To The Last Page

You'd think that Javier Marías would have fully explored the Oxford connections and its spy recruitment network from every conceivable angle now through  Todos las almas  and the expansive Tu rostro mañana trilogy. Not to mention where they run up against personal and marriage issues in the final book of the latter but with Javier Marías there are always new and interesting lines to delve into and new angles to approach it from. Berta Isla initially puts relationships at the heart of the book, as evidenced indeed by the follow-up carrying the name of her husband, Tomás Nevinson. It has to be said however that their marriage doesn't really get a chance to sit on any stable ground. They are both from different backgrounds. Berta a Madrileña at heart, Tom with an English father and Spanish mother has a talent for languages that sees him just as much at home in England. They have been a couple for a long time and are well matched in temperament, but there is a tendency not to spea