Reading the 20th Century discussion

Welcome to our December 25 buddy read of The Spy Who Came in from the Cold The third book in the George Smiley series, this was first published in 1963.

Alec Leamas is tired. It's the 1960s, he's been out in the cold for years, spying in the shadow of the Berlin Wall for his British masters. He has seen too many good agents murdered for their troubles. Now Control wants to bring him in at last - but only after one final assignment. He must travel deep into the heart of Communist Germany and betray his country, a job that he will do with his usual cynical professionalism. But when George Smiley tries to help a young woman Leamas has befriended, Leamas's mission may prove to be the worst thing he could ever have done. In le Carré's breakthrough work of 1963, the spy story is reborn as a gritty and terrible tale of men who are caught up in politics beyond their imagining.

I have currently started re-reading this one and will be seeing the stage play in the New Year. If I recall correctly, I stopped my previous Smiley journey at this point so hoping I enjoy this more this time around.

Susan wrote:



"If I recall correctly, I stopped my previous Smiley journey at this point so hoping I enjoy this more this time around"

I'm surprised

This is where the series really hits its stride

Actually, to describe The Spy Who Came In from the Cold as a George Smiley book is a bit misleading as he barely appears. Instead, it is Alec Leamas, an undercover British spy who takes centre stage, in this bleak tale of duplicity and manipulation.

After the relative simplicity of the first two novels this is a more subtle, exciting and complex novel and far more typical of what is to follow.

Great film too

Completely agree, Nigeyb.

This is also where I start seeing ambivalences in the portrayal of Smiley - something to pick up later, perhaps.

Looking forward to it. And I’m seeing the new play in January!

Very intrigued by how the play adapts the material


Please report back Susan and Blaine


https://sohoplace.org/shows/the-spy-w...

It's been years and years since I first read this.

May be time for a re read.

I've been on a spy/thrller bender lately after seeing a list (and I've always been partial to a good list) here in this group......somewhere on one of these threads.

It's a classic Cphe

I'm excited about this, but won't get to it until later in December. Be back!

Not sure why I stopped here. I have always struggled with Le Carre. I am determined to continue though. I went to the Foyles Christmas Evening yesterday and walked past the theatre. Soho Place is a fab, really intimate new theatre. I watched The Fifth Step there earlier this year and it is the best play I've seen in 2025. If anyone has the opportunity to see that at the cinema, I do recommend it.

We saw it last night. Very good production. NT in the cinema is wonderful when you can't see it in the theatre.