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The Company We Keep: A Husband-and-Wife True-Life Spy Story Audiobook
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(3.00) - 771 listener ratings
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Publisher Description
Robert Baer was known inside the CIA as perhaps the best operative working the Middle East. But if his career was all that a spy might aspire to, his personal life was a brutal illustration of everything a spy is asked to sacrifice. Dayna Williamson thought of herself as just an ordinary California girl. But she was always looking to get closer to the edge. When she joined the CIA, she was initially tasked with Agency background checks, but she quickly distinguished herself as someone who could thrive in the field. Tapped to serve in some of the world’s most dangerous places, she discovered an inner strength and resourcefulness she’d never known—but she also came to see that the spy life exacts a heavy toll. When Bob and Dayna met on a mission in Sarajevo, it wasn’t love at first sight. But there was something there, a spark. And as the danger escalated and their affection for each other grew, they realized it was time to leave “the Company,” to somehow rediscover the people they’d once been. As worldly as they both were, the couple didn’t realize at first that turning in their Agency ID cards would not be enough to put their covert past behind.
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"I found this book to be a surprising page-turner (nook screen-tapper?). You get the sense that being a CIA agent is comprised of long stretches of waiting punctuated with high drama. And it takes a toll on the family. "
— Sue (4 out of 5 stars)
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“A breezy, often fascinating account of this CIA romance.”
— Washington Post -
“Propulsive momentum…The authors give a good sense of the improvisational nature of the CIA…Both Baers write affectingly of their experiences.”
— Kirkus Reviews -
“An engaging narrative that should appeal to readers of spy-themed literature, factual or fictional.”
— Booklist
Awards
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A New York Times bestseller
The Company We Keep Listener Reviews
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" I thought spies were only in James Bond movies till I read this book. Their lives read like a movie and it's only when you read about the losses in their personal lives that it hits home they are real people. "
— Camilla, 2/12/2014 -
" i lovvvvvvvvvvvvvve backdoor diplomacy. and dal. "
— Kylee, 2/8/2014 -
" Each chapter was a vignette about their time in the CIA. It was interesting to learn more about what the CIA does. "
— Michelle, 2/4/2014 -
" Although it took some time to finish, (kept putting it down in favor of fiction titles), I enjoyed this part-memoir, part-travelogue, part-espionage thriller. There were sections that read like James Bond. I appreciated the additional background and information this account provided on the Bosnian situation in the 90s. "
— Mary, 1/31/2014 -
" This book does give some insights to the lives of a CIA operative, but that aspect is limited particularly when it is acknowledged that the CIA has reviewed the book to assure that classified info is not revealed {you know, the interesting stuff}. To my surprise, the value of the book lies in its revealing the tragedies and triumphs of this couples personal lives which are profoundly effected by constantly living on the edge of reality, or lack of reality. "
— Chuck, 1/28/2014 -
" Book was okay. Like to break up fiction with true stories. Not enough cohesive connection between stories. Will try see no evil. "
— Lorraine, 1/19/2014 -
" A really interesting book, but it dragged towards the end and it was a chore to finish. "
— Stephanie, 1/18/2014 -
" Another book club book. OK, but it's not actually the page turner that the cover claims it to be (never judge a book by its cover...oops). An interesting insight into the boredom of a CIA operative, which eventually spins down into an adoption story (?) "
— Emma, 1/17/2014 -
" This book gives you some idea of what life is like in the CIA. I'm sure a lot of it is watered down. Also, the writing is not the best. On the whole, it was an interesting read. "
— Joan, 1/12/2014 -
" This account of how two CIA operating officers met, married and began settling into life after the CIA treats the dissolution of each of their first marriages rather offhandedly, but does make the point that the only path to true relationships is to settle in and work on maintaining them. "
— Nick, 1/7/2014 -
" Entertaining insight into how the CIA works. "
— Sam, 11/30/2013 -
" I would not have read this book if it hadn't been a monthly read for the Book Hoarders Anonymous podcast, but I ended up really liking it. It was a fairly quick read for me and very enjoyable. "
— Ellen, 11/21/2013 -
" This book got 5 stars, not because it was deep or life-changing, but because it was a thoroughly enjoyable read. "
— Em, 7/31/2013 -
" This a dual memoir with a very happy ending. In all honesty, it does show the value and operational uses (other than honey traps) of female operatives. "
— Doyle, 6/10/2013 -
" As a spy book I give it a one star. But it's a decent biography. "
— Nate, 12/25/2012 -
" interesting look into the lives of real CIA agents "
— Larissa, 5/2/2012 -
" it was only ok. nothing spectacular. i feel like there are better books out there about the CIA "
— Erin, 4/26/2012 -
" This real-life CIA tale should appeal to anyone who enjoys good spy fiction. "Syriana" was based on one of Robert Baer's books. "
— Sandy, 3/30/2012 -
" I truly enjoyef the peek into the real lives of two CIA operatives. The glimpses imclufe the mundane, humorous and exciting. I learned a lot and lived a little, if only vicariously. "
— Robin, 12/8/2011 -
" I truly enjoyef the peek into the real lives of two CIA operatives. The glimpses imclufe the mundane, humorous and exciting. I learned a lot and lived a little, if only vicariously. "
— Epic.rdr, 6/5/2011 -
" This book was a birthday present from my wife. I enjoyed it very much. It was an easy read. I learned quite a bit of culture, geography, and history in between the telling of tales--a good book. Thank you Ciarra.. "
— Steve, 5/30/2011 -
" Really 2.5 stars. The CIA stuff is interesting, but the personal story never connects. "
— Becky, 5/24/2011 -
" very interesting story of ex-CIA agents all over the world.. "
— Andrea, 5/22/2011 -
" A really interesting book, but it dragged towards the end and it was a chore to finish. "
— Stephanie, 5/4/2011
About the Authors
Robert Baer is the author of two New York Times bestsellers: Sleeping with the Devil, about the Saudi royal family and its relationship with the United States, and See No Evil, which recounts Baer’s years as a top CIA operative. See No Evil was the basis for the acclaimed film Syriana, which earned George Clooney an Oscar for his portrayal of Baer. Baer writes regularly for Time.com and has contributed to Vanity Fair, the Wall Street Journal, and the Washington Post. He is considered one of the world’s foremost authorities on the Middle East.
Dayna Baer before leaving the CIA to settle down with her husband Robert, was an accomplished intelligence operative.
About Robert Baer
Richard McGonagle is an Earphones Award–winning narrator and an experienced film, television, and voice-over actor. He has appeared in such films as Rules of Engagement and such television shows as The Practice and JAG.