Godfrey Smith (1926–1917)

In a newspaper article published in The Sunday Times in 1995, Godfrey Smith described his novel as a 'sub-Buchan thriller based loosely on the Burgess-Maclean case.' I don't think I would describe it as a thriller, but it is a book about espionage and spying, with a focus on the psychological impact, and a grounding in the more mundane and bureaucratic aspects of the profession. Excitement and danger seem to be for the select few chosen for an overseas assignment. Roger Meredith, on the other hand, is based in London. He is a Civil Servant working for 'The Office', and he seems to view his work as tedious and ineffective. It is all drafting reports and attending meetings, and answering questions raised by the Minister. There is no sense of urgency, and nothing seems to happen very quickly. Continued… (more)