Smiley's People (Paperback)

The story focuses on George Smiley (The main character from "Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy") as he tries to track down his old nemesis - the Russian spy-master Karla. But we meet many interesting characters, and visit many diverse locations on the way.

In this book, we are as far removed from James Bond fantasy as it's possible to get. (Think of be-spectacled men in grey suits drinking tea and pouring over dusty old Whitehall files - and you'll have more of the right idea).

Does this mean that it's dull and boring then? Far from it:-

It is a brilliantly written mixture of detective investigation, espionage, and character study which builds slowly but surely to a wonderfully understated yet perfect conclusion.

If you're a fan of the genre (or even just of a good book) - don't miss it.

Mph.

The story: George Smiley is called out of retirement to investigate the death of one of "the Circus's" former agents- right in there own back yard! This one murder starts a ball rolling that can only end with the capture of Karla, the KGB demon, or the utter disgrace of George Smiley.

Bernard Hepton returns as Smiley, and I'd settle for no less! Hepton brings to radio's Smiley everything that Sir Alec Guiness brought to the television version. The quality I've always admired about Smiley is the way he is willing to help the very people who have betrayed him throughout his life- which seems to be everyone at one time or another. Hepton is able to portray this quality combined with the wonderful dignity that an honorable man would have.

The dramatisation is admirably handled by Rene Basilico. John Fawcett Wilson handles the production with great skill as well. SMILEY'S PEOPLE is a complex story that has been told in an approachable, entertaining way. Let us hope that all of John le Carre's books will be adapted someday.