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A review by sunjammer
Absolute Friends by John le Carré
3.0
Reviewed long after reading.
Prose and character are of sterling quality, in line with le Carré's usual work. The parts of the narrative in Germany are particularly wonderful, and the two "absolute friends" of the title are deeply explored and memorable. Fully four-fifths of the work demands to be read.
Unfortunately, like many of le Carré's post-9/11 novels, it remains a work of terrific human interest so long as the plot remains on a human and personal level, but as soon as it enters the realm of newspaper headlines and public politics, it loses its charm. The plot becomes unbelievably sinister, the protagonist blind or stupid by plot necessity, and the ending is politically pointed and implausibly conspiracist.
Recommended to le Carré completionists due to the quality of his work even when misguided. Not recommended to others.
Prose and character are of sterling quality, in line with le Carré's usual work. The parts of the narrative in Germany are particularly wonderful, and the two "absolute friends" of the title are deeply explored and memorable. Fully four-fifths of the work demands to be read.
Unfortunately, like many of le Carré's post-9/11 novels, it remains a work of terrific human interest so long as the plot remains on a human and personal level, but as soon as it enters the realm of newspaper headlines and public politics, it loses its charm. The plot becomes unbelievably sinister, the protagonist blind or stupid by plot necessity, and the ending is politically pointed and implausibly conspiracist.
Recommended to le Carré completionists due to the quality of his work even when misguided. Not recommended to others.