Talk to the Frackville Library

     The spy novel has always been one of my favorite genres. Whether visiting an old classic or seeing how authors have managed to revamp the format since the end of the Cold War, spy novels continue to be fun to read. The Ipcress File, Len Deighton's first success, with it's nameless narrator, is available at the library on audio tape. This convoluted story of British intelligence was one of the first to introduce us to this shady underworld of clandestine meetings, electronic surveillance, and sometimes murder. More recently, the master of spy fiction, John LeCarre, has created the story of a Muslim refugee, a prestigious banker, and a young woman lawyer, which resonates with the issues of today. A Man Most  Wanted exhibits LeCarre's usual attention to detail regarding European espionage, while at the same time presenting characters with whom we can sympathize. (While you're at it, try one of LeCarre's best, A Perfect Spy, now being featured on our staff recommendations shelf.)