June 13, 2016
Always insightful, frequently charming, and sometimes sobering, the memorable tales told by master storyteller le Carré (A Delicate Truth) about his life will surely delight both longtime fans and newcomers. Le Carré’s stories take readers around the world, covering his posting as a young intelligence officer in post-WWII Germany, his time in Gorbachev’s Russia, and research trips for his novels. His witty reminiscences of situations both dangerous and absurd, and his well-delineated portraits of exceptional and quirky figures, bring to life the extraordinary adventures that fed his novels. Those novels deal with the slippery world of espionage, political intrigue, and secret agents—most famously through the exploits of English spymaster George Smiley. (Alec Guinness, who portrayed Smiley memorably on television, figures prominently in le Carré’s memoir as well.) In perhaps the most serious chapter, le Carré talks candidly about his con artist father, Ronnie, and the failings of both father and son. But his self-deprecating humor and wit are never far away, and he proves a most elegant and genial host on this tour of his life and work. Agent: Jonny Geller, Curtis Brown.
October 31, 2016
In this assortment of memories from a master storyteller, le Carré reminisces about his posting as a young British intelligence officer in post-WWII Germany, his time in Gorbachev’s Russia, and research trips for his novels. People, places, times, dates, and events are jumbled together in no particular order, but manage, overall, to fit together and form an engaging and often insightful narrative. Le Carré proves a natural raconteur of his own work. His reading is smooth, conversational, and totally absorbing. He speaks easily of meeting with presidents, prime ministers, rebel fighters, and a variety of other people from around the world, giving most expertly rendered vocal characterizations that are as enjoyable for the listener as they are unexpected. Whether le Carré is describing being under fire from the Khmer Rouge, remembering his stint as a spy with MI5, or recounting the time he smoked dope in an opium den, his storytelling makes for fascinating listening. A Viking hardcover.