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Smiley's People
Series: Penguin Modern Classics
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Check link for latest rating. ( 41,429 ratings, 1,457 reviews)
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Smiley's People
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Description
The third and final novel of John le Carré's acclaimed 'Karla Trilogy', Smiley's People, published in Penguin Modern Classics for the first time, transports readers into the intricate world of espionage and Cold War intrigue.
When a former agent is found murdered, George Smiley, retired but ever-observant, finds himself pulled back into the shadowy operations of the Secret Service. Despite his superiors' desire to bury the crime and keep it unsolved, Smiley, driven by a sense of duty and the need for answers, embarks on an investigation. What begins as a routine probe soon turns into a compelling journey across Europe, leading Smiley closer to his old nemesis, Karla, the elusive and enigmatic Soviet spymaster. Their final confrontation is not just a battle of wits but a profound duel reflecting the moral ambiguities of their respective worlds.
Smiley's People is a masterful conclusion to the trilogy that began with Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy and continued with The Honourable Schoolboy. Renowned for its atmospheric tension and intricate plotting, the novel showcases le Carré's unparalleled ability to capture the nuances of espionage and the psychological complexities of his characters. As the narrative unfolds, readers are drawn into a web of deceit, loyalty, and betrayal, where the line between good and evil is often indistinguishable.
As gripping as its predecessors, Smiley's People stands as a testament to John le Carré's storytelling prowess, delivering a memorable and thought-provoking exploration of spycraft and the human condition amidst the backdrop of the Cold War. This final instalment in the 'Karla Trilogy' is an essential read for fans of spy fiction and those who appreciate novels that delve deep into the intricacies of human motivations and international affairs.
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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?
Smiley's People by John le Carré has received praise for its intricate plotting and deep character development, particularly highlighting George Smiley's complex and introspective nature. Critics have appreciated its strong, suspenseful narrative and authentic depiction of the espionage world. Some reviews mention it as a fitting and satisfying conclusion to the Karla trilogy.
Book Details
INFORMATION
ISBN: 9780241322529
Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd
Format: Paperback / softback
Date Published: 27 September 2018
Country: United Kingdom
Imprint: Penguin Classics
Audience: General / adult
DIMENSIONS
Spine width: 24.0mm
Width: 129.0mm
Height: 198.0mm
Weight: 315g
Pages: 432
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. His posthumous novel, Silverview, was published in 2021.
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