Well
Gee, I really enjoyed the book, ....probably enjoy isn’t quite the right word. I was motivated to keep reading, and found it a rewarding read.
This is my first by Le Carre. I’ve avoided him thinking he writes ‘thrillers”. I don’t enjoy the physical feeling of suspence and usually feel emotionally manipulated if I have to keep looking over my shoulder - which then annoys me, and pulls me out of the story. So I was impressed by how Le Carre approached his work. He had a story to tell and he told it without cheap stunts and superfluous drama. I feel badly that I had pigeonholed him that way.
It was a bit of a busman’s holiday for me, and that probably clouds my take on the book - that’s the part I found facinating. I spent some time in government before I retired. I thought his portrayal of Quinn and Oakley were dead on. I’ve observed that horrid bullying of Kit when he met with the FS mouthpiece and their attack lawyer. And I’ve met folks like Kit and Toby as well. I’m familiar with the cultural tactics used by gov to keep everyone in their preferred slots.
The other point I’d make is that I probably won’t read more of Le Carre. However I’m very pleased that participating in New Leaf forced me to branch out and try a different genre than I wouldn’t have otherwise. I would never have picked up that book. Thanks!