The Story

There's no traditional plot here. Instead, this is a declassified instruction manual. Written during World War II, it was designed to teach ordinary citizens in occupied territories how to sabotage enemy organizations without violence or getting caught. The goal was simple: slow things down, create confusion, and waste resources. It lays out methods for damaging machinery, but the most memorable sections are about 'simple sabotage'—the art of being a terrible but plausibly incompetent employee.

Why You Should Read It

This book is a bizarre mirror to modern office life. The advice is shockingly recognizable. When it tells agents to 'make speeches. Talk as frequently as possible and at great length,' or to 'bring up irrelevant issues as frequently as possible,' you can't help but think of the last pointless meeting you sat through. It reframes everyday workplace frustration as a potential act of deliberate, strategic warfare. It’s a short, potent read that makes you look at office politics, government red tape, and any large institution in a completely new, and often hilarious, light.

Final Verdict

Perfect for history buffs, office workers who need a good laugh (or cry), and anyone fascinated by psychology and systems. If you've ever complained about bureaucracy, this book explains its weaponized form. It's a unique piece of history that feels uncomfortably relevant. Just don't leave it on your desk at work.