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Anonymous
posts on 10/16/2009 11:33:39 PM
To All:
If you have not yet read the book, "Counterfeit Spies", I highly Recommend it. It is written by Nigel West. Chapter 3, begining with page 44 is dedicated to The Countess, and her books. I have read many of the books mentioned in Mr. West's book.
Aline's code name was "Butch", and she was responsible for handling two active sources according to the OSS archive. One was code-named "Column" and the other was code-named "Flamenco".
What an interesting life she has led! I thank her for her service to her country! I thank her for what she has done for all of us!
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Anita
posts on 9/13/2009 1:59:12 AM
To Angela & To All,
Yes,Edmundo was a fascinating man, and a very good Spy in Spain, and I think you will enjoy the book by Robert on his father-in-law.So, do read it if you have time.
It is my guess that Aline could still be working off and on for the CIA, as she did into the 1970's(if my memory serves me correctly). I also agree with one who posts, regarding Aline's confidentiality as a Spy. She will never reveal what she should not. Even at her age, with her vitality and energy, she very well could still be working as a Spy. I am sure it depends on what cases her handlers give her.
In my book, she is a fantastic woman.
To Robert and Pepita: I never felt Edmundo was portrayed as anything but a good Spy.
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Angela
posts on 9/12/2009 4:11:44 PM
Robert,
Since I have yet to read your biography on Edmundo, I can't say what parts I might question, only that I can't believe the Countess would majorly fictionalize occurences in Edmundo's life, especially since his character was not fictional and he has living relatives, including your wife, that would be affected by any negatively perceived events or character flaws. As for Aline characterizing Top Hat as a buffoon, I didn't get that impression AT ALL. She painted a picture of him as an incredibly brilliant man with a bit of a rascal side that sounded quite endearing if you ask me. She wasn't calling Edmundo a murderer any more than I would call one of our soldiers a murderer. What a person does in the line of duty to safeguard our country can only be thought of as noble and selfless, and I never got the feeling that Aline looked down on him for that. Yes, she was shocked. Wouldn't you be, witnessing death for the first time? If I had never read Aline's books, I never would have even known of Edmundo's existence, and I am very fond of him as described in her books. I will read the Counterfeit Spys book you suggested, as well as Edmundo... even though I suspect the Spys book bashes the Countess. I obviously can't prove that she engaged in espionage to the full extent that she describes, but I KNOW in my heart, without a doubt, that she did. Pepita, I know the memory of your Dad as an upstanding man must mean everything to you. Trust me when I say he has my utmost respect, and I'm sure most people would feel the same. And thank you Robert for your service to this country. Thank you for all your tedious research in bringing to life for us Edmundo. Like I said, I will read you book, but regardless, I already admire the man tremendously.
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Robert Huddleston
posts on 9/12/2009 12:59:14 PM
To All: Believe what you will; this is a right we all possess. But words have aftereffect. Beyond caricaturing Edmundo Lassalle as a buffoon, Aline tagged Top Hat as a murderer where he never was, and killed by the KGB eight years before he died. Is it any wonder that his family was shocked and troubled by what they read in The Spy Wore Red and The Spy Went Dancing?
As the author of Edmundo, I do not recommend the book. Better go for Counterfeit Spies by the British historian, Nigel West. He devotes a full chaper to Aline's memoirs. Best to be read with an open mind.
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Triall1c
posts on 9/12/2009 12:56:37 AM
All, I am a HUGE fan of the Countess, but I can't help but to remind anyone here at the posting board that some of the words in the books written by the Countess are disguised. I say, read anything you want to read, but your appreciation of the Countess, her life and her literature will remain in high esteem. Keep in mind, the Countess was a spy! She can not and will never tell everything as it happened. One thing that will always remain the same is the high regard which we hold for the Countess.
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Angela
posts on 9/9/2009 9:00:00 PM
Anita, you said you like the book on Edmundo, but I'm having trouble wanting to read it because of Huddleston's claim that Aline had a lot of facts about Tophat wrong, and I just don't believe it. I guess I'll eventually read Edmundo... BUT, I'll probably always believe Aline over Huddleston because she was there, and even archival info can be lacking or incorrect. What do you think, having read Edmundo?
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Anita
posts on 9/6/2009 5:50:30 PM
I agree with Angela! Her books are exciting, and hopefully the new one will be "off the press" soon, and we can devour It as we have the others.
Anita
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Angela
posts on 8/28/2009 7:32:21 PM
I have devoured all five of the Countesses books numerous times and am giddy with anticipation over the new book and possible movie. I was lucky enough to have scored a signed copy of The Earth Rests Lightly online for very little money. Can't get enough of her! Her life has been way better than a James Bond movie.
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Anita
posts on 8/20/2009 11:08:57 PM
Sylvia M., I have read the book "EDMUNDO" and it is really very good. You will enjoy it, I am sure. Frankly, I would like to re-read it.
Anita
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Sylvia M.
posts on 8/20/2009 9:01:28 PM
I have read and own The Spy Wore Red, The Spy Went Dancing, and The Spy Wore Silk. Am I correct that her other two books are mostly fiction, where the three I mentioned are mostly true with a few people disguised?
I will be checking out the book Edmundo from the library today. I cannot wait to read it!
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