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Spies

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Spies

By: Michael Frayn
Narrated by: Martin Jarvis
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About this listen

Winner of the Whitbread Novel Award, 2002.
Winner of the Commonwealth Writers Prize, 2003.

In the quiet cul-de-sac where Keith and Stephen live, the only immediate signs of the Second World War are the blackouts at night and a single random bomb-site. But the two boys suspect that the ordinary houses in the Close and their inhabitants are not what they seem. As Keith, the leader, informs the trusting Stephen, the whole district is riddled with secret passages, hideaways for any number of murderers, unsung war heroes, and secret agents. Then one day Keith announces that the Germans have infiltrated his own family.

©2002 Michael Frayn (P)2002, 2004 BBC Audiobooks Ltd Historical Fiction Fiction

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Critic reviews

"A compelling story about secrecy and betrayal." (Booklist)

"As it plays out to a surprising denouement, this enigmatic melodrama will keep readers' attention firmly in hand." (Publishers Weekly)

"Martin Jarvis's performance is intelligent, precise, and brilliantly nuanced. He captures all of Frayn's sardonic humor, as well as his more serious moments of philosophizing." (AudioFile)

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Most relevant  
I first read Michael Freyn in the Observer during my teens. In my seventies I still relish his humour, sensitivity and humanity. It was helped by the brilliant narrator who brought the characters in this wonderful book, alive.

As skillfully as ever

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Would you say that listening to this book was time well-spent? Why or why not?

I enjoyed listening to this book (it was for book club) and whilst I would never have chosen it, I enjoyed it.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Spies?

The smell of the hedge - I remember it well from my own childhood and knew what it was straight away.

What does Martin Jarvis bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you had only read the book?

He has a great storytelling voice.

Do you think Spies needs a follow-up book? Why or why not?

I think it ended well enough - I think all the ends were tied up so that a follow up would not be needed.

Any additional comments?

I would never have chosen this book and am glad that I got to it through a book club - a good way to discover new areas of interest.

A great yarn - Boys!

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This story enthralled me. It’s was gently humorous and captured the fears and emotions of the narrator as a boy, whose playtime adventures took a serious and frightening twist.
Martin Jarvis narrates beautifully, as usual, and paints a vivid picture of the people, place, and era. I can almost smell the privet of his den, his “lookout”. So fabulous.

A lovely “coming of age” story, set in wartime England

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I followed the enthralling voice of Martin Jarvis and found a new author that I love! Thank you on both accounts!

Michael Frayn and Martin Jarvis ...wonderful!

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Just finished this and not what I had expected.

A very different book, gripping in a funny sort of way, enjoyed it and got totally engrossed in the plot.

The world as seen by a child's mind in the last war, difficult to explain without saying too much about the plot.

Would not suit everyone, as at times it requires patience, but recommended non the less.





Very different

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My third time through this book, the first listening to the Jarvis, this version was easily the best. I feel the need now to write some of it down, like old Stephen Wheatley, returning to the Close - to trace some of the patterns and lies and secrets and investigations: how children decode adults' talk; even the countryside holds secrets... And if you have not heard this story, venture in, I urge, seeking out the vulgar smell, find out its secret, down in a stinking place underground...

I can't remember when I have been so transported

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I found this tedious. I pushed on to the end and finished with relief. I bought this as. I loved one of his other book, skios. Funny as I notice a review of skios has said the exact opposite and preferred spies!

not my cup of tea

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