In the shadowy world of Cold War espionage, ex-spy George Smiley is called back to uncover a mole within the Circus, the British intelligence service. As he delves into a web of deception and betrayal, Smiley confronts his own past and the haunting memories of his mentor. The tension mounts with each layer of intrigue uncovered, revealing the fragile loyalties and hidden motives of those around him. John le Carré crafts a labyrinthine tale that blurs the lines between friend and foe. Can Smiley outsmart an enemy lurking in the shadows, or will the truth remain forever elusive?
By John le Carré
Published: 2011
"The secret world is not a place of heroism, but a theater of shadows and whispers, where allegiance is a currency and betrayal the price of survival."
From the New York Times bestselling author of A Legacy of Spies. The man he knew as "Control" is dead, and the young Turks who forced him out now run the Circus. But George Smiley isn't quite ready for retirement—especially when a pretty, would-be defector surfaces with a shocking accusation: a Soviet mole has penetrated the highest level of British Intelligence. Relying only on his wits and a small, loyal cadre, Smiley recognizes the hand of Karla—his Moscow Centre nemesis—and sets a trap to catch the traitor. The Oscar-nominated feature film adaptation of Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy is directed by Tomas Alfredson (Let the Right One In) and features Gary Oldman as Smiley, Academy Award winner Colin Firth (The King's Speech), and Tom Hardy (Inception). With an introduction by the author.
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“The secret world is not a place of heroism, but a theater of shadows and whispers, where allegiance is a currency and betrayal the price of survival.”
Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy
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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In the twin cities of Besźel and Ul Qoma, citizens are strictly forbidden from acknowledging the existence of each other's city. Inspector Tyador Borlú investigates the murder of a young woman, a case that leads him to probe the delicate and dangerous boundaries between the two cities. As he delves deeper, he uncovers a conspiracy that challenges the very nature of reality and national identity. Miéville masterfully intertwines elements of noir and speculative fiction, prompting questions about perception, politics, and society. Will Borlú confront the unbreachable divides, or will the truth remain hidden, lost between the cities?
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