The Spy Who Came in From the Cold

After my last book I picked up Great Expectations, with a plan to then read the sequel to Tinker Tailor. I was in an airport (where else do books come from?) when I saw this. I wasn’t getting into Great Expectations in the way I’d hoped so I picked this up instead. Unlike Tinker Tailor this is a bit more of a thriller book. Leamas - the central figure - gets into a touch more action, as opposed to the more detective-like Smiley - who does make an appearance.

There was a mid-point where I found the a bit dry. Le Carre really likes one character telling a detailed history of an event to another character, which is probably very important for people who’s job is intelligence. But the ending was surprising and exciting and sad, and it really came together. Very short too, which is always a blessing.

This is the last book I’ll finish in 2023. I’m so proud of the amount that I’ve read (having finished maybe 3 books in my life before this year) and can’t wait to read more.