John le Carré's final, posthumously published novel, Silverview will be published soon. But while this is being prepared, here’s an insight, from The Sunday Times, into his top 4 books.
The Spy Who Came in from the Cold (1963)
The perfect introduction to le Carré, and the book that made him a big name. This is the story of Alec Leamas, a spy on his final mission, who discovers that his trust in British intelligence may have been misplaced. It's a tale of disillusionment, and the drab, damp, slightly grimy atmosphere of the novel sets the tone for the rest of le Carré's works.
Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy (1974)
This isn't the first book about le Carré's best loved protagonist, George Smiley, but it is the best. Smiley returns to the Circus to hunt out a mole from within, and in the process, we are granted a glimpse into the enthralling procedures that make up British intelligence. It's wonderful — but watch out for the double, triple, even quadruple bluffs.
A Perfect Spy (1986)
This is le Carré's most personal novel, rated by Philip Roth as the best by a British writer since the war. The story of intelligence officer Magnus Pym gives us an insight into the writer's early life, dominated by his conman father, Ronnie.
The Constant Gardener (2001)
Generally, le Carré's best work is rooted in the Cold War, but The Constant Gardener is an exception. Justin Quayle, a British diplomat in Nairobi, refuses to accept official explanations when his wife is killed in suspicious circumstances. The film adaptation, with Ralph Fiennes and Rachel Weisz, is fantastic.
Have you read John le Carré’s top 4 books?