Erica’s Pick of the Week: Nonesuch

Francis Spufford’s latest novel, Nonesuch, is nearly impossible to categorize. Part historical thriller, part speculative fiction, part literary romance – there’s a lot going on here. But from the opening pages, when a rooftop statue comes to life above London’s bombed-out streets, it’s clear that this is not your standard WWII novel. Instead, it’s a genre-defying gem.

In 1939 London, Iris Hawkins is overlooked and underestimated. She spends her days working as a secretary at a brokerage house and her nights on the town. After one such night with a brilliant young engineer, she wakes to the unexpected: a not-quite-human creature hunting her across the city. Never one to rely on others, she decides to track down the source of this terrifying construct — and in the process, stumbles upon a secret society, ancient magic, mythical lands, and a plot to assassinate Winston Churchill. Also tangled up in the otherworldly mess? Geoff, the aforementioned brilliant engineer. Together, Iris and Geoff are charged with stopping the supernatural attempt on Churchill’s life and saving England, all while surviving the war and (against their better judgment) falling in love.

Iris is a thoroughly singular character. She’s bold and brilliant, short-tempered and sharp-tongued. She can’t help but do the right thing, even when she’d really rather not. She never backs down from a fight, whether she’s facing down a snobby society girl or an inhuman monster. She is desperate to maintain her independence, even as she and Geoff begin to build a life together. She’s admirable and exasperating, and her realness grounds a fantastical story.

Equally vital is the world Spufford builds — a magic-laced alternate England that still feels real. From satin gowns to ration-book meals, wartime London comes alive, then takes a beating as the Blitz wears on. Londoners start out with determined anticipation. They pick their way across debris-filled streets to get to work on time. They find ways to make their bomb shelters cozy. But the war begins to take a toll, and as the mood shifts to one of grim exhaustion, it becomes even more compelling.  

While there is indeed magic in this story, Spufford’s focus is always on what it means to be human in the face of the inexplicable, whether that’s angels or war or love or grief. Nonesuch is surprising and mesmerizing in equal measure, and the perfect choice for fans of Michael Chabon or Kate Quinn.