• 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 (3,419 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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Story
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  • 3 Stars
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  • 2 Stars
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  • 1 Stars
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  • Overall
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Amazing Story and Performance

it is hard to express how good a job the narrator did at putting the author's words into believable and separate characters. he makes Smiley sound both completely even-keeled without being boring, wise and searching without being preachy, and probing without being interrogative.. the whole book was performed to perfection and I can't imagine a better rendition of it.. highly recommended!

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Fantastic Narration

A great book and story lone. Made even better with a great narration and accents.





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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Viscous and Bottomless but Great

This is the only book I've ever encountered in which I could never really keep straight the endless characters but never felt that such confusion impinged on my ability to understand the gist of things. Despite the profusion of characters and backstories, the narrative is terse and economical and the author has an expert grasp on pacing and tone. Moreover, the language of the novel casts knowing darts outward from the ostensible spy story toward enduring themes of love, society, democracy, friendship, and institutions in ways more effective than most "deep books". The reader was the best ever. I have already replayed this novel as background music, which is a first for me.

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31 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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Michael Jayston is exquisite here!

Michael Jayston is exquisite here!
Very enjoyable listen, one of those you can't "put down" until you finish

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

Nothing like the movie

I was disappointed that storyline was nothing like the screenplay. It was a good story. But very different than the movie.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Jayston powers a great story into a great listen

Jayston is a perfect fit for the Smiley series. First off, Michael Jayston sounds like Alec Guiness, so you are already listening to George Smiley. He also alters his voice and accent for the various characters throughout this book and the others in the series.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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stellar and riveting

Would you listen to Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy again? Why?

Great performance of THE BEST ESPIONAGE THRILLER EVER WRITTEN

Who was your favorite character and why?

Jim Prideaux (sp?) A towering, self contained figure, nursing his wounds at a prep school, representative of the human casualties of the cold war

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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  • M
  • 04-23-18

Even better the second time!

This is the second time I've listened and it was even more enjoyable this time!

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

Exciting and humorous too

Brilliant writing and narration, which were both unexpectedly hilarious at times, especially in Connie's section, Bill's student days, and a few of Jim's interactions with his students.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Worth Many Repeat Listens

The only thing Michael Jayston can’t do is a convincing American accent. But that’s of no consequence here. The way he manages to capture the best characterizations from the remarkable mini-series is remarkable. Superb!

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