed characters and gripping narrative enhance its appeal. Some critics find the pacing uneven, but the suspenseful storytelling and intricate details make it a captivating read with a few minor drawbacks.
Who Should Read The Key to Rebecca?
Readers who enjoy The Key to Rebecca by Ken Follett are typically fans of historical thrillers with intricate plots and strong character development. Comparable to readers of Follett's Eye of the Needle or Robert Harris’s Fatherland, they appreciate World War II espionage, suspense, and richly detailed settings.
62,559 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
The Key to Rebecca was inspired by real historical events surrounding espionage in North Africa during World War II, particularly influenced by the notorious spy Johannes Eppler.
The title of the novel references the spying technique that uses Daphne du Maurier's novel Rebecca as a key to a code, demonstrating the creative lengths spies would go to during the war.
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The Key to Rebecca was adapted into a television film in 1985, showcasing the story's suspenseful nature and popularity beyond its initial literary release.
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352
Novel • Fiction
Egypt • 1940s
2003
Adult
18+ years
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