Helpful Score: 1
Carre simplest fictional sky master.
thriller
thriller
Helpful Score: 1
For the first three quarters or so I thought this was probably the best Le Carre I've read so far. Then some things happened that I didn't believe, and all bets were off.
Overall the story was good - following the middle part of the end of George Smiley's career - but I've noted something about the writing in these books now that bugs me: the point of view wanders. Sometimes it's omniscient, sometimes it's from the perspective of a single character, sometimes it's from the perspective of some review or report written after the fact, and so on. The changes aren't clearly delineated, and (in fact) I think I saw changes of these sorts mid chapter.
I'm not sure what to make of Le Carre's take on his characters either. No one is presented in a great light, but perhaps that has to do with the nature of the spy business.
In any case the Karla trilogy was very popular and makes for interesting reading, even if there are some issues with the writing.
Overall the story was good - following the middle part of the end of George Smiley's career - but I've noted something about the writing in these books now that bugs me: the point of view wanders. Sometimes it's omniscient, sometimes it's from the perspective of a single character, sometimes it's from the perspective of some review or report written after the fact, and so on. The changes aren't clearly delineated, and (in fact) I think I saw changes of these sorts mid chapter.
I'm not sure what to make of Le Carre's take on his characters either. No one is presented in a great light, but perhaps that has to do with the nature of the spy business.
In any case the Karla trilogy was very popular and makes for interesting reading, even if there are some issues with the writing.
(From the backcover) George Smiley, LeCarre's most famous hero,has become chief of the battered British Secret Service. The betrayal of Soviet double agent has riddled the spy network. Smiley wants revenge. He chooses "The Honourable Schoolboy" Jeffery Westerby, passionate lover and reckless secret agent. He points him east to Hong Kong, so begins the terrifying game.
Another great espionage tale involving George Smiley!
George Smiley has become chief of the battered British Secret Service. The betrayals of a Soviet double agent have riddled the spy network. Smiley wants revenge. He chooses his weapon: Jerry Westerby, the "Honourable Schoolboy", a passionate lover and a seasoned, reckless secret agent. So begins the terrifying game....
George Smiley has become chief of the battered British Secret Service. The betrayals of a Soviet double agent have riddled the spy network. Smiley wants revenge. He chooses his weapon: Jerry Westerby, the "Honourable Schoolboy", a passionate lover and a seasoned, reckless secret agent. So begins the terrifying game....
