Restless Summary & Key Insights

William Boyd's Restless unfolds a complex, multi-layered narrative centered around Sally Gilmartin, a seemingly ordinary elderly woman whose past is anything but. The novel utilizes a dual timeline, weaving together Sally's present-day life in the 1970s with her extraordinary experiences during World War II.

Sally's present is marked by loneliness and a quiet, almost secretive existence. Her son, Michael, is the primary catalyst for unearthing her hidden history. He discovers a cryptic letter detailing her wartime activities, prompting Sally to finally recount her life story. This leads to the revelation of her past identity as Eva Delectorskaya, a remarkably resourceful and resilient woman who was recruited into British intelligence in 1940s Switzerland.

Eva’s wartime story constitutes the heart of the novel. She becomes involved in a dangerous network of espionage, working alongside Lucas Romer, a charismatic yet enigmatic figure who becomes both her mentor and her lover. Their relationship is fraught with danger and uncertainty, as they navigate the treacherous world of double agents, close calls, and moral ambiguities. Eva's resilience and her ability to adapt to ever-shifting circumstances are tested to their limits. She endures betrayals, close brushes with death, and the constant threat of exposure.

The novel juxtaposes Eva's thrilling wartime exploits with Sally's quiet, contemporary life, highlighting the lasting impact of trauma and the difficulty of reconciling past experiences with present realities. The fragmented memories and unreliable narration emphasize the subjective nature of memory and the distortions that time inflicts.

Throughout the narrative, Boyd explores key themes of identity, memory, and the enduring impact of war. Eva’s multiple identities—daughter, lover, wife, spy—challenge conventional notions of selfhood. Her wartime experiences shape not only her own life but also the lives of those around her, creating a ripple effect across generations. The novel also delves into the moral complexities of espionage, questioning the justifications for violence and deception in the name of national security.

The relationship between Eva and Lucas forms a significant emotional core, a love story entangled with high-stakes espionage. Their connection transcends the boundaries of conventional romance, reflecting the unpredictable and precarious nature of their lives. Their bond, though intense, is ultimately marked by secrecy and the lingering mystery surrounding Lucas's own background. The novel subtly underscores the enduring legacy of secrets and the difficulty of truly knowing another person, even those closest to us. Ultimately, Restless is a suspenseful and emotionally resonant exploration of the enduring power of the past and its profound influence on the present.