Call for the Dead
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Call for the Dead
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Call for the Dead
George Smiley, a reserved and skilled British intelligence officer, becomes engrossed in a perplexing case of apparent suicide and espionage in John le Carré’s first novel, Call for the Dead. After conducting a seemingly routine security check on civil servant Samuel Fennan, Smiley is shocked to learn that Fennan has supposedly taken his own life. However, when the head of British intelligence, referred to as the Circus, attempts to place the blame for the tragedy on Smiley, his suspicions are aroused.
Determined to clear his name and uncover the truth, Smiley delves into his own investigation. He starts by meeting Fennan's widow, hoping to understand what might have driven her husband to such desperation. The plot thickens when Smiley, despite being officially ordered off the case, receives an urgent and unexpected letter from the supposedly deceased Fennan.
As Smiley navigates a web of lies and deception, he begins to question the role of East German intelligence agents in the affair. Could they have been involved in Fennan's death, and is the Circus itself compromised? Smiley must rely on his keen instincts and vast experience in espionage to untangle the mystery.
Le Carré's debut novel, Call for the Dead, masterfully introduces readers to the tenacious yet unassuming George Smiley. In this gripping narrative, filled with suspense and intricate espionage, le Carré lays the groundwork for one of literature's most memorable spies. The story not only captivates with its twists and turns but also provides a stark and realistic portrayal of the shadowy world of intelligence work during the Cold War era.
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?
Call for the Dead by John le Carré is praised for its intricate plot and masterful development of suspense. Reviewers commend le Carré's introduction of George Smiley, highlighting his depth as a character. The novel is noted for its insightful exploration of espionage and human nature.
Book Details
INFORMATION
ISBN: 9780241639214
Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd
Format: Paperback / softback
Date Published: 13 July 2023
Country: United Kingdom
Imprint: Penguin Classics
Audience: General / adult
DIMENSIONS
Spine width: 9.0mm
Width: 129.0mm
Height: 198.0mm
Weight: 134g
Pages: 176
About the Author
John le Carre was born in 1931. After studying at the university of Bern and Oxford and teaching at Eton, he began a short career in British Intelligence (MI5&6). He published his debut novel, Call for the Dead, in 1961 while still a civil servant, and acclaim swiftly followed, consolidated by The Spy Who Came in from the Cold, and 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. He died on 12 December 2020.
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