In this Cold War tale set in London, Victoria, a neurotic TV producer (Ms Kee's own professional background) meets childish Harold and gets embroiled in an improbable plot of espionage, kidnapping and defection. Bouts of squalid sex are interspersed with Victoria's scheduling rosters and diplomatic drinks parties. Trademarks abound - Viyella shirts, Chilprufe vests, Startrite shoes (to convince us of the Sixties setting). But Ms Kee's use of such journalistic shorthand is no substitute for fictional veracity and the characters remain stiff and vapid clothes-horses.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments