The Spy Who Came in from the Cold - John le Carré

[Karen]

Set during the Cold War, just after the building of the Berlin Wall, 'The Spy Who Came in from the Cold' depicts British agent Alec Leamas, who is sent on one final mission; to defect to the East Germans and then to frame Abteilung head Hans-Dieter Mundt. Of course, nothing is that straight forward...

I enjoy reading le Carré but I found this one slower paced at the beginning than I was expecting. However, once the action moves to the Continent then this becomes a fantastic book. I found the ending really moving. This book gives a much more nuanced portrayal of the Secret Service than other novels of its ilk - raising questions about whether its methods and indeed existence, is compatible with Western democratic ideals. It is not true that good always triumphs; even when it is the British, the side you are meant to support in this book, who triumph.

I would recommend reading Call for the Dead before this book as some characters are reoccuring.

[1001shelf]

Karen there is a previous review topic. If you want yours included please move it to that one. Thanks.

I fixed the link so it is working now.