In Eye of the Needle, set during World War II, Follett presents an intriguing conflict between patriotism and personal feelings through the character of Lucy Rose. At the end of the novel, patriotism wins out, but not before the heroine's loyalty is sufficiently tested.

Lonely and vulnerable, Lucy Rose is drawn into a desperate love affair with a clever German spy, Henry Faber. At first, she believes the only real threat is to her marriage, a threat she is prepared to accept. However, she later realizes her lover's association with the enemy and is forced to confront the greater threat to her life and to her country. In a final display of wit and courage, Lucy Rose chooses to save Britain and spurn her desire for its enemy. She successfully stops the spy from broadcasting his vital message and then murders him to prevent his relaying...