In his Bernard Samson trilogies Deighton seeks to transcend the traditional spy novel by avoiding conventional stereotypes and moving toward the serious novel of character with its subtle analysis of motive and moral choice combined with dramatic action and a sense of style, as one sees in the novels of such artists as Stendhal, Proust, Conrad, and Henry James. This is not to say that Deighton's work is worthy to be compared with these authors; it is merely to indicate the direction in which Deighton has chosen to go in order to expand the narrow scope of the traditional popular spy novel.

Fruitful discussion therefore can be developed by attempting to judge Deighton's success in committing himself to the goal he evidently set for himself. But comparisons can be invidious, inappropriate, or illogical. One critic sees Deighton's presentation of seemingly unrelated events and characters which turn...