“A masterful, taut and atmospheric novel of political espionage and intrigue, telling the story of the Petrov defection during the Cold War of the 1950s.” Winner of the 2008 The Australian/Vogel Literary Award.
‘absorbing, sophisticated and powerful’ – Cate Kennedy
‘A distinctive voice, taut writing… a brooding atmosphere of shadows and spooks.’ – Marele Day
‘A remarkable achievement… a story that is emotionally and politically complex as well as consistently human.’ – Matt Rubinstein
Document Z at Allen & Unwin | Preview Document Z on Google Books
Commentary
‘a fascinating historical chronicle… an engrossing account of the personal cost of Cold War tensions… Croome revisits, with intelligence and flair, a remarkable moment in Australia’s recent history.’ – Australian Literary Review
‘Croome captures the mood and atmosphere of [1950's Australia] with remarkable assurance… the novel is charged with a sense of muted urgency and anticipation… Croome exploits the conventions of the political thriller with a keen sense of pace… he opens the door into the troubled shadow-lives of real people answering to multiple masters and emotions.’ – Weekend Australian
‘Four stars… a riveting read.’ – Australian Bookseller + Publisher
’superbly written… Impossible to put down, this is suspenseful writing at its best.’ – South Coast Register
‘Croome’s prose bristles with wry intelligence in a first novel of rare poise.’ – Adelaide Advertiser
‘masterful in its examination of the human story behind the political story… a gripping read, it is surely a testament to Croome’s writing that he keeps you hooked to the end…’ – Readings