The Defection of A.J. Lewinter — Robert Littell

A scientist looking to defect causes Cold War chaos in this darkly humorous spy novel by the bestselling author of The Company.

A.J. LeWinter is an American scientist, for years an insignificant cog in America's complex defense machinery. While at an academic conference in Tokyo, LeWinter contacts the KGB station chief and says he wants to defect. He tantalizes the Russians with U.S. military secrets he claims to possess, but is his defection genuine? Neither the Russians nor the Americans are sure, and LeWinter is swept up in a terrifying political chess match of deceit and treachery. Deft and dazzlingly plotted, this is the book that introduced Robert Littell -- the opening shot of a brilliant career.

“Concise, smart and funny, this novel turns Cold War spy clichés on their head…This book still packs a punch and seems prescient to boot. Those who only know Littell's more recent works should enjoy this fast, fun trip into the past.” -- Publishers Weekly

“Although the Cold War has passed, Littell's novel remains instructive for a world where large agencies run rampant over individual liberties in the name of patriotism and homeland security.” -- Foreword Reviews