Light and Shadow cover art

Light and Shadow

Memoirs of a Spy's Son

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Light and Shadow

By: Mark Colvin
Narrated by: Mark Colvin
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About this listen

Mark Colvin is a broadcasting legend. He is the voice of ABC Radio’s leading current affairs program PM; he was a founding broadcaster for the groundbreaking youth station Double J; he initiated The World Today program; and he’s one of the most popular and influential journalists in the twittersphere.

Mark has been covering local and global events for more than four decades. He has reported on wars, royal weddings and everything in between. In the midst of all this he discovered that his father was an MI6 spy. Light and Shadow is the incredible story of a father waging a secret war against communism during the Cold War, while his son comes of age as a journalist during the tumultuous Whitlam and Fraser years and embarks on the risky career of a foreign correspondent.

Mark was witness to some of the most world-changing events, including the Iranian hostage crisis, the buildup to the first Gulf War in Iraq and the direct aftermath of the shocking genocide in Rwanda. But when he contracted a life-threatening illness while working in the field, his life changed forever. Mark Colvin’s engrossing memoir takes you inside the coverage of major news events and gently navigates the complexity of his father's double life.

©2016 Mark Colvin (P)2016 Audible, Ltd
Journalists, Editors & Publishers Espionage Military War Heartfelt Cold War Thought-Provoking Imperialism Gulf War

What listeners say about Light and Shadow

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Great read

Wonderful book for anyone I'm Australia and aware (or unaware as I was) of its history in media and politics as well as the broader world.
Wonderfully read and put together.

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Enlightening and heartfelt

I loved listening to Mark Colvin's story that revealed so much about the episodes that formed his quest to find out as much as he could about the way politics drives our world. He witnessed first hand so many political realities in countries that for most of us remain a mystery. He was able to tell the stories that he wished to reveal in a way that added the human touch and that brought a deeper understanding to any situation whether tragic, heroic or eccentric. He was a great man with a very solid conviction about inner integrity. I would like to thank Mark Colvin for sharing his life so generously both as a journalist and broadcaster and with the contents of this book.

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An intersting insight

The late Mark Colvin's memoir, written not long before his death is both a heartfelt tribute to his father, a British MI6 officer. His love of family and his lifelong devotion to truthfull journalism stands out. I took this talking book, my first, to once more hear his words. He is much missed by listeners of the Australian ABC evening radio news commentary PM.

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Riveting and educational

A riveting account of his and his father's roller coaster lives, simultaneously providing a modern history lesson of world affairs over the past 50-60 tumultuous years. Written with unmatched intellect, wisdom and humility. Loved it.

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Absolutely riveting ! I was always a dedicated fan

I'm so grateful he left us this book . His insights and back stories make much sense now .
The way he tells a story is just like following a path that twists and turns with intrigue .
The cruelty he suffered in the 'private boarding school ' was just so typical of the times .... I'm so glad that Dickensian style of education is not the norm today . But rather the exception ! Thankyou Mark Colvin you taught me well and I've passed it on .

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A Great Book

A historically accurate account of recent events interspersed with interesting facts. A very enjoyable read, great to read when your on holidays.

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Amazing listening

Getting to hear Mark Colvin one more time is a pleasure. What an amazing life. Highly recommend if you like hearing about spies or history or are and RN listener.

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Fantastic!

This is a wonderful book and listening to Mark Colvin read it himself is just wonderful. I enjoyed this so so much!

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Marvellous life of a great journalist

Mark Colvin tells a great story of his life, his father and his family in remarkable clarity and detail across an extraordinary history. From the Cold War through to our current situation he's seen it and understood it and speaks to a lot of us about how great journalists can perceive and explain things to the rest of us.

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Highly recommended

ABC fans will relate to this reporter's memories of Australia, England and interesting World events.

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1 person found this helpful

In the spirit of reconciliation, Audible acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.