• Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy

  • A George Smiley Novel
  • By: John le Carré
  • Narrated by: Michael Jayston
  • Length: 12 hrs and 49 mins
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars (3,410 ratings)

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Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy  By  cover art

Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy

By: John le Carré
Narrated by: Michael Jayston
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Publisher's summary

The inspiration for the major motion picture Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, starring Gary Oldman and Colin Firth.

The first novel in John le Carré's celebrated Karla trilogy, Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy is a heart-stopping tale of international intrigue.

The man he knew as "Control" is dead, and the young Turks who forced him out now run the Circus. But George Smiley isn't quite ready for retirement - especially when a pretty, would-be defector surfaces with a shocking accusation: a Soviet mole has penetrated the highest level of British Intelligence. Relying only on his wits and a small, loyal cadre, Smiley recognizes the hand of Karla - his Moscow Centre nemesis - and sets a trap to catch the traitor.

The feature film adaptation of Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy is directed by Tomas Alfredson (Let the Right One In) and features a cast that includes Gary Oldman as Smiley, Academy Award-winner Colin Firth (The King's Speech), and Tom Hardy (Inception).

©2011 John le Carre (P)2011 Penguin

What listeners say about Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy

Average customer ratings
Overall
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars
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    2,430
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    569
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Story
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  • 3 Stars
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  • 2 Stars
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  • Overall
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Complex story of betrayal

I had seen the movie a long time ago. I’m glad I did. It helped keep track of this complex story

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
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Good

It’s complicated and challenging to follow. I had to re-listen to most chapters several times to stay on track. Karla was great. Hayden and Jim Prideaux were great, and so was Smiley, but it’s a complicated novel to follow. It comes together decently in the end…

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Complex and still relevant

It was hard to follow as an audiobook because it’s more difficult to go back for a refresher on a character

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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Characterizations

Smiley was perfect, as always. Supporting cast was very good but sometimes hard to follow on audio—would have liked a book’s pages to flip through to get the characters straight sometimes

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Exceptional Read, Decent Story

Michael Jayston is brilliant as the narrator. As an early Smiley novel, LeCarre was still deeply focused on English society to the wee detriment of the drama. Like Peter Jackson heightening the early tension in Lord of the Rings, the recent movie adaptation of TTSS tightened up the drama and made for a more satisfying conclusion. Still, excellent all-around.

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simply brilliant

I have always loved this novel and the two others in the series, but the reading is astounding. Michael Jayston, who played Peter Guillam in the original BBC adaptation, brilliantly channels Alec Guinness in his rendering of George Smiley. So beautifully and atmospherically written and read.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Unequalled

After reading once and listening thrice, I continue to marvel at the genius of this novel. If you have only seen the movie, know this is a far superior version of this sublimely intricate story. Michael Jayston’s narration is utterly transparent as he all but disappears into a sprawling cast that includes, among others, Sir Alec Guinness’s famous portrayal of the protagonist George Smiley.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Great

One of the best Smiley novels. Smiley's growth as he approaches Hayden's treason is taught.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Excellent - all around

Great plot, phenomenal reading. This is Le Carre at his best. A George Smiley must read.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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As good as I remember.

Loved it! Reading the next book as soon as I can get it Good read

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