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.
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.
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 common theme is the loner - spy concept. Just like John Rain, the protagonists are often alone in their missions, relying on their own skills and wits.
One possible theme could be loyalty. A spy has to decide where their loyalty lies, whether it's to their country, their mission, or perhaps to the people they are spying on. Another theme might be secrecy. Spies operate in the shadows and their whole existence depends on keeping things hidden.
Morality is likely a theme. It's not common for assassins to be seen as good, so the novel would probably explore what makes this assassin's actions moral. Also, loyalty might be a theme. Maybe the assassin is loyal to a certain group or cause that they believe is right, which drives their actions.
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 possible theme could be the passage of time. Given the title 'The Ages', it might explore how different eras have their own characteristics and how the main character, John Towers, navigates through them.
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 This unpublished spy novel might have added a new dimension to his body of work, perhaps delving into themes like secrecy, identity, and power dynamics in the context of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.
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.
Love and loyalty are also key themes. Despite the lies and danger, she may still love her husband and remain loyal. Or, her love could be tested to the point where she has to re - evaluate her loyalty. Additionally, the theme of identity could be present. The wife may have to hide her true identity or create a false one to protect herself and her husband.