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Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy

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Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy

By: John le Carré
Narrated by: Simon Russell Beale
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About this listen

Brought to you by Penguin.

THE FIFTH GEORGE SMILEY NOVEL

A mole, implanted by Moscow Centre, has infiltrated the highest ranks of the British Intelligence Service, almost destroying it in the process. And so former spymaster George Smiley has been brought out of retirement in order to hunt down the traitor at the very heart of the Circus - even though it may be one of those closest to him.

The first part of le Carré's acclaimed Karla Trilogy, Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy sees the beginning of the stealthy Cold War cat-and-mouse game between the taciturn, dogged Smiley and his wily Soviet counterpart.

'Le Carré's masterwork' William Boyd

'A great thriller, the best le Carré has written' Spectator

©1974 le Carré Productions (P)2025 Penguin Audio Espionage Mystery Spies & Politics Suspense Thriller & Suspense Cold War
All stars
Most relevant
The one book I listen at .85 speed, as it makes Simon Russel/Beale’s narration into something akin to poetry and you appreciate more keenly than ever John Le Carré’s exquisite turn of phrase. I wish I could hear it for the first time again. This is my third go and doubtless my last.

A masterpiece read by one

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Such a beautiful narration by Simon Russell Beale. So good if fact, I downloaded the rest of the books he has narrated, even though I already have them.

Absolutely wonderful, one of my favourites, beautifully narrated by Simon Russell Beale

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I never realised what a terrific story this is. and SRB just IS Smiley. superb

not having read the actual book

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This is such a great novel. Le Carré is a writer of supreme ability & this, for me, is probably his finest work. It is chock full of his characteristic traits: intelligent, witty, insightful, full of careful observations, note perfect dialogue, tightly knitted prose, & intriguing , complex plots.
Having come to his work only recently I’m not sure why it took me so long - but I’m making up for lost time now, this is the fourth ‘Smiley’ I’ve listened to in just over a week.
It’s very important to add that Simon Russell Beale‘s narration is exemplary. I first heard his voice narrating Pat Barker’s “Regeneration Trilogy” which is perhaps my favourite ever listening experience, so when I read that he’d produced three of Le Carré’s books I immediately bought them even though I already had waiting in my library the original Michael Jayston recordings - and he’s dynamite too!
So, all in all, I can’t recommend this particular audiobook highly enough. As a standalone work or read as part of the ‘Smiley’ series or as part of the ‘Karla Trilogy’ (Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy, The Honourable Schoolboy, and Smiley's People) it doesn’t matter.
A sublime listening experience.

Sublime

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I return to this again and again to hear the classic spy novel, read with great respect and eloquence. A must have in your library.

Perfect narration - to a timeless spy novel

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