The Golden Thread
The Cold War and the Mysterious Death of Dag Hammarskjöld
By Ravi Somaiya
Fascinating and very well written account of a forgotten crime and decades of investigations that followed it.
I first heard about this stranger-than-fiction true story while watching the wonderful documentary film ‘Cold Case Hammarskjöld’ by Danish director Mads Brügger and ‘The Golden Thread’ is a perfect companion book. The author provides a detailed portrait of a very specific time and place: Kongo in the early 1960s, which was a hub for international spies and a deadly playground for all major foreign powers. In these circumstances it is hardly surprising that UN secretary general Dag Hammarskjöld, who tried to fix the situation and defend the weak ones, was seen as an obstacle to get rid of.
The author’s style is clear, witty and engaging — he weaves the tread of this complicated story skillfully and effortlessly. Recommended for everyone interested in geopolitics, recent history or just a good true crime.
Thanks to the publisher, Twelve Books, and NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book.
