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mathman329's review against another edition
3.0
This book shouldn't have taken me nearly as long to finish as it did. It's a short and quick read, I just didn't sit down to read much more than a chapter at a time and on an inconsistent basis. For this reason, I didn't enjoy the story as much as if I had devoted the time to it and read it more quickly. In fact, between starting the book in April and waiting until July to review it really hasn't done me any favors.
The main character of this mystery is the undercover agent (or perhaps spy?) George Smiley, who is investigating another character who in short order goes from living to dead. While it appears to be a suicide, Smiley naturally thinks otherwise and soon thereafter his instincts prove themselves to be correct. Aside from the English idioms, slang, and turns of phrase that muddied the story, the trail to the conclusion is fairly easy to follow. As the first novel to feature Smiley, I thought that le Carre's work in establishing the character made me consider reading another Smiley novel right after. Perhaps I'll visit his second appearance later this year, but for now I will move on to other authors. Smiley's first starring turn earns 3 out of 5 secret dossiers.
The main character of this mystery is the undercover agent (or perhaps spy?) George Smiley, who is investigating another character who in short order goes from living to dead. While it appears to be a suicide, Smiley naturally thinks otherwise and soon thereafter his instincts prove themselves to be correct. Aside from the English idioms, slang, and turns of phrase that muddied the story, the trail to the conclusion is fairly easy to follow. As the first novel to feature Smiley, I thought that le Carre's work in establishing the character made me consider reading another Smiley novel right after. Perhaps I'll visit his second appearance later this year, but for now I will move on to other authors. Smiley's first starring turn earns 3 out of 5 secret dossiers.
mrbrownsays's review against another edition
3.0
This kept me interested for the whole day today, which is a good sign. The plot was gripping and the lead character was especially well written. I thought the plot twists were signposted a tad too much meaning they were not at all shocking to me when the reveal came. But overall a great read. But the one major flaw it was all a bit Hercule Poirot, the way the ending was rounded up at the end was a tad clumsy, and the way the lead interacted with the other characters seemed a bit awkward. For most authors I would have considered this very impressive, but I understand his later books are even better, so I will be reading more.
srm's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
The first George Smiley book, this was a delightful introduction to the world of the books. Simon Vance's reading is wonderful. Also, there are some surprisingly funny lines. Very much enjoyed this and will likely listen to more.
Content Warnings
Minor: Murder, Antisemitism, Blood, Death, and Injury/Injury detail
scytmo's review against another edition
4.0
This is my first spy novel, so I thought I’d start with something by a master of spy fiction. John le Carré doesn’t disappoint: the characters and settings are very evocative of their time, and a very unglamorous world of espionage is well portrayed.
I was only vaguely aware of the Smiley stories, so had no expectations. The character of George Smiley, as an aging intelligence officer no longer in his operational prime, is sympathetic and engaging - and I cared what happened to him.
This isn’t an action story: the plot has some pleasing twists and turns, with the expected deception and misdirection from some of the characters, but it’s a slow burn rather than a page turner.
I was a bit conflicted about rating this book. It’s almost certainly a good example of the genre (despite my lack of experience), hence the 4 star review. But it’s a genre that I don’t think I’ll engage with. This was one of the reasons I wanted to start with a classic - so that I’d have a good example to decide whether or not I want to read more spy novels. It turns out that I don’t.
I was only vaguely aware of the Smiley stories, so had no expectations. The character of George Smiley, as an aging intelligence officer no longer in his operational prime, is sympathetic and engaging - and I cared what happened to him.
This isn’t an action story: the plot has some pleasing twists and turns, with the expected deception and misdirection from some of the characters, but it’s a slow burn rather than a page turner.
I was a bit conflicted about rating this book. It’s almost certainly a good example of the genre (despite my lack of experience), hence the 4 star review. But it’s a genre that I don’t think I’ll engage with. This was one of the reasons I wanted to start with a classic - so that I’d have a good example to decide whether or not I want to read more spy novels. It turns out that I don’t.
haylsr's review against another edition
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
baileystork's review
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
offtaeseeadug's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
tszyu's review against another edition
adventurous
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
flibbityflob's review against another edition
listened to an excellent bbc radio adaptation. hooting. hollering. love spies and people being shitty. wish i could have an affair with george smiley's wife as played by anna chancellor.