I don't know for sure as I haven't read the novel. But from the title, it seems that John Mason is the protagonist of the story, and he is a spy, albeit a reluctant one.
One characteristic could be complex characters. Fowles often creates multi - dimensional characters in his works, and in his spy novel, the characters might have hidden motives and ambiguous loyalties. They are not simply good or bad.
One key aspect of the spies in John le Carré's novels is their sense of loyalty. It's not always clear cut. They might be loyal to their country, but at the same time, they question the actions and motives of their superiors. This internal conflict makes them very interesting characters. Their methods of espionage are also detailed, from surveillance to the use of informants, which gives a realistic view of the spy world.
It depends. The popularity of a 'John Lacerre Spy Novel' can vary. Some spy novels in general are extremely popular as they offer thrilling plots, complex characters, and international intrigue. However, if John Lacerre is a relatively unknown author, his spy novels might not have a wide - spread popularity yet. But among certain niche groups who appreciate new voices in the spy novel genre, it could gain traction.
There are numerous 'Johns' in spy fiction. One well - known type of John could be the suave and sophisticated spy who uses his charm as much as his intelligence to get information. He might be seen driving fast cars and wearing expensive suits while infiltrating enemy organizations.
The significance could be in its potential exploration of the spy genre by Fowles. His works often had deep psychological and philosophical undertones. This unpublished spy novel might have added a new dimension to his body of work, perhaps delving into themes like secrecy, identity, and power dynamics in the context of espionage.
There could be a theme of patriotism. The spy might be motivated by love for their country and be willing to put themselves in dangerous situations for it. Additionally, themes related to technology and how it is used in espionage, such as hacking or surveillance, might be explored in a John Lacerre Spy Novel.
Another characteristic of John in spy fiction is his secrecy. He has to keep his identity hidden from most people. He lives a double life, acting normal in public but being a highly trained operative in secret. His relationships are often complicated as he can't fully disclose his true self to others. He might also have a strong sense of loyalty, either to his country, his agency, or his comrades in arms.
Deepening of themes. The exploration of themes such as loyalty and betrayal in his 1979 novel set a new standard for the spy - genre. It made other authors in the genre think more deeply about these themes and incorporate them in more nuanced ways. It also made the genre more relevant in discussing the political and moral implications of spying during the Cold War and beyond.
One characteristic is the sense of adventure. His spy novels often have the protagonist in thrilling situations, like being chased across different terrains. For example, in 'The Thirty - Nine Steps', the hero is constantly on the run, which keeps the reader on the edge of their seat.