Outstanding writing and narration

This intelligent, measured and thought-provoking novel was quietly powerful. It really made me think about morality, accountability and what is acceptable behaviour of the individual, and of a government. It was gripping and the ending perfect - and as a bonus, it seems that Mr le Carre has left a door ajar. Not only was it beautifully written, but the narration by John le Carre himself was a revelation. His depiction of the characters was distinct and his accents were excellent. It is a privilege to hear him read his own words. He is 81 years old - and right up there with the very best narrators.

21 people found this helpful

Masterly!

I have read and listened to books by Le Carre before, of course, and found the plots, the writing and the performances by Michael Jayston for the audio books all to be excellent. He is undoubtedly not just a good but a great modern writer. However, I think this latest story stands out for a number of reasons. First, there is the the story itself and the obvious commitment of Le Carre in developing it and the implicit critiques of both state and private commercial power. His use of language and descriptive power is once again outstanding. Secondly, however, it is Le Carre's own reading that is the revelation . I was surprised to see that he was voicing this presentation not least because Jayston has been so good, but also because, frankly, I was not sure from the various interviews etc. I've seen of him whether Le Carre would be suited to this role. I need not have worried: he gives the reading a quality and tone which seem, to me, to fit perfectly to the social and political contexts and the people he describes so well, and he also manages to present convincing characterisations of all the story's actors.
Overall, I think this is one of Le Carre's best tales in terms of content and also the quality of writing, at least amongst his most recent works, and his reading on this audio version made for a truly masterly production. Highly recommended.

19 people found this helpful

Gripping listen

I was a little apprehensive when I downloaded this new book from John le Carre. I have enjoyed many of his previous novels on audio and one of the great delights is listening to Michael Jayston's performance. This book is narrated by the author and at first I thought this might get in the way of my enjoyment of the book. He is, however, an accomplished reader and delivered believable voices for all the characters.
The story is gripping from start to finish and the characters are believable and sympathetic. I thought this was one of his best for a while.

26 people found this helpful

Read it, & then listen to it

Would you consider the audio edition of A Delicate Truth to be better than the print version?

If I'm honest I preferred the read version because it is easier to go back through the book to check certain facts. I would highly recommend this version if you have already read the print book or simply want to get lost in many hours of quality espionage.

What did you like best about this story?

This is a very atmospheric listen. More so than the book. It's very easy to get lost in the narrative & emersed in the story. If you listen to this on a train you may well miss your stop.

Which scene did you most enjoy?

No scene particularly sticks out but like most well written thrillers you find yourself so immersed that you often have to rewind a chapter or two to get back into the story itself.

If you made a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

When honesty sometimes is not the best policy

Any additional comments?

A good listen but not for the novice. You have to really enjoy this type of 'in depth' thriller & it would help if you are a fan of the author. Very easy to get lost in the narrative but if you are a Le-Carre fan & have read his works then you will enjoy. A book to be listened to when you are not going to be interrupted.

5 people found this helpful

Disturbing in ways but disappointing ending

Really excellent story and brilliantly read by the author. How accurate are the type of events he portrays promotes disturbing thoughts but there is an authenticity about his writing which is masterful. Only drawback was the rather abrupt ending which left you wanting more. Is this perhaps the first part of a ongoing story, I do hope so?

5 people found this helpful

Excellent listen yet disappointing end.

I have to agree with a previous review that, whilst you cannot fault the superb writing, sublime narration and the gripping pace of the story, it just ended smothered in ambiguity. I would hate to think that we should have come to the most obvious conclusion. I would still highly recommend it .

4 people found this helpful

Classic le Carre

What did you like most about A Delicate Truth?

A gripping story that keeps you interested until the end.

What did you like best about this story?

Believable, yet interesting and up to date. Still political and communicating the trappings of Whitehall.to the uninitiated.

What about John le Carré’s performance did you like?

Understated with no over the top accents or impressions. Steady.

Did you have an emotional reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Not emotional - just gripping.

Any additional comments?

If you like the Smiley stories, you'll like this. Unabridged is great as it keeps all the minute details and le Carre descriptions.

4 people found this helpful

Brilliant

A wonderful and sinister story by a master storyteller at the height of his powers, while nonetheless in his eighties. And not only that, but he is also the reader and a very good reader he is too. Rivetting.

4 people found this helpful

A real treat...

Not only the masterly plot that one would expect from John le Carré, but the additional treat of the author reading the book himself. I know from past experience that this is not always something that is desirable, but in the case of this book it was wonderful and really added an extra dimension to the story.

8 people found this helpful

First Victim of War - a delicate Truth

What did you like most about A Delicate Truth?

le Carrie writes a cracking story. A Delicate Truth is based around a fictious Operation Wildlife, a top-secret mission in Gibraltar, involving private spy companies , special forces, and a cast of spooks dodgy Ministers and Civil Servants.

Operation Wildlife was "an utter cock-up" in which an innocent Muslim mother and child, were killed and their deaths hushed up. Three years later , one of the soldiers involved reveals that the greater horror of the "cock-up" is the government conspiracy to cover it up, and bury the truth

What was one of the most memorable moments of A Delicate Truth?

The meeting of the old soldier with a conscience Geb and "paul" "Paul Anderson" a retired diplomat, who was involved , get reengaged but wants to do the honourable thing. Together with Foreign Office high-flyer Toby Bell, who has to put his career on the line.

Have you listened to any of John le Carré’s other performances? How does this one compare?

Very good performance.

If you made a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

- "Outsourcing Honour"

Any additional comments?

Should be a follow up.

3 people found this helpful