In a revealing literary interview, comedian and author Robert Newman shares his current reading list, offering sharp insights into politics and history. Newman is currently engrossed in Alan Bennett's play Single Spies, which explores the lives of the Cambridge spies who betrayed Britain during the Cold War by passing state secrets to the Soviets.
Mandelson's Alleged Betrayal Echoes Cold War Espionage
Newman draws a striking parallel between the Cambridge Five and former business secretary Peter Mandelson's actions during the 2008 financial crisis. Mandelson was accused of leaking market-sensitive government secrets, an act Newman likens to treason. He suggests that, much like the spies depicted in Bennett's work, Mandelson's alleged betrayal may not have stemmed from deep political or ideological motives but rather from personal psychology and a desire for one-upmanship.
In Single Spies, Bennett portrays the Cambridge traitors as shallow figures, driven more by individual quirks than by grand political beliefs. This perspective resonates with Newman's view of Mandelson's conduct, highlighting how personal flaws can lead to significant breaches of trust in high-stakes environments.
Historical Insights from David Kynaston
Newman also mentions reading David Kynaston's The City Of London Volume 1: A World Of Its Own: 1815-1890, a serendipitous charity shop find. Although only 80 pages in, he praises Kynaston's meticulous research, noting that each page unveils fascinating historical nuggets that captivate readers. This work delves into the evolution of London's financial district, providing context that enriches Newman's understanding of modern economic scandals.
Desert Island Reads and Childhood Favourites
When asked about a book he would take to a desert island, Newman selects Isaiah Berlin's Flourishing: Letters 1928-1946. He describes Berlin's correspondence as a blend of gossip and profundity, filled with chatty vignettes of academic seminars, social gatherings, and diplomatic events. Newman believes these lively accounts would offer ample distraction from island solitude, keeping his mind engaged and entertained.
Reflecting on what ignited his passion for reading, Newman credits his mother's nightly storytelling sessions, a tradition he now continues with his nine-year-old son. One of the first chapter books he recalls reading independently is Dodie Smith's The Hundred And One Dalmatians. He fondly remembers the concept of Twilight Barking, a canine communication method that sparked his imagination as a child.
Literary Disappointments and Personal Tastes
Not all books resonate with Newman, however. He admits to struggling with Elmore Leonard's novels, such as Get Shorty or Out Of Sight, despite enjoying their film adaptations. Newman finds Leonard's fictional world too loveless and cold, contrasting with his own more optimistic outlook. While Leonard's fans might argue for a gritty realism, Newman maintains that such a bleak perspective does not align with his beliefs or, he suspects, theirs.
Robert Newman's latest book, Intelligence, published by Serpent's Tail and priced at £16.99, is currently available for purchase. This interview not only showcases his literary preferences but also underscores how literature can illuminate contemporary political issues, drawing connections between past espionage and modern-day scandals.
