Kate Atkinson’s latest novel delves into the world of MI5 and World War II, exploring how every action has a consequence. Here Love London Love Culture rounds up the reviews…
The Guardian: ” This tricksiness inevitably makes her difficult to review without revealing too much, and Transcription, which seems to begin at the end (remember Shostakovich?), is no exception. Some readers might find it simply slight rather than clever sleight of hand, but Atkinson always puts on a damn fine show.”
Irish Times: “Transcription is the sort of book that reminds you how profound and satisfying and moving and exhilarating good fiction can be. It’s the best novel I’ve read all year. I can’t praise it enough.”
The Times: “Award-winning Kate Atkinson tries something very different in her new novel.”
The Fountain: “Atkinson is a master of her craft and the fast-paced, lightly humorous Transcription is a joy for her fans.”
Herald Scotland: “Transcription is a powerful reminder that in times of war, the notion of winners or losers is often folly and the lines are far more blurred than we care to imagine.”
The Telegraph: **** “Her 10th, Transcription, a spy thriller of sorts, has easily the least inspiring title of any of her books; indeed, I am hard-pressed to think of any spy novel with a duller title. But its off-puttingness is thematically appropriate, as this is a book about the unexpected way in which excitement can intrude into a life”
Kirkus Reviews: “Another beautifully crafted book from an author of great intelligence and empathy.”
For Winters Nights: “Kate Atkinson’s writing is so beautiful. It’s elegant and warm. It reflects how well she understands the people she has brought to life, their aspirations and their fears. And yet wit and elegance can hide something else far darker and this is shown so well in the contrast between the politeness and manners of many of the novel’s characters with the ugliness of some of their secret thoughts and the brutal actions that they can spur. This is war after all.”
Evening Standard: “There are plenty of twists and turns in this terrific page-turner, some shocking moments and a narrator whom the author encourages us to love.”
Well of Lost Plots: “Kate Atkinson is a great writer – and Transcription is a compelling read, even if it doesn’t have the same pull and originality as Life After Life.”
Transcription is available to buy now.