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Overview
John le Carré classic novels deftly navigate readers through the intricate shadow worlds of international espionage with unsurpassed skill and knowledge, and have earned him — and his hero, British Secret Service Agent George Smiley, who is introduced in this, his first novel — unprecedented worldwide acclaim.
John le Carre reads one of his earliest novels in which George Smiley investigates the suicide of a high-ranking official at the foreign office. A story filled with intrigue and terror. 2 cassettes.
Editorials
Library Journal -
The first le Carré novel is often dismissed as a minor work of interest only for introducing spymaster George Smiley, but it also serves as a template for later masterpieces such as Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy. Investigating whether the death of a Foreign Office official was the suicide it appeared to be, Smiley unravels a series of betrayals, both political and personal, that are all equally painful to those involved. As with his readings elsewhere in the Smiley series, Michael Jayston provides a nuanced narration that is as subtle as the unfolding events. VERDICT Because this tight, spellbinding thriller eschews the labyrinthine duplicities of later novels, while tackling the same themes, it serves as an excellent entrée to le Carré's world.—Michael Adams, CUNY Graduate Ctr.Library Journal
To honor Le Carre's 45th anniversary, Walker is reissuing these first two George Smiley mysteries (he debuted with Call) in affordable hardcovers. Grab 'em. Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.From the Publisher
"A finely wrought and compelling admixture of three types of crime writing: the novel of action and excitement that we commonly call a thriller, the spy story, and the detective story."— P. D. James, from the Foreword"A subtle and acute story of counter-espionage marked by restraint, indirection, and intelligence."— The New York Times Book Review "Intelligent, thrilling, surprising ... makes most cloak-and-dagger stuff taste of cardboard."— Sunday Telegraph (London)
Book Details
Published
September 27, 2012
Publisher
Penguin Group (USA) Incorporated
Format
Hardcover
ISBN
9781611760972