Target Tokyo: The Story of the Sorge Spy Ring

Target Tokyo: The Story of the Sorge Spy Ring (not to be confused with Target Tokyo: Jimmy Doolittle...) is the history of the Richard Sorge Soviet spy ring that operated in Japan for nearly a decade, from 1933 to 1941. The Sorge ring is credited with providing Stalin some of the most crucial intelligence he received regarding Japan's intentions towards the USSR, leading him to go so far as to remove divisions of troops from Siberia and use them against German forces in the west, possibly turning the tide of the entire war.

That said...

I've been dawdling with Target Tokyo for the better part of six weeks now. The topic (espionage) interest me, as does the time period (immediate pre-war period) and location (Japan). There's no questioning the quality of research Gordon W. Prange has put into this work, and it is well written to boot.

That said...

I'm sorry, but it's just a bit dull. In fact, after six weeks of on-and-off reading, I've only just reached the half-way point, and haven't determined whether I will continue. Prange has included virtually every detail about every individual connected to the ring. As research, it's masterful, but as reading, frankly, it's a bit boring.

The ultimate verdict?

For World War II-era espionage, give me Operation Mincemeat any day of the week.