A Private Spy

The Letters of John le Carré

By: John le Carré, Tim Cornwell - editor

Narrated by: David Harewood, Florence Pugh

Length: 16 hrs and 4 mins

Publisher's summary

An archive of letters written by the late John le Carré, giving listeners access to the intimate thoughts of one of the greatest writers of our time

The never-before-seen correspondence of John le Carré, one of the most important novelists of our generation, is collected in this beautiful volume. During his lifetime, le Carré wrote numerous letters to writers, spies, politicians, artists, actors and public figures. This collection is a treasure trove, revealing the late author's humor, generosity, and wit—a side of him many listeners have not previously seen.

©2022 John Le Carre, David Cornwell, Tim Cornwell (P)2022 Penguin Audio

Letters As Interesting As His Books

A correspondence that reveals a complicated man whose life from childhood on was as layered as an onion. Harewood and Pugh do a terrific job, with his interpretation maintaining a credible tone that adds enormously to the book's mood and her dating and occasional input providing emphasis points that keep the thread comprehensible. Particularly interesting, I think, for writers, as he offers not only tidbits of advice re the craft throughout but also provides an excellent example of how to function as a highly successful author.

Quiet, Dignified, & Articulate

I really felt I was peering over the shoulder of le Carré. These letters shine a light into the thoughts of an author I have treasured for decades (as is substantiated by my bookshelves.) I don’t care to know about the “messiness” of his private life, as he describes it, and I am well aware of the limitations he honored regarding his career with MI-6. I am interested in what interested him, what gave him joy, how he felt about his books and career. A Private Spy gives me all that and more. It is a tribute and one well earned.

A wonderful poignant insight to a remarkable man.

I love and have read many of his novels but this collection of his letters brings into focus the inner brilliance of the man. Pity some many of his letters were lost but this collection is a treasure for those who admire this man.

Truly engrossing from start to finish

Loved this book. David Harewood's reading was so convincing that I'd have sworn it was read by the author. I was never a fan of "spy vs spy" novels, but I've always loved "The letters of whomever" books. This did not disappoint. I recently enjoyed "The Leonard Bernstein Letters", a wonderful book, and "A Private Spy" was equally delightful. I am puzzled by one thing, tho'. With the accent on the last syllable of Carre', I always seemed to hear Ka'-ray. Go figure. While I'm sure Audible would prefer we not get political, I must say that what was said about our former president will endear Carre' to me forever.

Compelling listen with some annoying flaws

I finished it and was happy to spend the time with a favorite author.

Would someone please teach David Harewood how to pronounce et cetera? His rendering grated on me. My dread was not relieved until the book ended.

The insistence on reading the same addresses over and over wore me down. Could we not abbreviate to Tregiffian, Cornwall or Gainsborough Gardens, London?

Increased appreciation for the author

As a fan of spy genre, I appreciated much but not all of his work. But after this book of his letters, an amazing, candid look at the real human behind the writings, my appreciation jumped from 75% to 95% plus. A real person, not a character from entitled aristocracy playing with people’s lives. Puts a human perspective on historical events.

Loved, but I’m a big fan

I loved collection of gorgeous, mellifluous British prose. David Cornwell is a letter writer’s letter writer. If you are like me—a geeky, literary Anglophile—you will adore it.

I’d advise casual readers of it le Carré‘s work to read more of them. But if you are an especial deep-dive fan, get this book and savor.

Wonderful coda to le Carré’s novels

If you’re a fan of le Carré’s novels, then you will love this inside look at his private life.

Terrible narrator

Reading David Cornwell's youthful letters, the narrator sounds 200 years old. After that, he just sounds sort of dumpy and unshaven. (Michael Jayston was the perfect narrator for LeCarre's books, as good as LeCarre himself.) I couldn't get past the first couple of hours, so it will have to be the print edition for me.