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A review by schupz
The Pigeon Tunnel: Stories from My Life by John le Carré
4.0
I admit I've never read a John le Carre' novel. I read this book because he was such a captivating interviewee on Fresh Air. What a vocabulary! What insights! Sometimes while reading I lost the thread of his story, but knew he must be referencing a character or incident from one of his novels. No matter -- it was a slight stumble on the tour through his life. This is a must-read for fans, but won't be a waste if one is simply looking for an interesting memoir.
At some point, I realized most of his major characters were based on actual people. A lot of the dialog, incidents, and emotions in his novels were based in reality. I felt a nonsensical slight disappointment, just like I did when recently reading about director Nicole Holofcener and learning of the autobiographical bent of one of her best movies, "Lovely and Amazing". I suppose on some level I wanted to believe in the overwhelming power of imagination. After considering it awhile, I've conceded the real power is in taking the kernel of truth and growing it into something more multi-faceted and meaningful than could have ever existed before. It will be fun to read the John le Carre' novels now after learning what I have from this memoir.
At some point, I realized most of his major characters were based on actual people. A lot of the dialog, incidents, and emotions in his novels were based in reality. I felt a nonsensical slight disappointment, just like I did when recently reading about director Nicole Holofcener and learning of the autobiographical bent of one of her best movies, "Lovely and Amazing". I suppose on some level I wanted to believe in the overwhelming power of imagination. After considering it awhile, I've conceded the real power is in taking the kernel of truth and growing it into something more multi-faceted and meaningful than could have ever existed before. It will be fun to read the John le Carre' novels now after learning what I have from this memoir.