Smiley's People

I am jealously hoarding the le Carré novels, for his lifetime for writing more is shorter than my lifetime for reading what he writes. But I finally read this one, motivated by enjoying the new season of the TV show Homeland and wanting to read a more nuanced spy novel.

So lovely, what a wonderfully humble meditation. I love the narrative device, of Smiley's own investigation and his chapter-by-chapter visiting of old friends. Also the complete lack of mythologizing of Smiley himself. Particularly his miserable life with Ann, written with such empathy. It's all just a sort of writing and tone you can't find in most modern storytelling. Great actual story too, with nothing really happening so much as trace facts being discovered. Excellent book.