The Russia House

Bartholomew 'Barley' Scott-Blair, the head of a British publishing firm, travels to Moscow for work-related commitments. While at a writer's retreat near Peredelkino, he expresses hopes of easing tensions between the East and West, an idea that catches the attention of a mysterious figure named Dante.

After Barley's discussion about easing tensions, Dante insists that Barley must promise to do the right thing if an opportunity arises. This interaction sets up the moral dilemma Barley will face later on in the plot.

Months later, while Barley is unavailable at a trade show, a young Soviet woman named Katya Orlova seeks out publisher Nicky Landau. She has a manuscript that she believes is critical and hands it over to Landau, who forwards it to British intelligence.

The manuscript reveals the Soviet Union’s nuclear warfare capabilities, triggering an investigation by British intelligence. They identify Dante as the renowned Soviet physicist Yakov Efraimovich Saveleyev, the manuscript's author.

British intelligence agents track Barley to his holiday residence in Lisbon, questioning him about his relationship with Katya. Realizing he knows no more than they do, they engage him to assist in their mission to uncover the truth.

A British agent named Ned provides Barley with basic spy training to prepare him for his role in the intelligence operation. This training highlights Barley's transition from a mere publisher to someone who can influence international relations.

In a bold move, Barley decides to return to the Soviet Union to seek out Dante in hopes of validating his role as an informant. During this trip, he encounters Katya again, deepening his infatuation with her.

Barley reassures Katya that he is not a spy, while confirming that Dante is indeed Yakov. This meeting is pivotal as it strengthens their bond and sets the stage for future developments in the plot.

As British intelligence conducts its operations, the CIA team, led by Russell, expresses concerns about the sensitive nature of the manuscript. The document suggests that the Soviet nuclear missile program is chaotic, which raises alarms about an escalating arms race.

Katya carefully arranges to meet with Yakov, ensuring their privacy from outside surveillance. Meanwhile, Barley informs Yakov that authorities now possess the manuscript, leading to trust issues and heightened tension.

Yakov feels betrayed upon learning about the British and American interest in the manuscript. However, Barley manages to convince him that there is still hope for its publication, which could benefit Yakov's scientific endeavors.

Barley faces interrogation by Russell's superior, Brady, and military officer Quinn to clarify his loyalties. They are suspicious of his ideological stance on Glasnost, worried it might jeopardize U.S. interests.

As Barley reveals his genuine feelings for Katya and claims he is an operative, she expresses her fears for Yakov, suspecting KGB involvement in their affairs. This revelation complicates their relationship further.

Under increased surveillance, Barley prepares to meet Yakov. He realizes that the Soviets might be aware of their operation, raising the stakes as both British and American agents anxiously await the outcome.

In a desperate move, Barley facilitates the transfer of a crucial shopping list to the Soviets to ensure Katya’s safety. After this intense ordeal, he returns to Lisbon and awaits her arrival, embodying hope for a new beginning.