Ilse’s Reviews > Smiley's People > Status Update
Ilse
is on page 331 of 425
The streets were cobbled; the freezing air smelt of roast chestnuts and cigars. The ancient fountains advanced on him through the fog, the medieval houses were the backdrop to a play he had no part in. So many nights, he thought. So many streets still here. He thought of Hesse:strange to wander in the fog...no tree knows another. The frozen mist curled low over the racing water; the weir burned creamy yellow.
— Nov 09, 2026 06:50AM
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Ilse’s Previous Updates
Ilse
is on page 172 of 425
Peering calmly into his own heart, Smiley knew that he was unled, and perhaps unleadable; that the only restraints upon him were those of his own reason, and his own humanity. As with his marriage, so with his sense of public service. I invested my life in institutions - he thought without rancour - and all I am left with is myself.
— Nov 07, 2026 05:32AM
Ilse
is on page 74 of 425
Against stupidity the gods themselves fight in basin, thought Smiley: but Schiller had forgotten the bureaucrats.
— Nov 02, 2026 12:28PM
Ilse
is on page 48 of 425
A couplet of Auden’s rang in his mind: let us honour if we can the vertical man, though we value none but the horizontal one.
— Oct 30, 2026 01:58PM
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Left Coast Justin
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Nov 09, 2026 09:44PM
So happy to see you reading Me. LeCarre!
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Left Coast Justin wrote: "So happy to see you reading Me. LeCarre!"Can you imagine, walking to the station yesterday, I bumped into a young lady storming out of her office who had a book of le Carré in her hand, Justin :)? Sadly it all happened to quickly, I couldn't see the title but the serendipity amused me.
Have you read his (auto)biography by chance? I am getting more curious on his background and convictions.
The third John le Carré within one reading year for me, he is taking me to uncharted territory as a reader, and I enjoy the ride a lot (I was gifted the trilogy in installments during the year :)). It's perfect reading material to stop me from fussing about all the mistakes I have been making lately at work and which stress me a lot:-(.
So wonderful to see you accept LeCaree's world, Ilse :))
How can anyone not accept this as literature? This is beautiful, Ilse, you are tempting me too much :) Lucky I am in Proust's company.And about your work, hope it gets better, I had a hectic exhausting few weeks too, burnt out completely. Took a long weekend to rest. You should do it too..
Beata wrote: "So wonderful to see you accept LeCaree's world, Ilse :))"Beata, I never thought I would end up being immersed in this world of betrayal and spies and enjoying it tremendously :). Great to hear from you again my friend, hope all’s well with you?
Beautiful quote, Ilse. And thank you for highlighting lighting Le Caree through your readings and quotes.I have not gotten around to reading any of Le Carre’s books, but I love the TV series with Alec Guinness. Based on your readings of the books, I also see them on my reading horizon.
Ilse wrote: "Beata wrote: "So wonderful to see you accept LeCaree's world, Ilse :))"Beata, I never thought I would end up being immersed in this world of betrayal and spies and enjoying it tremendously :). Gre..."
Dear Ilse, thank you for your kind words :)) A lot has happened over the last year, which is why I'm on GR so infrequently. Sending you hugs, Ilse! :)