> Skip to content
Play sample
  • Published: 3 August 2021
  • ISBN: 9780241505380
  • Imprint: Penguin Classics
  • Format: Paperback
  • Pages: 288
  • RRP: $22.99

Funeral in Berlin




A Russian scientist defects to the West in this vintage spy thriller, part of The IPCRESS File series

1963 Berlin is dark and dangerous. The anonymous hero of The IPCRESS File has been sent to help arrange the defection - in an elaborate mock coffin - of a leading Soviet scientist. But, as he soon discovers, this deception hides an even deadlier truth. One of the first novels written after the construction of the Berlin Wall, Funeral in Berlin revels in the murky, chilling atmosphere of a divided city.

  • Published: 3 August 2021
  • ISBN: 9780241505380
  • Imprint: Penguin Classics
  • Format: Paperback
  • Pages: 288
  • RRP: $22.99

About the author

Len Deighton

Len Deighton is the author of over thirty bestsellers of carefully researched fiction and non-fiction. His history writing was encouraged by A. J. P. Taylor and his books are noted for the picture they provide of the German side of the fighting as well as that of the Allies. His books include Fighter: The True Story of the Battle of Britain and Blood, Tears and Folly: An Objective Look at World War II, both published by Pimlico.

Also by Len Deighton

See all

Praise for Funeral in Berlin

A most impressive book in which the tension, more like a chronic ache than a sharp stab of pain, never lets go.

Evening Standard

A ferociously cool fable.

New York Times

Len Deighton is the Flaubert of the contemporary thriller writers.

Michael Howard, Times Literary Supplement

The self-conscious cool of Deighton's writing has dated in the best way possible ... Stone-cold Cold War classic.

Toby Litt, The Guardian

Like lying back in a hot bath with a large malt whisky - absolute bliss.

Sunday Telegraph

Len Deighton's spy novels are so good they make me sad the Cold War is over.

Malcolm Gladwell

Deighton's fiction has stood the test of time. His habitually acerbic narrative voice still has much to say to contemporary readers ... Now a fresh generation have the chance to sample Deighton's wares as Penguin republishes many of his books.

Vanessa Thorpe, The Observer
penguin pop image
penguin pop image