Smiley's People

The Karla Trilogy, Book 3

De: John le Carré

Narrado por: Michael Jayston

Duración: 14 h y 23 m

Resumen del Editor

George Smiley was summoned from his dubious retirement by two seemingly unconnected events - an old woman in Paris is promised the return of a daughter she will never see, and a handover is to take place on a steamer in Hamburg.

©1979 David Cornwell (P)2014 Bolinda Publishing Pty Ltd.

excellent choice

Would you consider the audio edition of Smiley's People to be better than the print version?

I don't normally compare, I enjoy both in different reasons. I enjoy Audio books in the Car on my commute and If I am travelling.

The written books I enjoy if I get a free couple of hours.

Who was your favorite character and why?

George Smiley, a close second Peter guillam and Oliver Lacon. George has a conscience which must be both an asset and a liability in the Job. He is never allowed to just retire and maybe he just can't whilst Karla is sitting atop moscow centre.

Peter isn't as central as he was in Tinker Tailor or The Honourable Schoolboy, but I think he looks to George more like an Uncle than a Friend and Colleague. He never really gets the full picture from George until last and George seems to protect Peter from Sol Enderby and Co.

I seen so many Oliver Lacons in my career. He is Georges superior but Oliver needs George more that George needs Oliver. George is the type of Journeyman in a firm that knows his stuff, knows how things work etc and Oliver has the top job and needs George to keep him looking good.

This time Oliver's wife has left him and I think he suddenly realises the pain George must have felt over his difficult marriage to Ann. He wants George's advice but George does what a real friend would do and let Oliver talk without giving advice.

What about Michael Jayston’s performance did you like?

Excellent as Usual.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

During the interogation in Switzerland, without giving away the plot. George is compared to Karla. This is the beginning of the conclusion when George realises that he has become his nemesis.

Any additional comments?

Although I Enjoyed the Book. The Ending was very Swift and Bare. Both in the Honourable Schoolboy and Smileys people I just felt that there could have been more to say. For example what happened at Sarratt afterwards with their Golddust etc.

What became of George, Peter and Oliver. After reading the trio They have become like family. What became of the circus etc.

This is my only gripe with the last two books in the Karla triolgy

Superb narration

Michael Jayston gives such a wonderful performance, you can't imagine anyone else reading Le Carré. He is George Smiley to perfection.

Best stories I've ever heard

Any additional comments?

Tried to switch for another author after listening for two books in succession, but hardly finished listening for mere part. I rushed back to my third title, and was stunned by the great relief I felt the minute I started again. John Le Carre, for my mind, is a genius of truly intellectual novels. I'm not a native speaker, so I excitedly enjoyed learning the language of his books.

Great book - great plot - great Smiley

This book is one of my all time favourite booksh. Alongside Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy this my absolute favourite Le Carre novel.

HARD WORK LISTENING

This book wasn’t for you, but who do you think might enjoy it more?

I don't know, some one who thinks it makes them cool by saying it is enjoyable

What do you think your next listen will be?

Andy Carpenter

How could the performance have been better?

Some enthusiam from the reader. & I do not like to critize readers but this is hard work

If you could play editor, what scene or scenes would you have cut from Smiley's People?

unfortunately around 80%

Any additional comments?

In all honesty I didn't listen to the entire book. I struggled for the first half, started on the second half but could not take it any more. I have put it away for when I feel strong enough to take the rest.