Creation Lake "Creation Lake" by Rachel Kushner is a complex and compelling novel that blends elements of a spy thriller with a deep exploration of history, ideology, and human nature. The Protagonist: The story centres on Sadie Smith, a 34-year-old American undercover agent. She's skilled, cynical, and highly manipulative. The Mission: Sadie is sent to a remote region of France to infiltrate a commune of radical eco-activists. Her employers, shadowy figures in business and government, want her to gather information and potentially incite conflict. The Commune: The commune is led by the enigmatic Bruno Lacombe, a charismatic figure who lives in a cave and advocates for a return to a primitive way of life, with a strong focus on prehistory, and especially the Neanderthals. The Conflict: As Sadie observes the commune, she becomes increasingly drawn to Bruno and his ideas. The novel explores the tension between Sadie's cynical worldview and Bruno's idealistic vision. The book deals with the clash of modern life, and ancient history. Themes: The novel delves into themes of environmentalism, political ideology, the nature of truth, and the human desire for control. It also examines the influence of the past on the present. The book also deals with the idea of how people manipulate each other. In essence, "Creation Lake" is a sophisticated and thought-provoking novel that uses the framework of a spy thriller to explore deeper questions about human history, belief systems, and the complexities of human interaction. By Rachael Kushner Signed By Author 1st Edition Hardback Excellent Used Condition - see Images.