“Dear God, she thought, was that what she was known for? Although it was true she was an eater —she had eaten her way through grief, she had eaten her way through what had passed for love, she had eaten her way through the war (when she could).”
I have always loved a good spy novel. One of the most attractive aspects of this fantastic example of the genre is its female protagonist. A far cry from any James Bond style hero, Juliet Armstrong is a naïve eighteen-year-old recruited by M15 to listen in on potential enemies of the state. Her duties are transcribing conversations ( hence the title) and yet she is drawn into more thrilling intrigues. Never leave your handbag behind ladies!
Later, as she reflects on her exciting past, shadowy figures reappear and it seems like her relatively harmless role at the BBC might not save her from the threats of the past.
Unfortunately, between reading (and thoroughly enjoying) the novel, it has taken me a few weeks to be close to a functioning computer (alas poor Mac Air —your death has rocked my world). That is the reason why my review is so little light on detail. The old grey cells have turned to mush without use.
Don’t let that dissuade you from seeking out this engaging and thrilling work. This was one of those books that I closed with a particularly satisfied smile.
5 out of 5 walls have ears.
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