I read My Name is Michael Sibley for the 1952 Book Club hosted by Simon at Stuck in a Book and Karen at Kaggsy's Bookish Ramblings. The book had been on my shelves for 12 years and I am glad I finally read it.
This summary is from the back of the book:
Michael Sibley and John Prosset shared a history that dated back to their first years at boarding school, and so the news of Prosset's murder came as a great shock to his old friend – especially because Sibley had been staying only the day before at Prosset's country house, where the body was found.
When the police arrive to question him in connection with the murder, Sibley finds himself lying about his recent visit, and thus begins to reveal the true nature of a longstanding but volatile friendship, fraught with mutual deception and distrust. As he tells his version of the truth to the police – and to the reader – Sibley makes the first of many fateful mistakes and finds himself not only under suspicion, but a primary suspect in the investigation.
My Thoughts:
I was surprised to learn that this was John Bingham's first novel. It is a very compelling and well written story. His writing is quiet and restrained.
As the narrator, Michael Sibley, tells his story, we learn about his school days with Prosset and how he grew to hate him. He also reveals that he planned to kill him at one time, but stresses over and over that he did not follow through on that. The reader does not know what to believe.
The way the story is revealed gradually throughout the novel, interspersed with flashbacks to earlier times, is very effective. Towards the end, about the last 20 per cent, the story got very tense and I was speeding through to find out how it ends.
The edition of My Name is Michael Sibley that I read has an Introduction by John le Carré. It was interesting and it confirmed that George Smiley, the central character in Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy and other related books, was based on John Bingham, who was a British intelligence officer who served in MI5 in various positions. Bingham and le Carré had a falling out due to Bingham's opinion of how le Carré portrayed the intelligence services.
16 comments:
Never heard of neither the book nor the author, but it seems like a nice mystery-thriller!
This book -- a minor classic -- is one I've meant to read for years. You just may have given me the push to pick it up. Thanks.
Completely unfamiliar to me but intriguing! Glad you finally read this!
Fanda, it was a good mystery. Not a lot of action, but more than enough tension.
Jerry, I do hope you read it. I found two inexpensive novels he wrote on Kindle, so I want to try one of those soon.
Constance, I am glad that the 1952 Club reminded me of this book's existence.
Sounds great. I will look for it.
I've not heard of this book or its author. As I read the description I thought why on earth do people lie to the police? It only comes back to bite them. Then again, when my husband complains about characters doing stupid things in movies I always remind him that if they didn't, there wouldn't be a plot for the film!
First time hearing about this author and the book sounds really good where you don't know if the main character is telling you the truth. Something isn't adding up for the police as well.
Patti, I enjoyed it. I would love to hear your opinion if you find a copy.
Kelly, I agree with both of the points you are making here. It certainly would have been a different story if he had been more honest with the police. By the end, I had more sympathy with some of his decisions, but honesty is probably the best approach.
Kathy, the author keeps the reader in suspense right up to the end. I usually avoid too much tension in a story, but this level was ok for me.
I've not heard of this author. It sounds like an intriguing mystery!
Karen, I was glad to find that the book was such a compelling read after taking so long to get around to it. I hope to find more books by this author.
I've not heard of this author either but the book sounds excellent!
Cath, I am surprised he is not better known and more widely read. I found two books on Kindle but I will look around for some others later in the year. I can try the book sale, which would be ideal, but that is always hit or miss.
Post a Comment