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A review by clairealex
The Constant Gardener by John le Carré
5.0
Somehow in my reading history, I had not yet read any Le Carre works. Several programs honoring him after his death mentioned this as his best. It is indeed an excellent piece. I hope starting with the best doesn’t ruin the rest for me.
The pacing was effective, slow for the first half , which focused on Sandy, then gradually speeding up when Justin became the focus. As I read I formed ideas of possible endings, details from some materialized. Plus much more. An altogether literarily satisfying ending.
I don’t enjoy epistolary format, and there was one such chapter—notes, news clippings rather than letters. Still there weren’t many other ways available to convey Tessa’s mission after her death. And it was a relatively small percentage of the whole. Tessa’s personality was effectively conveyed mostly through Justin’s flashbacks.
I live to hate big pharma, so the theme also held my interest. It was well worked into the narrative, never overwhelming story.
The pacing was effective, slow for the first half , which focused on Sandy, then gradually speeding up when Justin became the focus. As I read I formed ideas of possible endings, details from some materialized. Plus much more. An altogether literarily satisfying ending.
I don’t enjoy epistolary format, and there was one such chapter—notes, news clippings rather than letters. Still there weren’t many other ways available to convey Tessa’s mission after her death. And it was a relatively small percentage of the whole. Tessa’s personality was effectively conveyed mostly through Justin’s flashbacks.
I live to hate big pharma, so the theme also held my interest. It was well worked into the narrative, never overwhelming story.