The Spy Who Came in from the Cold, by John le Carre

A stunning tale of espionage and counter-bluff, The Spy Who Came in from the Cold has to be one of the best spy novels ever produced.

Written 50-years ago (1963), it was le Carre’s third novel, and propelled the author into a new stratosphere of global success which would last for many decades. Not only that but it changed spy novels forever.

It is a complex and sophisticated story, as all good spy novels usually are. However, as William Boyd described in the introduction within a recent reprint, the novel takes you through in a way which allows the reader to be confident in understanding it.

 

Yes it can be complex and confusing, but you’re intelligent enough to follow this and you will understand what’s going on.

This is due to le Carre’s amazing writing ability. Generating a web of plots, lies and confusion, in an easy to understand manner, demonstrates the skill of a true artist.

It’s clear to see why people have read The Spy again and again. Le Carre leaves little breadcrumbs running through it, drip-feeding pieces of information about the characters and plot with each sentence. Each time it is read, you find something different to the time before, like discovering hidden rooms in an old home.

Alex Leamas is the experienced British spy sent to bring down the enemy through an act of betrayl, but even he is deceived in what becomes a series of twists and turns in the fast-paced storyline.  

Le Carre describes the best and worst of human emotions in an almost poetic way. He provides despair, love, fear and compassion, wrapped in a tense-filled tale which will leave the reader gripped.

If you are to read only one spy novel make sure it’s this one.

The Review of Books score: 5/5