The Private Life of Spies

By Alexander McCall Smith

Published by Little Brown (Hachette)

ISBN 9781408718360

Short stories which are partly truthful and partly fiction. Some stories are based on a composite of characters.rather entertaining.

During World War II it was believed that German spies were parachuting agents into England dressed as nuns. Conradin Muller was a rather unusual spy.

Like his fellow spies spoke perfect English, new English customs, but he didn't want to be a spy, nor did he agree with his countries actions. He wanted a peaceful life without the war,.

However, he was dropped into England against his wishes. He had no choice or say in the matter. He had to become a spy, after training. Conradin realises that this a preferable role to others he could so easily have been called up for.

He lands in open fields and finds his way to a nearby convent. The nuns think that he, or rather Sister Conradin, has been sent to join their convent from the mother house in Salisbury. As he had a pleasant disposition and was quite amenable to doing any tasks given to him, such as working in the piggery which the other nuns disliked intensely he was welcomed into the convent community.

However, eventually suspicious are aroused and two nuns start to look at him strangely and question his slight accent. Sister Conradin says he is Icelandic, but when asked to speak Icelandic realises he is in trouble.

There are five such short stories with some intriguing and amusing circumstances.