My Mother The Spy

By Cindy Dobbin & Freda Marnie Nicholls

Published by Allen.and Unwin

ISBN 978176`067280

Set in the midst of the Cold War, this true story of an undercover agent for ASIO is quite an eye opener, especially as she was left high and dry by the organisation.

Even more intriguing is the revelation that the author did not know about her mother Mercia Masson's secret life.

Written in a matter of fact style, there are numerous discoveries, with some names people will have either read about or heard about, such as the Petrov affair.

As part of the Petrov Affair, Masson was exposed at a royal commission when investigating Soviet espionage in Australia,

One of the heartbreaking quotes from Mercia Masson is, "'I have lost everything in coming here. I have lost my friends... I have probably lost my position; I shall probably have to remove my child from the school and my mother from the house in which she lives. I do not think there is anything else I can possibly lose.'

In this multi-faceted account of an incredibly brave person, her cover persona as a stylish woman who loved to dress smartly, go to and host parties while working as a journalist gave her the advantage she needed to live this dangerous double life. Mercia Masson was a journalist when there weren't many female journalists which gave her unusual advantages she needed to be a spy. She really worked in an interesting time, right in the thick of things happening in the Cold War.

There are layers of interesting aspects to her stories, which were unknown to her daughter Cindy until after her mother's passing.

It really hits home what a high price Masson paid when learning that she was betrayed. Although she had a pseudnym once the press made it known where she worked she became easily identifiable to left wing groups and public servants. However, resilient and a strong woman she moved on.

This is an interestingly intriguing story with many aspects and layers to what must have been a fascinating and brave woman.

The authors

Cindy Dobbin is the daughter of ASIO agent Mercia Masson. Freda Marnie Nicholls is the author of The Amazing Mrs Livesey, Love, Sweat & Tears, and Back of Beyond.

This is independent review, I am not paid by the publishers, so.If you Liked this review, Buy me a coffee