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nnewbykew's review
dark
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
nilima's review against another edition
3.5
+ not a bad read, interesting premise
- meandering plot, really slow and commentary is a little off-putting at times
- meandering plot, really slow and commentary is a little off-putting at times
mksands's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
carlitorum's review against another edition
emotional
informative
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
megholo's review against another edition
DNF-ing because John cannot get to the point, my god. I'm just going to watch the movie.
dobbydoo22's review against another edition
4.0
Even though the events are fictionalized, this book is based on a true story, and it gives insights into the absolutely unconscionable practices of 'Big Pharma' in developing countries. It is less suspenseful than I expected, but more moving than I anticipated as well.
simplestyle's review against another edition
4.0
This is my first John le Carré novel and, I think, my first spy novel. It was great. The book draws out a very grim and eye-opening picture of pharmagiants left to their own devices. It populates a world with the resulting craven scientists, businessmen, diplomats, their victims, and those willing enough to stand in their way. It's also a subtle and beautiful love story wherein Justin's redemptive arc visits those characters while mourning and taking up his wife's work. The critique of nation states reluctant to step in the way of economic growth and power is also incisive, and the cowardice of Sandy in particular is appalling.
Likely not my last le Carré novel.
Likely not my last le Carré novel.
laticsexile's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
I think this is one of his best post-Cold War books. Full of the usual flawed but believable characters, cracking interactions, witty one-liners and his trademark fabulous and tense interrogation dialogue.
Justin is one of his more likeable protagonists, which just means it's even more inevitable that he doesn't make it through to the end.
It loses its way just a little bit about two thirds of the way through, and his need to separate women into those who are beautiful and those who aren't, are the only things that stop it being a 5.
It loses its way just a little bit about two thirds of the way through, and his need to separate women into those who are beautiful and those who aren't, are the only things that stop it being a 5.
craig_knox's review against another edition
2.0
I wanted to love it so badly, but it felt strung out. I fear it might have dated slightly. The writing was superb but the story lacked, and although there were moments of excitement, tension and sheer brilliance... it was often amongst pages and pages of British spy politics which rendered me bored.