Vanishing
A tale of war, betrayal, and the power of storytelling
Format:Paperback
Publisher:Pan Macmillan
Published:9th Apr '15
Currently unavailable, and unfortunately no date known when it will be back
A gripping tale of espionage and artistry, Vanishing explores Kenneth Brill's extraordinary life during World War II and the complexities of storytelling.
In Vanishing, the narrative unfolds around Kenneth Brill, a man whose life is anything but ordinary. As the Second World War draws to a close, he finds himself embroiled in a web of espionage, revealing a past filled with extraordinary experiences. Kenneth's childhood is marked by unique circumstances, and his time at the Slade School of Art introduces him to a world of creativity and decadence. His connections to the vibrant yet dangerous Soho underworld add layers to his character, showcasing his complex relationships with those around him.
The novel takes readers through Kenneth's thrilling escapades, including his role as a camouflage officer during pivotal moments of the war. His contributions to one of the most significant deceptions in military history highlight his bravery and ingenuity. Additionally, his audacious break-in at Buckingham Palace raises questions about loyalty and morality, leaving readers to ponder where his true allegiances lie.
Vanishing is not just a tale of war; it explores themes of betrayal, artistry, and the intricate nature of storytelling. As Kenneth recounts his life under interrogation, the line between truth and fiction blurs, inviting readers to reflect on the narratives we construct. With its blend of humor and poignancy, the novel captivates with original characters and a compelling plot that keeps readers engaged until the very last page.
This is a huge, complex novel, at turns both blackly funny and bleakly moving, driven by truly original characters, rich in obscure pieces of knowledge, evocative of a long-lost, little-known past, and always absorbing - in a word, a masterpiece. * Daily Mail *
A sprawling novel of war, betrayal, art and the truth of storytelling itself * Independent *
Tantalising . . . playful yet sombre . . . What impresses is how Woodward uses first-person narration to illuminate his protagonist's troubled psychology without direct statement . . . An elegy for a lost England and an exploration of repressed sexuality, Vanishing is . . . the work of an intelligent author pursuing his own path. * Sunday Telegraph *
Clever, subtle, and rewarding . . . an ambitious investigation into the nature of truth . . . ingenious * Times Literary Supplement *
Such narrative breadth finely accommodates Mr Woodward's incisive prose: he negotiates the strange topographies of the past with a tender, childlike curiosity * Country Life *
A vividly drawn tale of war, art and sexuality * Independent *
Compelling . . .Vanishing is a portrait of an artist as a young man, with a very unreliable artist constructing the narrative. . . .ambitious, rangy and unusual * New York Times *
ISBN: 9780330518659
Dimensions: 197mm x 130mm x 31mm
Weight: 370g
400 pages