Tom Hollander corrupts Le Carre's craft

Would you listen to A Legacy of Spies again? Why?

I would re-read this book in a shot. A lovely, scathing view of England now. Sadly I couldn't bear to hear Mr Hollander's nasal sneer again. Ironically his voice optimises the estate agent cock-of-the-walk that Mr Le Carre finds so distasteful. The only time Tom Hollander did it justice was when inhabiting the terrible, devoid of humanity, Bunny. Where is the heart in this man's voice? He avoids performance so the book reads in a monotone of dreariness. Where is Michael Jayston's deft touch? Sad, it would have been nice to find someone good enough to match the master's words.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Peter, it is through his jaundiced eye the book is told.

How could the performance have been better?

Where to begin? Why did Mr Hollander not attempt to inhabit the different characters? Is he too famous?

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No, I had to savour it. I also felt it was somehow disrespectful to listen when I should be reading it. The words were offered up with such mediocrity it felt treasonous. I escaped back to the written word and then could realise the real beauty of the prose.

Any additional comments?

Far more attention to narration. Tom Hollander remained Tom Hollander throughout the book, did he think 'doing the voices' somehow demeaned him? The narrator should act as a perfect conduit without ego.

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2 people found this helpful

Truly Spooked<br />

A wonderful story enhanced by Tom Hollander 's insightful and entertaining narration of Peter Guillam's actual real memories and his reluctant response to an interrogation at the hands of the new high and mighty people in the Circus. . This book could serve two audiences. Those of us who have read and loved the Smiley stories and a new group of readers who may have been introduced to John Le Carre in the hit TV series The Night Manager . The latter group may enjoy this as a standalone novel but will undoubtedly be enticed to get reading the Smiley novels. What I enjoyed most about this book was the way it explained so many issues that escaped me in Call For The Dead and The Spy That Came In FromThe Cold. Furthermore, it provides us with the foundation for the Carla Trilogy. The narrative is presented in a well constructed manner, weaving the past and the present through Service records and interviews. The highlight for me was the eventual appearance of George and his revelation that it was all about Europe. Such a strong political statement and so relevant for today.

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2 people found this helpful

Wonderful!

A worthy end to the Smiley saga. Beautifully written and superbly read by Tom Hollander, Gripped, couldn't stopped listening. Wonder if they'll make a TV series..........

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the great teller of stories.

Tom Hollander has an amazingly calm way of story telling. Great twisting story full of believable characters.

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Wonderful! Le Carre is as good as ever.

I was not sure whether it would be as good as previous works, but it was. I really enjoyed it.
Tom Hollander's narration fitted well.

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Masterfully composed.

Beautifully crafted as only le Carré can do. He's only gotten better with time and this encore is gives an insight into the legacy of those characters he created all those years ago. Truthful to the world of the Circus, it entails a reminiscence of a one of the darkest times for Smiley's people, in the context of the naive and inpatient modern era, through the mind and memory of Peter Guillam.

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Loved it..... Highly recommended.

Have been reading Le Carre's work since I was a teenager, over 30 years ago. It was great to meet with old friends and get to know Peter Guillame better. Definitely worth listening to. Tom Hollander reads it beautifully.

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Loved it.

massive fan of john le carre and I thought this was one of his best

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captivating

I was delighted to find a new book in the Smiley series of John le Carre and couldn't stop once I started. I have read and listened to the other books a few times and just love the way they are written. This book is in the same league, actually better because threads and events in the other books are added to and pulled together. I feel like I am discovering more about all the other stories as well as enjoying the strong storyline in this novel.

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Satisfying Story

Interesting follow-up to 'The Spy Who Came in from the Cold', with a fascinating contemporary slant depicting the new modern beaurocracy. George Smiley is there in the background all through but we don't get to meet him until the end, a nice touch. Excellent performance from Tom Hollander, who stays just the right side of comic cynicism.

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