Sadie Smith is an American spy infiltrating a French eco-activist commune. But as she reads the emails of their philosopher mentor — who lives in a cave and writes about Neanderthals — she begins to question everything about her mission, her identity, and the nature of civilization itself. Booker-shortlisted.
Some sexual content — cool and transactional.
Skip if you dislike:
Moods: Cerebral Subversive Cool Layered
Tropes: Undercover Agent French Countryside Eco-Activism Cave Philosophy
Literary fiction wearing spy fiction's clothes — cerebral, not action-packed.
Yes — 2024 Booker Prize shortlist.
Kushner's invention — but deeply researched and convincing.