After one of the panel discussions at the BOUCHERCON in St. Louis last September, I spoke with Dick Lochte about audio books. As a reviewer of audio books, Dick Lochte had plenty of strong opinions. When I asked him about his favorite book narrators, Lochte said, “If you haven’t listened to John le Carre, you’re really missing something.” And, of course, I hadn’t listened to John le Carre. It took me some time, but now I’ve finally listened to le Carre narrate one of his recent books, Absolute Friends. Ted Mundy and and his friend Sasha were radical students. Later, they both became involved in spying. Years later, Mundy is a tour guide in Southern Germany and Sasha, an itinerant lecturer, approaches Mundy with the proposal from a billionaire who wants to change the world. Of course, it isn’t that simple. I enjoyed John le Carre’s crisp narration. The story is convoluted and tricky. GRADE: B+
Looking forward to the new TINKER TAILOR. I have only read 2-3 of the books but Phil has read most of them.
Like Phil, I’ve read most of le Carre’s oeuvre, Patti. But sometimes that works against the reader. I saw the ending of ABSOLUTE FRIENDS coming a mile away.
I hadn’t realize Le Carre narrated his own books. I’d think that would help.
Like Patti, I’ve only read three of the Smiley books (including Tinker Tailor). Overall, I’ve preferred Len Deighton and his Bernard Samson books.
I consider le Carre’s best book to be LITTLE DRUMMER GIRL, Jeff. Like you, I prefer Len Deighton. But le Carre has his attractions.
I think THE SPY WHO CAME IN FROM THE COLD was the first thing resembling a spy novel I read other than Ian Fleming and was amazed at the difference. hey, I was young at the time. Since then, i think I’ve read only a couple of more of the Smiley boxes, always intending to read more. But it seems there’s always another “shiny bauble” to distract me. The plight of the reader.
I always liked the movie version of THE SPY WHO CAME IN FROM THE COLD, Randy. Yes, there is a vast difference between James Bond and George Smiley. But I enjoy reading about both of them.
Can’t spell or capitalize tonight . That’s books.
Ted MUNDY?? Is Le Carre kidding? What did he say, “Hmmmm, I’m having trouble coming up with a name for this character. How about I just take the name of a notorious serial killer and change the first letter. There! No one will notice.”
You’re right, Deb. Sometimes le Carre gets a litte too cute.