The Spy Who Came in From the Cold

by John le Carré
The Spy Who Came in From the Cold cover
Good Books rating 4.17
Thriller/Suspense
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Paperback • £8.99–£10.99 Hardback • £16.99
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  • ID: 3430
  • Added: 2025-10-18
  • Updated: 2025-10-19
  • ISBN: 9781844568963
  • Publisher: Hachette UK
  • Published: 2008-10-02
  • Formats: 4
  • Reviews: 3

John le Carré's classic novel 'The Spy Who Came in from the Cold' revolutionized the spy genre with its gritty realism and complex characters. The story centers on Alec Leamas, a British spy who is given one final, perilous assignment before he can retire from the shadowy world of espionage. The novel is renowned for its intricate plot and the chilling atmosphere it creates, as Leamas navigates a web of deception and danger. /n/nBeyond its thrilling narrative, the book is celebrated for its exploration of the moral ambiguities of the Cold War era. Le Carré's detailed and authentic portrayal of the spy world, combined with his sharp critique of political ideologies, makes this a compelling read for fans of literary fiction and espionage thrillers alike.

Reviews
BBC Culture · Adam Scovell · 2023-08-31
gritty 4.50

The novel is celebrated for its gritty power and disillusioned protagonist. It is considered a classic of the spy genre, rooted in the author's own experiences.

Adam Scovell highlights the gritty power of the tale, focusing on the disillusioned British agent at its core. He celebrates the novel as a classic, rooted in John le Carré's own experiences, which adds a layer of authenticity to the story. The reviewer appreciates the depth of the characters and the realistic portrayal of espionage, making it a standout in the genre. The novel's enduring appeal is attributed to its ability to capture the complexities of the Cold War era.

Quick quotes

    As it turns 60, Adam Scovell celebrates the gritty power of this tale of a disillusioned British agent.

    Which was rooted in Le Carré's own ...

    The novel's enduring appeal is attributed to its ability to capture the complexities of the Cold War era.

Vishy the Knight's Blog · Vishy · 2021-12-21
fascinating 4.00

The story is captivating, especially in the first 50 pages, and has influenced many subsequent works. The reviewer finds it fascinating and well-crafted.

Vishy finds the initial part of the book particularly fascinating, noting that the story has been borrowed by many other works. They appreciate the engaging narrative and the way the author crafts the espionage elements. The reviewer also highlights the book's impact on the genre, praising its ability to captivate readers from the very beginning. The depth of the characters and the intricate plot are also noted as standout features.

Quick quotes

    The story told in this book is very interesting and the first 50 pages are very fascinating.

    The story told in that part has been borrowed so many times in ...

    The story is captivating, especially in the first 50 pages.

The Guardian · 2010-07-23
intriguing 4.00

The novel is praised for its intricate plot and the pleasure of unraveling its complexities. It offers a deep dive into the moral ambiguities of espionage.

This review highlights the sheer pleasure of unraveling the multifarious plot of the novel. It delves into the moral ambiguities that make the book a standout in the espionage genre. The reviewer appreciates the way the story navigates the complexities of the Cold War era, offering a nuanced perspective on the characters and their motivations. The writing is commended for its ability to keep the reader engaged and curious throughout.

Quick quotes

    So much so relatively straightforward, but one of the sheer pleasures of the grade one espionage novel is in unravelling its multifarious ...

    The novel's strength lies in its ability to navigate the moral ambiguities of espionage.

    It offers a deep dive into the moral ambiguities of espionage.

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