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The Honourable Schoolboy
Series: Penguin Modern Classics
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The Honourable Schoolboy
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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?
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Description
The Honourable Schoolboy, the second book in John le Carré's revered 'Karla Trilogy' and a distinguished addition to Penguin Modern Classics, delves deep into the shadowy world of espionage with its gripping and intricate narrative.
In the aftermath of a shocking betrayal, the once-mighty British Secret Service is left in shambles, and the responsibility of reviving it falls to George Smiley. A mole has been rooted out from within the highest echelons of the organisation, pushing its global network of agents into jeopardy. Yet, this very crisis presents Smiley with a rare opportunity to strike back at his formidable Soviet counterpart, Karla, the mastermind behind the subterfuge.
Jerry Westerby, a part-time spy and full-time journalist, is summoned from his tranquil life in Italy to serve as Smiley's clandestine operative. Westerby's mission takes him on a perilous journey through the politically volatile landscapes of Southeast Asia, forcing him into the labyrinthine politics and chaotic lives shaped by the Cold War. The pursuit unfolds across decadent Hong Kong, war-torn Vietnam, and beyond, evolving into a high-stakes chess game where human lives are the pawns in the ultimate contest of wits.
The Honourable Schoolboy is an exceptional and enthralling tale, rich in atmospheric detail and psychological depth. Alongside Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy and Smiley's People, it forms a trilogy that stands as a monumental triumph in the spy genre. The relentless duel between George Smiley and Karla, two of the Cold War's most ingenious spymasters, is brought to life with le Carré's incomparable storytelling prowess.
This novel is celebrated not only for its suspense and espionage but also for its profound exploration of loyalty, betrayal, and the moral ambiguities that define the world of intelligence. Through its vivid characterisation and meticulous plotting, The Honourable Schoolboy cements John le Carré's reputation as a master of the spy novel and an insightful commentator on the political tensions of his time.
Series: Penguin Modern Classics
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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?
The Honourable Schoolboy by John le Carré is praised for its intricate plot and rich, atmospheric storytelling. Readers appreciate its deep character development and the realistic portrayal of espionage. The novel's pacing and detailed descriptions have received commendation, though some consider it slower than other works by the author.
Book Details
INFORMATION
ISBN: 9780241322352
Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd
Format: Paperback / softback
Date Published: 27 September 2018
Country: United Kingdom
Imprint: Penguin Classics
Audience: General / adult
DIMENSIONS
Spine width: 32.0mm
Width: 127.0mm
Height: 197.0mm
Weight: 483g
Pages: 688
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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