Enjoyed this book. Follows the story of William Catesby, a British spy, as recalled in later life to his granddaughter.

The majority is set in Marseilles, where Catesby is stuck between striking dockers, mafia gangsters and US spies.

The narrative tells of his attempt to return to the good graces of the western espionage world, after being labelled a soviet double agent.

I have been fortunate enough to have read a few novels recently where the period covered was from the last years of WW2 and in to the next two decades. I find the politics at the time absolutely fascinating and nothing like what is commonly taught. Without a doubt it gives colour to the period and an understanding of our modern era.
Farewell Dinner for a Spy is not only a good story but an exposé of greed, corruption and realpolitik. Plus of course the human angle. It is a lengthy novel but never dull, how could it be when a lot of it is set in the South of France? Whilst in those times, 'don't drink the Kool-Aid' would be a phrase they would not yet have encountered, maybe a new phrase will stem from this novel; "Don't partake of the bouillabaisse"?

A good story, but I didn't think it was particularly well-written. The dialogue is a bit laboured, and the unnecessary explanations (e.g. Woolton Pie) just slow things down. A bit more "show" and a bit less "tell" would have helped. It's a shame, as this had the makings of a great thriller.