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What Members Thought
Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy is not only le Carre's masterpiece, not only perhaps the greatest spy novel ever written, but it is also a great work of serious fiction. Few works of fiction examine so many types of betrayal: of country, of friends, of lovers, of ideals. In none of the espionage master's other works are so many layers of meaning revealed, all inseparable from a highly entertaining cat-and-mouse adventure yarn. The story of supposedly retired spy George Smiley's efforts to ferret ou
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This read was brought on by the impending film adaptation. I've long been meaning to watch the TV serial from the 70's. As I'm one of 'those people' I needed to read the book first.
I'm glad I have read the book before watching it. I'm sure it's easier to grasp the beginnings of the tale in book form. Learning who's who and from which department they're from. Along with whether they are currently in favour or not.
The book gives a great sense of Cold War atmosphere. Once you get into it and you'r ...more
I'm glad I have read the book before watching it. I'm sure it's easier to grasp the beginnings of the tale in book form. Learning who's who and from which department they're from. Along with whether they are currently in favour or not.
The book gives a great sense of Cold War atmosphere. Once you get into it and you'r ...more
This is my first non-Fleming spy novel. Compared to George Smiley, James Bond is like Mickey Mouse. This novel was incredibly intricate and really made me feel like I was on the inside of all the action.
The book started off somewhat confusing, leading off talking about Jim Prideaux, who ends up being a relatively minor character. Then there is this confusing exchange among several characters talking about several more characters yet to be revealed to the reader. It wasn't until after about 150 p ...more
The book started off somewhat confusing, leading off talking about Jim Prideaux, who ends up being a relatively minor character. Then there is this confusing exchange among several characters talking about several more characters yet to be revealed to the reader. It wasn't until after about 150 p ...more
One of the best Spy Novels I ever read.
I would give the book a 3 star.The first part of the book is terribly slow.The second and the third part are ok.
A masterpiece. I measure every other espionage book I read against it.
May 06, 2011
Mel
marked it as to-read
Jan 27, 2013
Santino
added it
Aug 06, 2014
Dave
marked it as to-read
