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What Members Thought
I've long avoided even trying to pen any kind of review for this landmark espionage novel because I'm not at all sure I'm capable of doing any good service to it. I've written reviews for several of his other titles; but not this one. For, how to start? Where to begin?
Setting all one's personal tastes aside--it is not too much to say, that in strictly objective terms, this is the single most-important spy story ever written. What might anyone (including myself) possibly say about it in retrospe ...more
Setting all one's personal tastes aside--it is not too much to say, that in strictly objective terms, this is the single most-important spy story ever written. What might anyone (including myself) possibly say about it in retrospe ...more
Came to this after reading a lot of his later works. Not sure how well this has aged, but a classic for its time.
The third spy novel by John Le Carré, this story demonstrated to me the true beginning of the psychological grittiness and moral complexities for which Le Carré's later novels are known. Engaging from start to finish, making no one the hero, taking no captives, this is a must-read for any fan of Cold War historical fiction, spy novels or thrillers.
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One of those books that is completely enthralling, captivating. Years later I can still remember reading it. Can't say that for many books.
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What a great walk down memory lane. As I read I remember the first time I read this and how the life and work of spies fascinated me. This book may have planted the seed for the genre I write. And it’s given me an idea for a scene in the next book I write.
This is a detailed and fascinating look into how spies work and live—and what they’ll do to achieve a mission.
This is a detailed and fascinating look into how spies work and live—and what they’ll do to achieve a mission.
Wow! More twists than Chubby Checker's prom. A true classic from a master spy novelist. And delightfully just over 200 pages. ...more
An dark and twisting story showing how motivations can be misunderstood and people can be misjudged.
Apr 24, 2012
Chris
marked it as to-read
Jun 28, 2013
Leensey
marked it as to-read
Sep 27, 2013
Cold War Conversations Podcast
marked it as to-read
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