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eamono's review
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.25
duparker's review
4.0
Le Carre is consistent and enjoyable. I like that in the age of random acts of violence, his books focus on intrigue and are more about mental jousting. I can't recall the last of his books that was so much in the present, with current political activities sprouting up, and that was different. Quick and focused read, which was nice.
qsophie's review against another edition
adventurous
reflective
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
placoderm_fish's review
3.0
Another suspenseful page-turner from le Carre but the finale fell flat. The final chapter felt rushed and inelegant given all the narrative build-up. Still a worthy read.
nicophr39's review
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.25
I really would like to give this book a higher rating, but certain structural choices make it difficult to do so (particularly and almost solely, the abrupt ending) . I see what the author is going for with these choices, but it eliminates the opportunity to explore the implications of other events.
Otherwise, the book was really entertaining. I found it nice for a spy novel to include modern politics, though I wish it had leaned into elements of that harder. The style of writing works well and builds tension adequately. I would recommend this book, but with the caveats above.
Otherwise, the book was really entertaining. I found it nice for a spy novel to include modern politics, though I wish it had leaned into elements of that harder. The style of writing works well and builds tension adequately. I would recommend this book, but with the caveats above.
mosesp's review
4.0
Lovely to read Le Carre at all, even better to have his take on the present moment. Wanted more of this story and these characters.
bibliomaniac2021's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
informative
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25