One of the more intriguing aspects of Barry Gilder’s gripping spy novel comes in the Author’s Note. In Songs & Secrets, his non-fiction account of his life in exile, from where he returned to senior positions in government, he was ‘invariably asked: Why are there not more secrets’ in the book. The ‘Songs’ reflect another part of Gilder’s identity as an accomplished musician.

• Keep reading: Daily Maverick

Categories Fiction South Africa

Tags Barry Gilder Book Reviews Daily Maverick Jacana Media Reviews The List