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The Mission Song cover art

The Mission Song

By: John le Carré
Narrated by: David Oyelowo
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Summary

Bruno Salvador has worked on clandestine missions before. A highly skilled interpreter, he is not a stranger to the Official Secrets Act. But this is the first time he has been asked to change his identity – and, worse still, his clothes – in service of his country.

Whisked to a remote island to interpret a top-secret conference between no-name financiers and Congolese warlords, Salvo’s excitement is only heightened by memories of the night before he left London, and his life-changing encounter with a beautiful nurse named Hannah.

Exit suddenly, the unassuming, happily married man Salvo believed himself to be. Enter in his place, the pseudonymous Brian Sinclar: spy, lover and perhaps, even, hero.

©2006 David Cornwell (P)2014 Bolinda Publishing Pty Ltd

Critic reviews

"An incendiary tale ... le Carré's understanding of how the world ticks is, as always, machete sharp." ( USA Today)
"Le Carré's insight into the dense, dangerous nexus of corporate and government interests is chillingly assured." ( The New York Times Book Review)
"To categorise le Carré, as many do, as a 'spy' novelist is to do him a disservice; he uses the world of cloak-and-dagger much as Conrad used the sea – to explore the dark places in human nature." ( Washington Post Book World)

What listeners say about The Mission Song

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  • Overall
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The Mission Song

Carre intuitively details character and circumstance to write a beautifully human story. It is wonderfuly read by David Oyelowa whose narration is sensitive and energetic. I'll look out for other titles he's read.

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12 people found this helpful

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    2 out of 5 stars
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    1 out of 5 stars

Not particularly enjoyable

I had high expectations from such a famous author, especially after enjoying the TV adaptations of Tinker Tailor and Smilie's People, but unfortunately this proved a dull book. Very slow to get going, the story did not engage me, and I soon found myself concentration drifting, which rather defeats the purpose of an audiobook whilst traveling. I found the main character somewhat tedious, and could not engage with the rest. The story plodded along like a history lesson, and listening felt more like a chore. If you know something about African politics and Western manipulation, you may be better able to engage with the story.

The narrator is a well established professional actor who, due to his Nigerian roots, handled the African accents and voices with convincing ease and (as far as I know, not being African myself) authenticity. Unfortunately he overreached with Scottish, and alas I cringed at his Welsh. Can't win them all I suppose, and would again stress that he is otherwise, a good actor.

Overall I did not enjoy this book.

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11 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Hard work but rewarding

This le Carre book is magnificently narrated which helps makes sense of the different players of all nationalities and persuasions. There's a lot to keep up with but it is a well crafted tale which leaves you feeling that it is all too true.

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5 people found this helpful

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Don't bother

Terrible load of rubbish. Poorly written. Incomprehensible plot. Unbelievable characters. Absolute claptrap. Also very boring, so much it sent me to sleep.

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    4 out of 5 stars

Engaging morality tale.

What made the experience of listening to The Mission Song the most enjoyable?

David Oyelewo's narration - how does he swop from an African lilt to Yorkshire brogue?

What about David Oyelowo’s performance did you like?

Brillian narration.

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

Yes

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5 people found this helpful

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    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Well worth the price

What did you like most about The Mission Song?

This is a beautifully written story which is both compelling and authentic. The combination of Le Carre's writing with David Oyelowo's narration is something that I would like to experience again.

What does David Oyelowo bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you had only read the book?

The rich variety of accents and intonation bring the story alive. He is right on the money with his narration.

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4 people found this helpful

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    1 out of 5 stars
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Dreary

I have enjoyed many Le Carre audiobooks but this is a (poor) exception - unfortunately not recommended.

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2 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

The Mission Song

Perfectly written, perfectly read.

I took much longer to finish than expected, because I kept going over parts because of the beauty of the writing.
Salvo's realistically delineated character emerges naturally from his background , and the plot is exquisitely crafted.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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well worth the pay off!

If you could sum up The Mission Song in three words, what would they be?

moody, different, atmospheric

What did you like best about this story?

I liked that this book is another brilliant insight into the world of espionage but is narrated from a very different point of view to many of the other books I've read / listened to and highlights African conflict which is a different setting for me. In the classic Le Carre way, this book builds slowly but delivers with a satisfying conclusion.

What does David Oyelowo bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you had only read the book?

David Oyelowo brings the characters in this book to life

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

more of a slow burner

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2 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
  • FJ
  • 12-08-15

A story of corruption, beautifully read.

Having visited afrika on several occasions, this story took me right back there. Excellent, well researched and believable.

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2 people found this helpful