Spies

In Michael Frayn's novel Spies an old man returns to the scene of his seemingly ordinary suburban childhood. Stephen Wheatley is unsure of what he is seeking but, as he walks once-familiar streets he hasn't seen in 50 years, he unfolds a story of childish games colliding cruelly with adult realities. It is wartime and Stephen's friend Keith makes the momentous announcement that his mother is a German spy. The two boys begin to spy on the supposed spy, following her on her trips to the shops and to the post, and reading her diary. Keith's mother does have secrets to conceal but they are not the ones the boys suspect. Frayn skilfully manipulates his plot so that the reader's growing awareness of the truth remains just a few steps beyond Stephen's dawning realisation that he is trespassing on painful and dangerous territory. The only false notes occur in the final chapter when the central revelation (already cleverly signposted) is too swiftly followed by further disclosures about Stephen and his family that seem somehow unnecessary and make the denouement less satisfyingly conclusive. This is a much sparer and less expansive book than Headlong, Frayn's Booker Prize-shortlisted 1999 novel, more understated in its wit, but it is, in many ways, more compelling.--Nick Rennison

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Pretentious and boring - Rated
From the first chapter to the last, this book was painful to read. The plot was ridiculous and the over-used theme of childhood innocence is neither new or exciting.

As a student... - Rated
Yes, this book is long-winded, overly nostalgic and pointless, and yes, I hated studying it at A level, but it is that ridiculously over-crafted tone that makes this a perfect exam text. Every character can be seen from infinite angles and argued about for eternity, the plot is unclear and unstructured, but that's exactly Frayn's point. It's almost as if he's writing to be studied, picked apart, and only then understood.

If you want a little bedtime reading, this is perfect - it will send you to sleep. If you want something enjoyable or meaningful, keep well away. And if you're an A level student, stop complaining and just get on with it. Either way you'll have to sit the exam, and if you work with Frayn rather than against him, you'll find it so much easier.

Nostalgic wallow - Rated
I thought this was going to be a wartime novel along the lines of 'Enigma' or something like that: however I found it was basically about 6 weeks in the life of a boy in a rather dull road in a rather dull London suburb. I couldn't stand the girl Barbara and her purse - I don't know whether this was intended. By the way I'm 55 years old and didn't have to read the book for AS level.

Only read if above the age of 106. - Rated
like i said u hav to be really old to relate to this book and the writing style. i can see where it is coming from but i still found it the most boring read in ages. im biased however seeing as i hav to read it for my A-levels. XD

A WONDERFUL EVOCATION OF CHILDHOOD - Rated
This beautifully written book evokes the hopes, fears, misunderstandings and adventures of childhood more vivedly than any other book I have read - the story is cleverly handled keeping us guessing until the end and an air of barely suppressed sexuality, violence and suspicion of strangers permeates the air - along with the smell of privet!

Mick Drake author of the comic novel All`s Well at Wellwithoute