A big mistake...

The Naive and Sentimental Lover by John le Carré

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


This novel is a major diversion from Le Carre's spy genre. It focuses on three main characters over a period of one year - Aldo a well-to-do entrepreneur specializing in the design and manufacture of pram assemblies; Shamus a failed writer who lives off other people; and his beautiful and intelligent spouse Helen who meekly supports Shamus in all of his endeavors. All three live a life of unfettered hedonism, extravagance, lechery, and idleness in England and Paris though Aldo does show from time to time some signs of guilt since he's married and has two sons.
The author's ability with poetic prose shines thru the novel along with flashes of his usual flair for subtle irony but the story rarely progresses beyond introspection, dreams and imagery. There's little if any plot and certainly none of Le Carre's ability for suspense.

I read this book for the first time over 30 years ago and I didn't remember any of it as I read it thru for the second time.

Shawn Callon, author of The Simon Montfort Spy Series, wrote this review.



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The Naive and Sentimental Lover