Between Silk and Cyanide

A Codemaker’s War, 1941-1945

By: Leo Marks

Narrated by: Eric Martin

Length: 20 hrs and 36 mins

Publisher's summary

Between Silk and Cyanide presents the memoir of the man who transformed code-making and code-breaking for the Special Operations Executive in World War Two. Leo Marks later went on to become an award-winning scriptwriter.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your Library section along with the audio.

©1998 Leo Marks (P)2017 Tantor

Critic reviews

"A well-paced war diary, Marks's memoir traces the strategically vital creation of secure codes for Allied agents operating in Nazi-occupied territories." ( Publishers Weekly)

Great book, If reviewer did not put me to sleep

The reviewer displays so much energy in his presentation, I can stay away at least 10 minutes before dozing off.

Wonderful, Great, don’t miss

Would you listen to Between Silk and Cyanide again? Why?

I went back and read the reviews from the 1990’s, this book made a splash when it first came out, but there is not much on the audible version. I cannot say enough nice things about the book. The author, was an accomplished movie script writer and a little bit of a poet. And his genius shows, in the writing style.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Between Silk and Cyanide?

Leo Marks, will hook you from page one of the story, He was a cryptologist that worked for SOE, in London during World War II. Marks worked with many agents, some who died and same came back. He documents his and his colleagues, efforts to help in the war. He has a way of telling a story, that will excite you. I had to look up in Wikipedia a few times, to see how the stories would end before I got to the conclusion. Stories about his friend and famous spy Yeo Thomas, will leave you wanting more. His encounter with Jack Benny in Cairo, left Jack Benny and Mary Livingston laughing and so will you. The stories of the Dutch agents being compromised are an addition to what historians will be interested in.

Which character – as performed by Eric Martin – was your favorite?

The narrator, was perfect. He had the right level of snark and captured Leo Marks humorous arrogance.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Yes, I laughed and I cried, and wanted more at the end. Don’t miss this book. The narrated version would be even better than the printed version.

Any additional comments?

I read many audible books, especially World War II books. This is my first written review, because I wanted to make sure others got to share in my he joy of reading Leo Marks. When you find out want the Silk and Cyanide title means you will laugh and cry at the same time

Proof that non-fiction is humorous and unbelivable

A natural humorous writer who lived through all within. One keeps reminding self it really happened he lived through the deepest secrets of British/Allie which won the war.

Excellent Marks!

Leo Marks self deprecating humor lightens a very serious subject. A brilliant man, described by Bletchley” Park, “As the one who got away” Owner of hardback book & audio. My only criticism, Wish there was more. Marks worked with some of the most famous and highly decorated SOE operatives including Violette Szabo, Nancy Wake,Noor Inyat Khan, and his close friend, “The White Rabbit” amongst others.
His struggle to convince Baker Street that the Holland circuits were blown . It was the RAF who finally put a stop to the deliverance of operatives and weapons into the hands of the Gestapo leading to torture and death. Over 50 agents were blown due to the failure of the Holland section,
Leo Marks was a great man who despite his faults, and we all have them used his talents for the cause of Freedom.
Must read for anyone who enjoys SOE history.

Absolutely fantastic

An astonishing true story, beautifully written and performed. It's amazing to hear this tale from behind the scenes of the code wars in WWII by the person who was actually there creating the codes. The writing is a treat, with a unique authorial voice full of dry humor and wordplay. A really different book that reads like a novel but that also conveys vital, firsthand history of the time. I couldn't put it down. Huge kudos to the performer, too, who brought the text to life brilliantly.

Outstanding, dramatic memoir

A relentlessly paced and outstanding, dramatic memoir. Chock full of fascinating historical anecdotes. Too many off-color remarks though.

Unbelievable

I don’t know where to start. This book, although tedious at times, is a history of British coding during the better portion of World War II. Although I have known in general that cryptography exist, I knew nothing of how it was developed or used.

Marx gave a view of the war I never knew. Although sometimes offended by his attitude towards women, I wrote it off to the times preferring to concentrate on his unbelievable coding creations, The operations and people involved in the field and political gamesmanship at home.

That voice...

The voice was unbearable- like a “text to talk” from the 90s. I couldn’t listen to it.

Ended up getting the physical book, which I enjoyed.