John Le Carré passed away overnight. I listened to his last novel Agent Running in the Field on Audible a couple of months ago and made a note to write something about it. It was, of course, beautifully written. Le Carré narrated the audiobook himself, which I found a bit odd, at least to begin with. He is, or was, an old man and he sounds like it. It turns out he is also a talented voice actor and if he’d recorded this audiobook when he was a couple of decades younger, he may well have been perfect. My only quibble with the production was that it was a bit hard at first to imagine myself into the character of Nat, a 47 year old member of the British secret intelligence service, when the voice in my head was very obviously a man in his late 80s. I got around it by simply telling myself I was listening to an old man tell me about his younger adventures.
I've had a lifelong blind spot in not having read any of his novels either, I shall add this to my reading list to correct that, after I'm done with my re-read of the first Axis trilogy.
I watched Smiley’s People before I read a le Carre book...and the books were so much richer than could ever put on screen, even with Alec Guinness in the role, or Gary Oldman. I do miss the Cold War spy novels...they influenced my teenage years hugely. I must re-read a few.
Ahh heard this on the toots as well. As a young lad i devoured all of my parents Le Carre novels along with a few WIlbur Smiths. Usually after i had run out of my own pick of fantasy/scifi novels. Been a bloody long time between drinks though. I should pick up some of his more recent ones.
On reflection, I don't believe I have ever read a John Le Carré novel. Not out of any significant reason, just haven't read many or even any spy novels. I Will give it a whirl, sounds like a John Le Carré novel is an exemplar of the craft.
I've had a lifelong blind spot in not having read any of his novels either, I shall add this to my reading list to correct that, after I'm done with my re-read of the first Axis trilogy.
I watched Smiley’s People before I read a le Carre book...and the books were so much richer than could ever put on screen, even with Alec Guinness in the role, or Gary Oldman. I do miss the Cold War spy novels...they influenced my teenage years hugely. I must re-read a few.
One should watch the night manager as well.
I remove my spectacles in respect.
TSWCIFTC is a superb novel, and the whole Smiley saga is magnificent. He’s one of the great characters.
Ahh heard this on the toots as well. As a young lad i devoured all of my parents Le Carre novels along with a few WIlbur Smiths. Usually after i had run out of my own pick of fantasy/scifi novels. Been a bloody long time between drinks though. I should pick up some of his more recent ones.
On reflection, I don't believe I have ever read a John Le Carré novel. Not out of any significant reason, just haven't read many or even any spy novels. I Will give it a whirl, sounds like a John Le Carré novel is an exemplar of the craft.