Within Frayn's enigmatic and richly nostalgic text, the theme of spies is undoubtedly significant. The title has immediate connotations of secrecy, danger and mystery. Frayn has cleverly left a trail of hidden clues throughout the novel, which involves the reader in the story and makes us ultimately become spies. Furthermore, many characters in the text spy on each other and are being spied upon and have distinctive characteristics of a spy. In addition, the older Stephen also spies into his childhood.

The simple childlike game of espionage is dramatically contrasted with the harsh reality of secretive meetings and sudden death as our narrator begins to grow up amidst the slow deterioration of the Hayward family. Childhood, innocence, secrecy and repressed violence are all combined in this compelling novel as Frayn powerfully demonstrates that what appears to be happening in...