Spies
Michael Frayn
Set in World War 2, this is a book about children and how they
misunderstand what's happening in the adult world due to a lack
of information.
The narrator, a boy, and his friend next door decide that the
friend's mother is a German spy. They find her diary and
misunderstand it (for instance, the marks made at four-week
intervals), they follow her and watch her, and misunderstand
everything as evidence of her treachery. The consequences are
dire.
Not a comedy but a very good, well done and atmospheric book.
Worrying rather than enjoyable.
Doreen 21/4/02
Andrew really liked this book, totally different from the
previous (Headlong) by Frayn. set in Second World War London, the
story is told from the point of view of two boys. Keith is the
leader, Stephen the led. They suspect that they have caught a
spy, look for signs to confirm their suspicions, and are misled.
The atmosphere seemed genuine, muddling through in wartime
England. Recommended.
Andrew 30/6/02
By the same author
The frames have
gone all funny - click to make it good.