25 Comments
Apr 6Liked by Dr. Kathleen Waller

Hugely absorbing as always.

Loved the references to The Third Man and watching the clip. Fabulous movie.

(I recommend Stella Rimington's autobiography "Open Secret" for anyone who hasn't read it.)

Fantastic read. Thank you!

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I havenโ€™t read it. Always great recs from you!

Thanks so much, Jules ๐Ÿ’œ๐Ÿ’œ

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You may like it. Tells how she got the "tap on the shoulder" and ended up as Director General of MI5. I always wonder how people who have done jobs like that are allowed to write about it. It must have to be legalled to death before publication, but I guess she knows what and what not to say!

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Fascinating and intriguing! Having worked as an 'interpreter in Vienna' (briefly on several occasions) the title instantly caught my attention.

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So wonderful to have you here, Veronika! You must have some great stories from your work. Feel free to correct me as needed ;-)

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Looking forward to reading this! Fascinating to learn more about The Third Man as well. I watched it last month for the first time and really enjoyed the artistry of it, and the perfect setting, plus the history lesson

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Thank you, Harvey! Agree itโ€™s a fantastic film. I keep getting more out of it.

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Strangely I had just watched The Third Man for the first time a couple of days before you sent this out! Loved reading this post, Kate.

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What a funny coincidence! Every time I think back to that film, I feel like I have to watch it again. There is so much unexplained...which I like!

Thank you :)

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Apr 10Liked by Dr. Kathleen Waller

Really looking forward to reading this, Kate! I'd be curious to know what similarities (if any) it's post-war era had with Berlin's. :)

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Oh yes, me too! I only read and view about Berlin. I'm reading Kairos by Jenny Erpenbeck now. Can you believe I've never been there?

Thanks, Troy! :)

https://www.theguardian.com/books/2023/jun/08/kairos-by-jenny-erpenbeck-review-a-monumental-breakup

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Apr 12Liked by Dr. Kathleen Waller

Me neither! Need to rectify that!

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Apr 8Liked by Dr. Kathleen Waller

Really intrigued by everything you've laid out here, Kate. Your years in Vienna โ€” or at least the weekends โ€” sound divine. I don't know how I would have left!

In many regards the epicenter of classical music, where so many greats put pen to manuscript paper, Vienna has always fascinated me. Looking forward to reading your tale as it unfolds.

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Thank you, Michael! ๐Ÿ’™

It is such a fascinating place for music. I only touch on it here, but would love to dive into that world more. One of my favorite weekend activities was to go on the Beethovengang, where Beethoven used to walk through the countryside and small villages.

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g190454-d1913436-Reviews-Beethovengang-Vienna.html

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Apr 7Liked by Dr. Kathleen Waller

"Or am I?" ;)

Very much looking forward to this, even more so after the introduction and background here. I've never been to Vienna, so this will all serve as a means for me to go there via the written word.

Quite fascinating that the film is still played three times a week even now!

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Oh good, somebody got my footnote joke. (Or is it?)

Thank you, Nathan! Agree, reading is a fun way for me to travel to places I haven't been.

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Apr 8Liked by Dr. Kathleen Waller

I've got my hawk eye on all those footnotes ;)

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Love this! Having lived in Vienna from 2000-2004, yes, of course, I have been to Burg Kino... MQ, Naschmarkt... I think Vienna is my favourite city. Looking forward to Marie's tale.

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So cool that you saw The Third Man there as well, Alexander, and you know all these haunts so well. Will be great to hear your take on these places and the culture. Thank you!

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It's been years and years, who knows what has changed since my last visit. There was an Aida across the road from my apartment at Getreidemarkt and everything was within walking distance, MQ, the Opera, Naschmarkt, the Christkindlesmarkt at Mariahilfer...

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Apr 6Liked by Dr. Kathleen Waller

now that you mention kim philby, watch "the pigeon tunnel" - errol morris interviewed john le carre

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Oh, that's a good tip! Thank you :)

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Apr 6Liked by Dr. Kathleen Waller

Kate, I'm really looking forward to this. I am a big fan of Daniel Silva's series featuring Gabriel Allon, and Vienna is one of the European cities that features prominently in those books. I am always intrigued by spy stories set in Europe and the intrigue and history present in those places. Thanks for this introduction.

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Interesting connection, Matthew! I haven't read Silva's work. I like the way literature builds concepts of place and history.

Thank you!

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Apr 8Liked by Dr. Kathleen Waller

Silva's works are definitely not going to be classics. They are fun spy novels that are quick and enjoyable reads. But he does do a good job of incorporating place and history. Lots of interesting art info also because the main character's "day job" is as an art restorer.

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