The Honourable Schoolboy

George Smiley, Book 6

By: John Le Carré

Narrated by: 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

Im reading the trilogy

My most negative reaction was towards the narrator’s very poor American accents. He tried many that all missed in different regards and also became muddled together. The later one that portrays a man name Masters was painful listening. I did enjoy the story.

le Carré and Vance!

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

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!

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.

Talent

As a retired educator with ADHD, I love Le Carré's works because they can keep my brain busy. Listening to a gifted narrator enhances the experience. I rely on audiobooks more and more as I age.