The Looking Glass War

Great presentation

I enjoyed the presentation of the story, the narration was superb. The story I enjoyed less. It’s a tale from another era, it’s engaging but ultimately sad and depressing. It’s not one I would ever want to revisit. For die hard fans only.

10 of 10 people found this review helpful

The Looking Glass War

This is another brilliant novel by le Carre. It is beautifully written and narrated, to the extent that you almost feel that you are there. I really enjoy the sense of history, little comments like working out the conversion from yards to meters, that really draws you into the book. The plot, as always, is suspense filled and engaging and is revealed through the eyes of several different charters, with different priorities and view points about the unfolding events. Le Carre has the ability to make the reader care abut his characters, regardless if the reaction is positive or negative and writes in a way that most often inspires sympathy for opposing characters turning things that are seen as faults by one character into an understandable reaction due to background and situation by another. I usually prefer to read fantasy but picked up a Le Carre in my teens and the sheer quality of his writing keeps me unable to put his books down, despite this being and area I am usually uninterested in reading.

17 of 18 people found this review helpful

Not one of Le Carré’s best

This is a rather protracted novel. What would have been an excellent short story has been over extended with the result that rather a lot of nothing happens for much of the book. The narrative arc shares some similarities with The Spy Who Came in From the Cold, but I found it far less compelling.

4 of 4 people found this review helpful

Better than the reading by Le Carre!

Seeing the mixed reviews I nearly didn't buy this, especially as I already had the earlier edited version (on cassette) narrated by the author himself - which is ok but not earth shattering... I'm so glad I took the plunge. Michael Jayston is a superb reader, with excellent voice characterisation. The writing is first rate, and although not a thrill fest, the detail in the story is totally believable. Best advice - don't visit East Germany wearing hair oil!

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Dull

I usually enjoy le Carré, but try as I might my mind wanders off.. giving up on this one.

3 of 4 people found this review helpful

Coming into form

Where does The Looking Glass War rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

about midway

Who was your favorite character and why?

Harry, he was the most realistic.

Have you listened to any of Michael Jayston’s other performances? How does this one compare?

yes, it's on a par, he is an excellent reader.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

no

Any additional comments?

This comment is spoiler, don't read if you have yet to enjoy the story!

I felt the story's premise was good, but the lead character had no good reason for killing the guard which led to his demise and the failure of the mission, which seemed to be a put up job by the Russians anyway, but this was never clarified, perhaps intentionally. However it seemed a bit contrived towards the end, still very good, but not up to the standard of drama later achieved in the likes of tinker tailor and smiley's people.

3 of 4 people found this review helpful

Espionage on a shoestring

The Brits think they have enough but one department, feeling under-valued, tries to run a job it has no business doing. The circus is involved but you'll need to make your own mind up as to what they did. Good story, good narration, just lacked a bit of tension at some points.

Dreary !

In my youth I have read a book or two by John Le Carre - though cannot remember which one(s).

Listening to this one was hard work. I nearly gave up after 2 and a half hours, but did endure to the end. I found it a dreary story. As usual I had to listen the end 3 times because I could not remember how it endue due to the continuity announcer "We hope you have enjoyed this book" intruding my thoughts within seconds of the story ending.

Pig headed idiot - we need a few moments silence, better still a piece of music so we know the story has ended before he blurts his intrusion.

Sad story

I never read this one when it came out so came to it ignorantly unaware of the subject matter, thinking it was 'just another' Smiley book. And yes, other peoples' reviews are fair, it is not one of Le Carre's best ........... but it is most beautifully read and probably very accurate of behind the scenes rivalry. I enjoyed it.