A review by gadrake
The Constant Gardener by John le Carré

5.0

Here is a literary thriller that has fully turned me into a John le Carré fan. Excellent story and powerful writing.

This slowly unfolding, character-driven story contains a deep moral and ethical issue. After an older British man's beautiful young attorney wife is raped and murdered, he begins a solitary journey to discover what really occurred. Simple premise that shapes a complicated plot as the author explores the influences of global capitalism, abuses of huge pharmaceutical companies, racial roles of friendship between the whites and the Africans, a May/December marital relationship, extramarital affairs, political cover-ups, third world aid workers, and spy tactics. This novel which simmers with a steady low-grade anger is loaded.

Readers who wonder what life would be like if run by corporations rather than governments should spend some time with The Constant Gardner.