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Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy

The Smiley Collection
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( 98,082 ratings, 5,760 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy by John le Carré is a gripping Cold War espionage novel. The story follows George Smiley, a retired intelligence officer, as he is brought back to uncover a Soviet mole within the British Secret Service. It is a tale of betrayal, loyalty, and the complex world of spycraft.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This book may appeal to you if you enjoy intricate espionage novels set during the Cold War, featuring complex characters and masterful plotting. You'll appreciate the intense psychological drama and the clever, twisting narrative that keeps you guessing until the very end.

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Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

In Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, John le Carré masterfully crafts a tale of espionage and intrigue set against the dark and shadowy backdrop of the Cold War. With unparalleled skill, le Carré draws readers into the labyrinthine world of British Intelligence, known as "The Circus."

The seasoned and much-revered intelligence officer George Smiley is called out of bitter retirement for one last, critical mission. His challenge is formidable: uncover a mole, planted by the Soviets, who has infiltrated the highest echelons of the service. The suspect could be anyone among Smiley's trusted colleagues, each contributing to the delicate balance between global powers.

As Smiley methodically sifts through layers of secrets, lies, and betrayals, le Carré intensifies the suspense with his intricate plotting and deep characterisations. Smiley's investigation is not just a professional duty, but a deeply personal journey, revealing the profound emotional and psychological cost of espionage.

This fifth novel featuring George Smiley showcases le Carré's signature narrative style—rich in authenticity and imbued with a haunting sense of realism. As readers navigate through the complex web of deceit, they too must question each character's loyalty, making Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy a gripping and immersive experience.

This edition, part of the new collection of John le Carré’s works, features a special look celebrating the enduring legacy of George Smiley, one of the most iconic characters in spy fiction. Delve into a novel that continues to captivate and resonate with audiences, offering both a thrilling read and a poignant reflection on the nature of trust and betrayal. Perfect for longtime fans and new readers alike, this profound and thought-provoking espionage novel remains as compelling today as when it first captivated the world.

Series: The Smiley Collection

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Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy by John le Carré is highly praised for its intricate plot and rich character development. Critics commend its portrayal of the Cold War era and the suspenseful, slow-burn narrative that keeps readers engaged. The writing is noted for its intelligence and depth, making it a standout in the spy thriller genre.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780241330890

Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 27 February 2020

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Penguin Classics

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 23.0mm

Width: 111.0mm

Height: 181.0mm

Weight: 244g

Pages: 416

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About the Author

John le Carre was born in 1931. For six decades, he wrote novels that came to define our age. The son of a confidence trickster, he spent his childhood between boarding school and the London underworld. At sixteen he found refuge at the university of Bern, then later at Oxford. A spell of teaching at Eton led him to a short career in British Intelligence (MI5&6). He published his debut novel, Call for the Dead, in 1961 while still a secret servant. His third novel, The Spy Who Came in from the Cold, secured him a worldwide reputation, which was consolidated by the acclaim for his trilogy Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, The Honourable Schoolboy and Smiley's People. At the end of the Cold War, le Carre widened his scope to explore an international landscape including the arms trade and the War on Terror. His memoir, The Pigeon Tunnel, was published in 2016 and the last George Smiley novel, A Legacy of Spies, appeared in 2017. He died on 12 December 2020.

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