Play Book Tag discussion

Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy - 3 stars

This book is considered a classic within the spy novel genre, and le Carré is also knows as a master within the genre. Thus, I have come to the conclusion that I am not a master at reading spy novels, because this didn’t capture me very much.

We follow George Smiley, an agent for the British secret services where we discover that the organization has been infiltrated by a Russian agent. George is given the responsibility of uncovering the mole. And so, we get the stories following Smiley’s investigation.

It is very subtle and intelligent, no doubt about that. But.. it’s too subtle for my taste, too intricate, and I cannot sort the information apart that emerges during the story. Who was who again? I probably should have kept a list while I listened, or better yet – read the book instead of listening to it. Maybe the lingo would have made more sense to me then. But, as soon as I finished this on audio this weekend, I decided to start over and read the book instead. Maybe that will up the rating with one more star, we’ll see.

I, at one time, had every intention of reading this entire series-Book 1 so under-whelmed me I never picked up book 2.

Thanks for an honest review. I remember when this book was all the rage. I started with enthusiasm and finished (before the book ended!) in confusion. Haven't tried another of his books since.

Glad to hear I am not the only one who found this confusing! I really had so high expectations going in like you had, Susan - so it was quite the letdown I must admit.

I love spy and espionage genre, yet I have been trying since I was in college to read this and just can't get into it! I think I still have the hardcover copy I stole from my brother initially to read.

It is so subtle it is boring is what I conclude every time I try.

Yeah, I agree with you, Theresa. I have Smiley’s People on my shelf as well, but now I am in no rush to pick it up. I think I’m gonna try the movie when the libraries re-opens again to see if that may help me grasp it a bit more. But alas, we are currently back in lockdown, so don’t know when that is going to be.

I am planning to read this one at some point. I usually like subtle books. I very much enjoyed The Spy Who Came in from the Cold, A Legacy of Spies, and A Small Town in Germany (all were 4 stars for me). I know he passed recently, so I will definitely read something else by le Carre' this year.

I hope you’ll like it, Joy! Probably best served slowly to catch all the lingo and details.