Ken Follett's Eye of the Needle is lauded for its gripping narrative, well-developed characters, and historical accuracy, capturing the tension of World War II espionage. Some readers find the pacing occasionally slow and character decisions implausible. Overall, it remains a compelling thriller with high stakes and rich detail.

A reader who enjoys Eye of the Needle by Ken Follett typically appreciates historical thrillers with intricate plots and espionage. Fans of Robert Ludlum’s The Bourne Identity or John Le Carré’s The Spy Who Came in from the Cold will likely enjoy Follett's gripping World War II narrative replete with suspense and complex characters.

Eye of the Needle, an espionage thriller by Ken Follett, follows German spy Henry Faber as he obtains crucial information influencing Hitler’s military decisions during World War II. British intelligence agents Percy Godliman and Frederick Bloggs hunt Faber, who evades capture and ends up on Storm Island with Lucy and David Rose, leading to deadly confrontations that jeopardize Allied plans. The book includes acts of violence and sexual assault.

Suspenseful / Mysterious / Dark / Gritty / Challenging

- Eye of the Needle was Ken Follett's first successful novel, originally published in 1978, and it went on to win the Edgar Award for Best Novel in 1979.
- This book was not only a breakthrough in Follett’s writing career but also got adapted into a successful 1981 film starring Donald Sutherland and Kate Nelligan.
- Although Ken Follett is known for his historical thrillers, Eye of the Needle is often credited with elevating his status in the thriller genre and solidifying his reputation as a master of suspense.

**Henry Faber**  
Also known by multiple names due to his work as a spy, he is the antagonist characterized by his calculated actions and his focus on aiding his country's war efforts.

**Percival “Percy” Godliman**  
A historian recruited by MI5, his analytical skills and intelligence play a crucial role in piecing together clues to uncover enemy spies.

**Lucy Rose**  
A young woman whose story unfolds mainly on Storm Island, where she is drawn into the central conflict due to her interactions with Faber.

**Frederick Bloggs**  
A former Scotland Yard inspector working with MI5, he is instrumental in the fieldwork required to track down Faber.

**David Rose**  
Lucy's husband, who struggles with his identity after losing his legs, adding complexity to his relationship with Lucy.

Ken Follett

Adult

Novel

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

Before You Read

Explore Eye of the Needle reviews, reading age recommendations, and essential genre and thematic details before you start reading.

Before You Read Eye of the Needle | SuperSummary

title

content

Overview

Get ready to explore Eye of the Needle and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

Eye of the Needle Summary

Background

Eye of the Needle Background

chapter

chapterType

section

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 1 Eye of the Needle Part 1 Summary & Analysis

Part 2 Eye of the Needle Part 2 Summary & Analysis

Part 3 Eye of the Needle Part 3 Summary & Analysis

Part 4 Eye of the Needle Part 4 Summary & Analysis

Part 5 Eye of the Needle Part 5 Summary & Analysis

Part 6-Epilogue

Eye of the Needle Part 6-Epilogue Summary & Analysis

character

Character Analysis

Eye of the Needle Character Analysis

theme

Themes

Eye of the Needle Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Eye of the Needle Symbols & Motifs

quote

citation

Important Quotes

Eye of the Needle Important Quotes

primaryCharacter

Essay Topics

Eye of the Needle Essay Topics

Eye of the Needle

Before You Read

Super Short Summary

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read Eye of the Needle?

Reading Age

Book Details