The Flaw in the Crystal

by Godfrey Smith

"How do we know what is going on in Several's mind? How do we know whether he is...reliable?" The reliability or otherwise of the man in question is of more than ordinary importance to Roger Meredith, the civil servant who is the narrator of this tense psychological novel. Graham Several is under consideration for a dangerous overseas mission for his country, and it is Meredith's duty to make the final character analysis. This unusual operation becomes increasingly complex as the scrutineer's life gets more and more deeply involved with that of his 'subject', an ex-fighter ace of charm, wealth, and irresistible appeal to women. It is at the expense of his own peace of mind that Meredith begins to find out that there are darker passages in Several's but for the elegant Loraine he might have been tempted to throw up the whole inquiry.

216 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1954

About the author

Godfrey Smith (b.1926) was educated at Oxford, where he became President of the Union. He wrote five novels, one of which, The Business of Loving, was a Book Society Choice. Editor of The Sunday times Magazine from 1965 to 1972, he was later a director of The Sunday Times.

Reviews

[Julian Worker · Rating 3 out of 5]

Roger Meredith is the narrator of this novel. He is a civil servant who is given the task of analysing the character of a man called Graham Several who is under consideration for a sensitive overseas mission.

Is Several the right man for the role? He appears to know everyone worth knowing, is attractive to both men and women, and very good at everything he does. Meredith is sucked into Several's world and gets caught up in his lifestyle and friendships, but as I read through the book, I felt that Several had no faults and was just too perfect. Several has a bad temper when riled, even thumping one of his closest friends when someone else has upset him.

There is a big twist at the end and the questions are, can Meredith walk away or has he become too close to Graham Several?

The book improved as it went on and I'm glad I stuck it out to the end.

[Meags · Rating 2 out of 5]

Men standing on business.