March 6, 2024
Barnaby Jameson KC’s debut novel, “CODENAME: MADELEINE” drew inspiration from the harrowing realities of wartime Europe and followed the life of one of the most intriguing and exotic female spies of the wartime Special Operations Executive (SOE). He is now currently penning his next book in the “Resistance series” entitled “CODENAME: GOD-GIVEN”. To celebrate World Book Day, RLC caught up with Barnaby to hear more about the new book, his creative process and the inspiration behind his stories.
1. What drew you to the topic of World War II and espionage for your second book?
The second book, CODENAME: GOD-GIVEN, is linked to the first, CODENAME: MADELEINE. MADELEINE walks in the shoes of an exotic female agent of royal Indian descent. GOD-GIVEN treads the boards through the shoes of a faded matinée idol, former circus acrobat and ‘confirmed bachelor.’ He also became an SOE agent and wireless operator at a time when the life expectancy of wireless operators in the field was four weeks.
2. How does your approach to researching and writing about the SOE differ from your experience with your first book?
It was a process of building on the research on the SOE from my debut novel – going deeper in some areas and finding surprising historical connections.
3. What specific aspects of espionage during World War II do you find most fascinating or compelling?
The SOE was renowned for its diverse recruitment, drawing individuals from various backgrounds including barristers, actors, musicians, teachers, housewives, chess masters, chancers, burglars, and forgers, among others (the list was not exhaustive). This eclectic mix of personnel brought a range of skills and experiences to the organization. Additionally, the SOE undertook a wide array of operations, encompassing cryptography, Morse code communications, clandestine radio transmission, sabotage, network security (and often insecurity), infiltration, armed and unarmed combat, and occasionally, assassination. These activities underscored the multifaceted nature of the SOE’s operations during wartime which I found absolutely fascinating.
4. Can you give us a glimpse into the storyline or themes of your upcoming book on World War II and the SOE?
Bachelor ‘artiste’ of the stage is turned down for military service in 1939 on account of his age and ‘bachelor tendencies.’ He goes on to join the SOE carrying out some of the most perilous missions of the war which sees him win the Military Cross and Croix de Guerre. Bravery comes in many forms– whether in the guise of a Sufi woman harpist, or a faded matinée idol initially rejected for combat.
5. How do you balance historical accuracy with creative storytelling when writing about real events and characters from history?
Real events provide the plot and the timeline. The storytelling is unravelling the plotline while exploring the minds of the characters – their joys, fears, hopes, motivations and inner conflicts. Conflict resolution (internal and external) is a reliable recipe for a satisfying read. Hopefully!
6. This year’s World Book Day theme is “Read Your Way” encouraging children to let go of pressure and expectations – and give them a chance – to simply enjoy reading. What books would you recommend to a child and what are you currently reading?
For a child I would recommend the Earthsea Trilogy by Ursula Le Guin or the His Dark Materials Trilogy by Philip Pullman. Earthsea has similarities to Harry Potter (though written a generation earlier) and it set in a fantasy world with a wizarding school at the centre. His Dark Materials is set partly in our world, and partly in a world familiar but different and explores how the worlds interlock and the power of ‘The Magisterium’ in the protagonist’s world with clear parallels in our own. As the title suggests, His Dark Materials has a dark side yet Lyra and her ‘daemon’ Pantalaimon (her animal alter ego) remain compelling throughout.
I am currently reading The Line of Beauty by Alan Hollinghurst, an LGBT writer, to help me get behind the eyes of my ‘bachelor’ protagonist in CODENAME: GOD-GIVEN. The book is set in 1980s London and has echoes of Waugh’s Brideshead Revisited – though a good deal racier. Hollinghurst also wrote the wonderfully titled ‘The Swimming Pool Library’.
Barnaby Jameson KC’s new book “CODENAME: GOD-GIVEN” is due out in 2025. For news and updates on the “Resistance series” please see: [Barnaby Jameson Writer] and follow @Silk_Scribbler on X/Instagram