In this episode we discuss Mick Herron’s novel Reconstruction. Although the book is a standalone, there are a striking number of connections to the Slough House series, both in cross over characters and stylistically.
We talk generally about the book before diving into spoiler territory for what I consider essential reading for any Herron fan.
My original review of the book.
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Thanks Jeff, it strikes me that I read Reconstruction letting it to go mostly over my head, or rather, that I just skimmed over the surface of events, without paying deeper attention! I shall have to revisit it, armed with your comments and spoilers! At the time, I got to the end and thought “Oh. That’s it then.” And I felt nothing more memorable than the locks and the wire netting to keep the children safe from running out, and that I wasn’t drawn to Eliot, finding him weak. And Louise I kept seeing as a pale version of Louisa, a bit vague really. Must try harder! (Me, not Mick H!)
Thanks for listening! And I think all your opinions are valid readings! The book very much feels like a test run for things he would further refine in the Slow Horses series.
I am always charmed by Mick’s point-of-view amble through the scene by various entities. Upon rereading your original review, I remembered this from “To The Lighthouse” by Virginia Wolff. “…certain airs, detached from the body of the wind (the house was ramshackle after all) crept round corners and ventured indoors. Almost one might imagine them as they entered the drawing-room questioning and wondering, toying with the flap of hanging wall-paper, asking would it hang much longer, when would it fall? Then smoothly brushing the walls, they passed on musingly as if asking the red and yellow roses on the wall whether they would fade…”.
I appreciate your reservations about children in peril. That kept me from searching for this book, but I feel reassured now.
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YOUR podcast is exceptional. Your guests are well-informed and engaging. When I listen on Audible to all of Herron’s books I marvel at his writing; his uses of idioms , witticisms and actual humor. He needs to be rated as one of the finest writers of the crime/espionage genre. His character development is unequal..
Thanks for listening!!