Just like all his other novels, 'Enigma' is a page turner that demonstrates Harris's ability to create just that sense of ambience that works so well in a thriller. This is the fourth novel I've read by Harris and as a consequence I am starting to note similarities in his approach and style. He likes bleak weather and oppressive times as a setting and this story is no exception. His main characters have all, so far, been men of a similar age, and set apart from those around them. In 'Enigma' the main character is a brilliant, but flawed cryptanalyst at Bletchley Park during the second world war, living in a modern dark ages of black outs (mentally as well as nationally) and rationing.
The story is well written, informative and evocative. Its set in the same time and space as Neal Stephenson's 'Cryptonomicon', and although its not as clever as Stephenson's work, the story is far superior as a work of fiction. Where Stephenson spins off into the realms of bizarre fantasy, Harris remains firmly in the picture, dealing with reality as a medium and ambience of his choice. Stephenson is good, but Harris is better. Far more believable.
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