An interesting book. I wasn’t too familiar with Mata Hari’s story before so I can’t comment too much about the quality of the facts in this book, but I learned a lot and this was easy and interesting to read. It wasn’t any where near as heavy read as the traditional biographies which to me is perfect.

Unfortunately due to personal circumstances I didn’t get to download and review this book on time. My apologies for not providing any feedback or promotion. Thank you for approving me.

I was interested to read this to find out more about Mata Hari, but I found the book quite boring. It was also very confusing, jumping around from time and place without preamble.

This book is a delight. Once I started reading it, I found I could not put it down, devouring it in a single sitting.

Having previously read Paulo Coelho's "The Alchemist", I anticipated his succinct, no nonsense narrative. Indeed, "The Spy" tells its story in a clear and logical manner, devoid of unnecessary descriptive passages and extraneous word fluff. His style is a pleasure to read.

What I hadn't anticipated was an exceptional fictional account of real life events centered on the life of Mata Hari, a Dutch exotic dancer and courtesan who was executed by a French firing squad during World War 1 on the premise that she had spied for Germany. For those who have an interest in history, and treasure the nuances that a skilled interpretation of historical records can render, this book is a must read.

Told without sentimentality or diversionary sensationalism, with this epistolary novel, Coelho demonstrates yet again he is truly a master of the craft of writing. I can offer no recommendation other than to set the time aside to read it.

A really intriguing look at such an infamous character, I enjoyed getting to know Mata Hari in all her glory. With allowances for the fictionalisation of some known and some unknown fact, this is an interesting take on a historical figure though I wonder if that was more due to the subject matter than Coelho's own writing.

I find this novel extremely boring, poorly written and lacking content.. You would think you will read about that exotic dancer/spy's life and it will be so fascinating and full of interesting stories and details, but all you get is a little uneventful life story of a prostitute. I think given this subject he could've done so much better, but no.. disappointing

I was disappointed with this book and didn't feel as if it offered anything new on Mata Hari or even put a fresh perspective on what is already known about her. It felt too slight for its subject matter: an intriguing woman whose name and reputation have become synonymous with the female spy.

After reading The Alchemist, I was one of those few people that did not have a life-changing experience. Paulo Coelho is a good writer and The Spy is a historical fiction that needed more development on the main character.

This book was somewhat disappointing. Quite a short read which seemed short on detail too. Would like to have seen an insight with more depth of information

I started this book knowing absolutely nothing about Mata Hari.
How much of what I know now is true I can’t say. In the author’s notes, it states that it is based on fact, but who can say how much?
I am slightly puzzled by some other reviews stating that there wasn’t enough biographical information or fact in the content as this is a “fictional” tale and is marketed as such.
It isn’t my preferred genre, but I enjoyed it and it was a very quick read. I found the first person perspective to be engaging and the content of evidence or correspondence quite novel.
It’s certainly made me want to investigate the life of Mata Hari further.

Did not enjoy this book as although it is purported to be a story about Mata Hari I do not believe that it was based closely enough on the facts of her life that are available. I think large parts of the book were exagerated or underplayed and Mr Coelho took too many liberties with the story.

Enjoyed this very much, a sympathetic portrayal of an interesting lady

A really interesting lady with all heard of Mata hari for one interesting life for a woman to lead especially in that era I would recommend this book to people who enjoy it a wall backdrop obviously autobiography Tor a point romantic an engrossing read

I don't think this is necessarily a bad book, it just wasn't my cup of tea. I felt no connection with the characters who I found presented as very dry and one dimensional and perhaps somewhat biased. This would undoubtedly appeal to historical novel lovers, but unfortunately not me.

Really good and moving story. Well worth a read. Would recommend it to everyone.

Such a disappointment. I've read 6 or 7 Paolo Cohelo books before so I had high expectations but was really upset with the poor research, the lack of detail, the glossing over of key moments and the lack of any empathy. A very sloppy 3rd rate essay that if it had been submitted for A Level history or any other subject, would only garner a C at best. Is PC so hard up that he has to quickly churn out a book and ride on his name for previously well written stories. Only gave the extra star (to make it a 2 star read) because I am sufficiently intrigued with Mata Hari that I'll be researching her myself so the extra star is for igniting my enthusiasm for this enigmatic lady

I failed with this book I'm ashamed to say. It just did not engage me and I have to confess that I gave up reading it. I very rarely do this but I would prefer to be honest in my reviewing.

The book is about a well known so-called spy during the first world war. The name is Mata Hari. She is a woman born during the wrong time. Which always makes you think 'Is there ever a good time for women to be born?' Mata Hari is a woman of expensive tastes and keeps the company of important men. She is fearless in the beginning which only portrays her naivety towards the end. The character grows from being brave to vain to naïve and outright stupid towards the end. The evolution is not something you expect of a spy if she was even one.
I did not like the character as portrayed by the author. But I intend to read more about the so-called spy because, beneath all the façade, she looks like a smart and important woman in the history.
The book begins with a scene in the prison, where Mata Hari is kept. She is indifferent. Mata Hari decides to write a letter to her lawyer. It is meant to be an evidence in the court or a biography if she is convicted or just a memoir for her daughter. Mata Hari is bitter towards the lawyer for not being able to save her. She describes her entire life in the letter. Which is followed by a letter from the lawyer justifying the unfortunate conviction of Mata Hari.
There is always an end conclusion to a novel, a feeling that you can describe after finishing the book. After reading this one I could not help but think 'What was the point of the story?' The entire content looked quite directionless, not the sly flow 'Alchemist' possessed.
The letter format is slightly uncomfortable to read too.

"Love does not obey anyone and will betray those who try to decipher its mystery."

I started reading this as a fiction. When i was at 60%, i realized that i am reading a real story.

"You thought innocence was enough to extract you from the web of the legal system on which we have always pried ourselves, but in these times of war has become an abberation of justice."

But unlike Mata Hari's thoughts, people had tried to help her. She was warned before hand not to accept anything Kramer suggests. She was ignorant/foolish enough to ignore those warnings and take up the job. And finally she was convicted for something she has never done.

"You were beautiful, known worldwide, always envied.. but never respected."

Currently i am reading more about mata hari and watching videos on her. This book has brought so much curiosity on me.

I will strongly recommend this book to my friends.

I make a point of not reading reviews before I read a book I may have to review myself. Unfortunately, I read the damning review of this book in Private Eye, after which I simply couldn't take it seriously and didn't read it.