I had heard plenty about Anais Nin, but had never read any of her books before, so I was pleased when I received A Spy In The House of Love.

The main character is Sabina, a woman leading a double - or even multiple - life, with several affairs which make her feel more alive, but still do not make her feel complete.

I did not feel Sabina to be a sympathetic character, her affairs and betrayals feel flat and as empty as her life.

Some of the writing and the descriptions are very much of their time (the book was first published in 1954) feeling even a bit racist at time (particularly the description of Mambo and his drums).

Still, an interesting book, and one of the classics of the 20th century.

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