Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy

Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy

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Synopsis

The man he knew as "Control" is dead, and the young Turks who forced him out now run the Circus. But George Smiley isn't quite ready for retirement – especially when a pretty, would-be defector surfaces with a shocking accusation: a Soviet mole has penetrated the highest level of British Intelligence. Relying only on his wits and a small, loyal cadre, Smiley recognises the hand of Karla – his Moscow Centre nemesis – and sets a trap to catch the traitor. Now a successsful movie released by Working Title, directed by Thomas Alfredson and starring Gary Oldman as George Smiley.

Release date: June 7, 2011

Publisher: Penguin Books

Print pages: 400

Reader says this book is...: antihero (1) emotionally riveting (1) high stakes (1) international intrigue (1) realistic characters (1) satisfying ending (1) terrific writing (1)

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Reader buzz

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Some books I can drop after the first two paragraphs, others I’m hooked for life.
I’ve lost count of the number of times I’ve read this book as well as its sibling, Smiley’s People.
It starts off in a private school with young Roach (a new boy). Foisted off by his absent parents, he sees the world much as Le Carre might have done in his early childhood - as a watcher.
What follows is a masterpiece of Le Carre storytelling.

In one unforgettable scene, as Smiley debriefs Ricki Tarr in Lacon’s ugly Victorian pile, dawn finally breaks to the sound of Lacon’s daughter playing outs...
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Some books I can drop after the first two paragraphs, others I’m hooked for life.
I’ve lost count of the number of times I’ve read this book as well as its sibling, Smiley’s People.
It starts off in a private school with young Roach (a new boy). Foisted off by his absent parents, he sees the world much as Le Carre might have done in his early childhood - as a watcher.
What follows is a masterpiece of Le Carre storytelling.

In one unforgettable scene, as Smiley debriefs Ricki Tarr in Lacon’s ugly Victorian pile, dawn finally breaks to the sound of Lacon’s daughter playing outside. She falls off her horse and is comforted by her mother, and in a brilliant switch of POV, we see the scene viewed through her tearful eyes - completely brilliant.

Also, the excellent 1970’s BBC production is available on DVD - get it.
 on 7/20/22
antihero emotionally riveting high stakes international intrigue realistic characters satisfying ending terrific writing
ebook/print

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Author updates

My best spy novels

From the Cold War of the 50's all the way up to the present day, you're never far away from a riveting spy novel.
Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy John le Carre
The Spy Who Came in from the Cold John le Carre
From Russia with Love Ian Fleming

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We were saddened to learn of the passing of spy thriller master (and former spy) John Le Carré. Let's celebrate his memory with this roundup of 25 of his most praised novels.
A Perfect Spy John le Carre
Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy John le Carre
The Spy Who Came in from the Cold John le Carre