Portrait of a Spy

A Novel

By: Daniel Silva

Narrated by: Simon Vance

Length: 11 hrs and 26 mins

Publisher's summary

Haunted by his failure to stop a suicide bomber in London, Gabriel Allon is summoned to Washington and drawn into a confrontation with the new face of global terror. At the center of the threat is an American-born cleric in Yemen who was once a paid CIA asset.

Gabriel and his team devise a daring plan to destroy the network of death - from the inside - a gambit fraught with risk, both personal and professional. To succeed, Gabriel must reach into his violent past. A woman waits there, a reclusive heiress and art collector who can traverse the murky divide between Islam and the West. She is the daughter of an old enemy, and together they form an unlikely and dangerous bond.

Set against the disparate worlds of art and intelligence, Portrait of a Spy moves swiftly from the corridors of power in Washington to the glamorous auction houses of New York and London to the unforgiving landscape of the Saudi desert. Featuring a climax that will leave listeners haunted long after the final words, this deeply entertaining story is also a breathtaking portrait of courage in the face of unspeakable evil - and Daniel Silva's most extraordinary novel to date.

©2011 Daniel Silva (P)2011 HarperCollins Publishers

Weakest audiobook in the Gabriel Allon series

I'm a fan of Daniel Silva's 15 book Gabriel Allon series. I listened to Portrait of a Spy when the audiobook was released in 2011. It is my only disappointment in the series. I suspect that the book would have been better had it been narrated by George Guidall or Phil Gigante. This is the only audiobook in the series narrated by Simon Vance. He does not narrate Portrait of a Spy well.

Great book! Keeps you on edge all the way through.

I found myself taking unnecessary detours while driving, just in order to be able to listen a bit more of this book.
Portrait of a Spy is not only very well written, with evident ample backgound research, but also with a seamless, entrapping prose that flows constantly. It is like being taken along whitewater rapids, constantly feeling the adrenalin, waiting for the next rock to watch out for while enjoying the icy dip in the turbulent water.

I am sure I would not have enjoyed this book as much in print, because Simon Vance does not narrate, he truly acts the whole novel, with outstanding ability to impersonate both male and female characters of very different upringings and nationalities, taking you right into the story.

This narrator is absolutely terrible!!

Would you listen to Portrait of a Spy again? Why?

Absolutely not!!! I will skip any Gabriel Allon book this guy narrates.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Nadia. This story displayed the redemption of her fathers sins.

Would you be willing to try another one of Simon Vance’s performances?

Never!!

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

A brilliant woman's struggle to pay the sins of her father.

Any additional comments?

It is nice to read/listen to a story where good people die. This type of story actually reflects reality. Every once in awhile a bit of "darkness" reminds us of our own mortality.

Wonderful book. Great Author

What made the experience of listening to Portrait of a Spy the most enjoyable?

Looking at our Middle East problem & getting a better understanding of the problem from the point of Israel.

Which character – as performed by Simon Vance – was your favorite?

I enjoyed all of them. Great narration.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes, but if necessary, it's easy to get your heart back in it.

Any additional comments?

All of Daniel Silva's books are good.

Well written

This book was well written but a little dated and too cutesy in references to Obama and his policies. The narrator was not great with female characters.

Still listening. So far great.

Would you listen to Portrait of a Spy again? Why?

I listen to Daniel Silva any time I get a chance. I usually don't read them again very soon
because I already know the story line and probably won't read it again for a few years.

Did the plot keep you on the edge of your seat? How?

He is very detailed and I am not always familiar with the language parts. I have to pay attention to keep on track with what is going on and he names of the people involved

Have you listened to any of Simon Vance’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No, not that I recall

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Not yet.

Any additional comments?

Not till I finish book.

Narrator is still narrating The Vampire Chronicles

This was such a disappointing performance by Simon Vance. I enjoyed his narrations of Anne Rice's Vampire Chronicles. But I don't think Vance ever left those characters behind. His performance was exaggerated, over the top, and with the same cadence as a cliche vampire. I saw a review that stated that he sounded like the Count on Sesame Street, and it's true! It was extremely distracting, and I had a rough time paying attention to the story. A good narrator makes you forget that the book is being read and draws you into the story, and makes you feel a part of it. He should make you feel as if you are there and the characters come to life. George Guidall does that very well. Phil Gigante does a great job also. But Simon Vance, who is a celebrated narrator, does a horrible job. I am a huge fan of Daniel Silva, and I have read all his books but stay away from this audiobook!

Another masterpiece

I am never disappointed in these Gabriel Allon books! He writes so beautifully and I love how the characters come to life. Not as much action in this book but still very similar to the others. I was not disappointed and highly recommend.

Terrific Story, Compelling Performance

Daniel Silva’s Portrait of a Spy is smart, well-paced, and continues to fill the Alon-verse with clever intrigue and compelling characters. Simon Vance’s story performance more than does Silva’s writing justice—his rendition of the characters and the story turns a tremendous story into riveting listening.

Another Great One one of the Series

I found the subject fascinating and exciting. Gripping story that does not reader down. Well written and narrated.