In the bleak landscape of Cold War espionage, British agent Alec Leamas is sent on a perilous mission that blurs the lines between loyalty and betrayal. Tasked to bring down a high-ranking East German intelligence officer, Leamas must adopt a new identity, risking everything he holds dear. As deception unfolds, he wrestles with moral ambiguity and the harrowing consequences of his choices. With every twist, le Carré masterfully unveils the complexities of espionage, leaving readers questioning who the true villains are. Can Leamas escape the cold grip of war, or will he pay the ultimate price for his allegiance?
By John le Carré
Published: 2013
""We are all going to die, and how we choose to live in the face of that inevitability defines us more than any betrayal or allegiance.""
From the New York Times bestselling author of Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy; Our Kind of Traitor; and The Night Manager, now a television series starring Tom Hiddleston. The 50th-anniversary edition of the bestselling novel that launched John le Carré’s career worldwide In the shadow of the newly erected Berlin Wall, Alec Leamas watches as his last agent is shot dead by East German sentries. For Leamas, the head of Berlin Station, the Cold War is over. As he faces the prospect of retirement or worse—a desk job—Control offers him a unique opportunity for revenge. Assuming the guise of an embittered and dissolute ex-agent, Leamas is set up to trap Mundt, the deputy director of the East German Intelligence Service—with himself as the bait. In the background is George Smiley, ready to make the game play out just as Control wants. Setting a standard that has never been surpassed, The Spy Who Came in from the Cold is a devastating tale of duplicity and espionage.
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“"We are all going to die, and how we choose to live in the face of that inevitability defines us more than any betrayal or allegiance."”
The Spy Who Came in from the Cold
By John le Carré
Discover a world of knowledge through our extensive collection of book summaries.
John le Carré, born David John Moore Cornwell (1931–2020), was a British author renowned for his espionage novels that delved into the moral complexities of intelligence and the intricacies of human nature. His notable works include "The Spy Who Came in from the Cold," "Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy," and "The Constant Gardener," which have not only captivated readers but have also been adapted into acclaimed films and television series. Le Carré's writing style is characterized by its rich character development, intricate plots, and profound commentary on the political landscape of the Cold War and beyond. His ability to blend suspense with poignant insights about humanity has solidified his legacy as one of the foremost writers of spy fiction.
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