The Honourable Schoolboy

George Smiley, Book 6

De: John Le Carré

Narrado por: Simon Vance

“Not a page of this book is without intelligence and grace.” —The New York Times

The mole has been purged from the Circus, and George Smiley, newly made chief of the agency, has both rebuilding and revenge in his sights. To fully eradicate the threat, Smiley must trace back the treachery to its very roots.

When his investigation leads him to Hong Kong—and what appears to be a dead end—Smiley enlists Jerry Westerby, an international sports journalist and “occasional” Circus asset. In the Far East, Westerby will have to untangle a web of corruption spread across a region with a reputation for testing loyalties and allegiances.

The Honourable Schoolboy, sequel to the best-selling Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, continues Smiley’s hunt for the Soviet spymaster Karla. With a richly drawn plot and characters that are destined to be “burned on the brain of the reader” (The New York Times), the sixth George Smiley novel serves as both thriller and gripping examination of the costs of espionage.

©2011 John Le Carré (P)2024 Dreamscape Media

Good but . . .

The writing is superb, as always with Le Carré, and the performance is first-rate, especially considering how difficult must be the many accents of these characters from many different countries and backgrounds. No spoilers, but to me the protagonist’s motivation in the last section of the novel makes no sense. His actions seem suddenly out of character with no explanation. That reduced my pleasure in what is in most ways an excellent novel of espionage and suspense.

le Carré and Vance!

This is a stellar combination, the reliving of Cold War tales with its hideously Machiavellian spy game.

New voice for an old favorite

Must be a favorite because I've bought it twice. Many years ago as one of my first few audible book purchases through Apple. A book that I can't access through the app, and that works poorly through Apple books. Seeing Simon Vance narrates it I thought why not. Perhaps after reading and rereading and listening and relistening to it, I thought a new reader and interpretation might lend a new perspective. I think Michael Jayston was perfect for Smiley and for all the British crew, though his American accents were a little funky. Actually, a bit surprised Simon's american accent is a little disappointing too. And his Mexican accent is comically bad. Sounds like a south of the border Boris Karloff. But with the varied range of accents needed for this and other Le Carre books, from danish to American to Mexican and Italians and Chinese etc. one can't complain too much. I think I did note one place where SV's vocal interpretation showed clear evidence of his careful listening to Jayston. All that considered, I think both are exceptional narrators for Le Carre and I'd take either over the author, but I do think I developed a tad of a bias over the years. Regarding the story, over much of my business career I've made mental reference to it as we are told men used to make frequent reference to the Aeneid. When working as a foreign rep I channeled Westerby. When negotiating with a board I channeled Smiley. The meeting for rights and privileges is exquisitely developed and very instructive. Le Carre was a wonderful collector of British idiom and an impeccable constructor of narrative. Although with this listening was the first time I so critically listened that I did feel some possible narrative fudging, but who cares. Characters are more real than real people, which isn't always praise, but these have complexity as well. The story haunts places I haunted during decades adjacent and Le Carre hits it all pretty well despite the occasional stereotype. He was a helluva craftsman when building characters, and Smiley, Westerby, Connie Sachs, and so many of the others, remain as cohesive personalities long after. Surprising really it's not dated more. Extraordinary skill he paid dearly for.

Great narrator reading a great book.

So long yet at the conclusion, I did not want it to end. An important book leading to Smiley's People.

A time capsule of post-war Southeast Asia

This is John LeCarre at his best. For once, he takes you out of his comfort zone in Europe and the UK, and embeds you into the reality of Hong Kong and Vietnam right after the war ended. As a Great Master, he uses a broad brush to illusrate the venues for the reader, then paints the middle ground with the plot, his characters and their back stories. Finally, he uses fine strokes to gradually reveal the intertwined details of the story to its ultimate conclusion. This novel is meant to be savored - it's not fast food fodder or a quick action fix. Please enjoy this wonderful odyssey involving the newshound Gerry Westerby as he uncovers a covert Chinese gold seam, managed by his seminal character, George Smiley.

An amazing read, the best spy content

Le Carre’s reveals are second to none when it comes to plot - the details, the character development, and the pace of which the story unfolds are what stand out in all Le Carre novels. The Honourable Schoolboy is one of the deepest of his works, and what seems like unnecessary banter in the beginning in truth sets up the whole tale. Le Carre’s articulation of the spy world and all political implications are simply the best you’ll read. I also really enjoyed this narrator’s version of the novel, it added a lot to each character. 10/10 this is up there with his best work!