In Javier Marías’s final novel, an agent confronts his conscience
The hero of “Tomás Nevinson” is plucked from retirement for a tough final mission
When Javier Marías died last September at the age of 70, he left a richly beguiling, stylistically bold and, above all, original body of work. Whether exploring academic life, marriage or the murky world of espionage, the Spanish author’s novels, written over five decades, blend intellectual inquiry with playful and artful high jinks.
This article appeared in the Culture section of the print edition under the headline “Sleeper agent”
Culture May 27th 2023
- Art made by artificial intelligence is developing a style of its own
- In Javier Marías’s final novel, an agent confronts his conscience
- “The Perfection Trap” decries what it calls a “hidden epidemic”
- Rome fell. Will the modern-day West follow suit?
- As it spreads across the world, who owns English?
- August Wilson was and remains a bard of black life in America
From the May 27th 2023 edition
Discover stories from this section and more in the list of contents
Explore the editionMore from Culture
Can Magnus Carlsen convince people to watch chess?
The world’s best player hopes that glamming up the ancient game can make stars of its players
Are internet firms the problem, or are you the problem?
A veteran critic of technology offers his take on a familiar target
The Michelin Guide is no longer the only tastemaker in town
How is it adapting to changing eating habits?
Why “Emilia Pérez” is loved by Hollywood and hated by everyone else
And the Oscar for Worst Picture goes to…
Tofu: never judge a food by its political reputation
Think outside the white plastic box. Here is a carnivore’s guide to tofu
Sex, drugs or chastity?
Pope Francis has written the first memoir by a sitting pope. God help us