From the Bookshelf of Metafilter…

A Perfect Spy

John Le Carré

Start date: March 30, 2012

Discussion: Metachat book club

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Metachat book club

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By Lisa · 4 posts · 143 views

last updated Apr 02, 2012 10:42AM

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Apr 10, 2012 Jessica rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: kindle

I'm not quite sure what to say about A Perfect Spy. One of the first things that struck me is how beautifully written it is - it reminded me of reading Brideshead Revisited. However, the plot is sparse and nonlinear, and even though I chipped away at it regularly, it took me three months to finish the book. In spite of my early enthusiasm, I just never got sucked in.

One important thing to know about A Perfect Spy is that it really isn't a spy novel at all. It's a loose autobiography about John l ...more

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May 06, 2012 Currerbelfry rated it really liked it

Probably the best popular fiction about the ethics and circumstances of the 20th century that I've read. What happens to a person whose entire life is dedicated to pleasing those around him - first one person, then the next - when those people have conflicting agendas? ...more

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Mar 05, 2012 philipy rated it it was amazing

Shelves: re-reading

I haven't read this in a long time but it is one of the best Le Carre books, and one my all time favorite books. It's semi-autobiographical, and as well as the usual Le Carre themes it delves into father-son relationships and the central character's inner struggles with their past and their place in the world. Also just a darn good spy story with high order writing. ...more

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Mar 07, 2012 Catherine rated it really liked it

A very fine book indeed. I also found it the most readable of LeCarre/Cornwell's books. More later in our MetaFilter group thread discussing it. ...more

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