A Private Spy

The Letters of John le Carré

By: John le Carré, Tim Cornwell - editor

Narrated by: David Harewood, Florence Pugh

An archive of letters written by the late John le Carré, giving readers access to the intimate thoughts of one of the greatest writers of our time

The never-before-seen correspondance of John le Carré, one of the most important novelists of our generation, are collected in this beautiful volume. During his lifetime, le Carré wrote numerous letters to writers, spies, politicians, artists, actors and public figures. This collection is a treasure trove, revealing the late author's humour, generosity, and wit--a side of him many readers have not previously seen.

Critic reviews

Praise for A Private Spy:

“A Private Spy, a collection of correspondence spanning much of his [John le Carré’s] life, offers a fresh look at his brilliance.”
—New York Times

“[Le Carré’s] voluble brilliance is on display in the collection of effusive, guarded, witty, tortured, ebullient, terse, sniffy, pompous, needy, generous, phony, moving, and highly entertaining letters... each page of which reads as though it were written without a blotted word.”
—Los Angeles Review of Books

“It’s glimpses of the master novelist most readers will be eager for, and they’ll find them in his letters to family and avid readers [in A Private Spy].”
—Washington Post

“A fascinating look at one of the 20th century’s most fascinating figures.”
—CrimeReads

“Le Carré was perhaps the most thoughtful and erudite purveyor of the spy novel in the 20th century, a crackerjack storyteller who elevated the thriller to literary heights…the engrossing letters in A Private Spy—curated with great affection and care by [Tim] Cornwell, who sadly passed away in May 2022—are not unlike an exquisite bespoke suite crafted by a master.”
—BookPage

“[A Private Spy is] a portrait of the famed spy novelist via a lifetime of correspondence…Meticulously edited and expansively annotated by le Carré’s son, Cornwell, this collection lands like a biography…Le Carré’s wry modesty and cleareyed insight into human nature consistently shine through…invaluable for fans.”
—Kirkus

“Engaging, insightful, wise and gloriously witty.”
—DecaturDaily

Quiet, Dignified, & Articulate

I really felt I was peering over the shoulder of le Carré. These letters shine a light into the thoughts of an author I have treasured for decades (as is substantiated by my bookshelves.) I don’t care to know about the “messiness” of his private life, as he describes it, and I am well aware of the limitations he honored regarding his career with MI-6. I am interested in what interested him, what gave him joy, how he felt about his books and career. A Private Spy gives me all that and more. It is a tribute and one well earned.

A wonderful poignant insight to a remarkable man.

I love and have read many of his novels but this collection of his letters brings into focus the inner brilliance of the man. Pity some many of his letters were lost but this collection is a treasure for those who admire this man.

Life story from a master storyteller.

I have never cared for John le Carre’s spy novels, but I found this collection of his letters irresistible. His warm friendships and intelligent commentary on world affairs accompany the story of his life and work, all presented by a virtuous wordsmith.

Letters As Interesting As His Books

A correspondence that reveals a complicated man whose life from childhood on was as layered as an onion. Harewood and Pugh do a terrific job, with his interpretation maintaining a credible tone that adds enormously to the book's mood and her dating and occasional input providing emphasis points that keep the thread comprehensible. Particularly interesting, I think, for writers, as he offers not only tidbits of advice re the craft throughout but also provides an excellent example of how to function as a highly successful author.

Truly engrossing from start to finish

Loved this book. David Harewood's reading was so convincing that I'd have sworn it was read by the author. I was never a fan of "spy vs spy" novels, but I've always loved "The letters of whomever" books. This did not disappoint. I recently enjoyed "The Leonard Bernstein Letters", a wonderful book, and "A Private Spy" was equally delightful. I am puzzled by one thing, tho'. With the accent on the last syllable of Carre', I always seemed to hear Ka'-ray. Go figure. While I'm sure Audible would prefer we not get political, I must say that what was said about our former president will endear Carre' to me forever.