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Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy

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

Mr George Smiley is small, podgy, and at best, middle-aged. He is disillusioned, wrestles with idleness, and has been deserted by his beautiful wife. He is also compassionate, ruthless, and a senior British intelligence officer in short-lived retirement from the Circus, the British Secret Service organisation situated in London. But Moscow centre has infiltrated a mole into the Circus, and it's more than likely the perpetrator is Karla, Smiley's old adversary and his opposite number in Moscow. And when, at the dead of night, a member of the Cabinet offers Smiley the job to 'clean the stable, do whatever is necessary', it becomes a long and bitter battle of wits between Smiley, the master of deceit, and the enigmatic Karla.
©2014 Michael Jayston (P)2014 Bolinda Publishing Pty Ltd

What listeners say about Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy

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Holds up well

I first read this book many years ago and the audible version is excellent. Michael Jayston is an excellent narrator.

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Near perfection

The narrator is peerless and I am transported to each scene...I am there when Jim is talking to Jumbo, when Smiley is reminiscing about Karla, and the fear in Guillam when he is spying on his own service. The writing impeccable, the gaps intended and the characters are alive. Human flaws are painted with such colour. Almost my favourite book of all time!

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loved it multiple times

I've listened to the audiobook on a number of occasions and still enjoy it. Michael Jayston does a wonderful job.

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1 person found this helpful

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John Le Carre at his very best.

Have always loved this story and Michael Jayston does a fabulous job with the narration.

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Atmospheric

The smiley trilogy is the best le carre. TTSS is a meditation on betrayal - personal more than national

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Never too late !

I’ve only really just discovered Le carre in recent months but he has changed completely my view on writing style . I thought de Silva had nailed it in recent times and he is terrific but Le carre has this ability to turn absolutely purile , grey people into personalities of great interest within a fantastic and believable plots.
Only an Englishman of his vintage and experiences could introduce us in such an unapologetic way to the so English class laced commentary of each of his characters .
I am reading all his books and rereading the pigeon hole to get it all back in perspective and then going to Graeme Green for comparison but fear I might be disappointed .
Let’s hope there is more to come from Le carre . Do We really need a new Cold War to get more from him ?,
But that might not be all that far off anyway ?

Please Sir Cornwell don’t get older just continue writing !

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One of the greatest spy stories

Enjoyed rereading the book as I listened to the audiobook. Reminded me when I was a little kid learning to read. A much better story though.

On to the next LeCarre audiobook!

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Recommend!

This book was so well read and the intrigue was maintained throughout. Le Carre’s characters are so well written and this reading is a terrific rendition.

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Superb reading of an enthralling book

Michael Jayston, who played Peter Guillam in the BBC series of TTSP, is faultless in his reading (by no means a given in Audiobook readers). He is able to reproduce the Alec Guinness voice for Smiley without tipping over into caricature.

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a complex story

I will be listening again as I took half the book to understand the characters and events. But I feel a second go will be rewarding.

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