Talking the talk

I am happy to report that I finished The Blue Sword and Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy. I also finished A Lesson in Secrets. And now I am reading a bunch of other books, and not making much progress because I have been working, applying for jobs, and checking out the American Museum of Magic, where I plan to volunteer in their archive (seriously awesome stuff!). All of which has kept me pretty busy, and I'm going to use that as my excuse for not posting on Friday, as I try to do. No one complained, so I'm assuming you didn't mind (or didn't notice. Or you are a figment of my imagination and don't really exist, and no one reads this blog).

Anyway, on to the book part of the blogging, which is what you are all waiting for I'm sure. Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy. This was a new experience for me. I have never read spy lit before, really, so I wasn't sure what to expect. I actually read it because my dad asked me to help him find spy novels that weren't rated R, so I was kind of screening John Le Carre for him. (This particular novel passed the test). But it was a totally new genre for me, and I discovered that I have a few things to learn about the spy novel.

I did enjoy the book, and I checked out another book by Le Carre, but I feel like I missed a lot of content because I don't quite understand the lingo yet. I think I had a similar experience when I started reading mysteries. I hadn't quite figured out how they worked, so I missed things. (I can't say I'm a whole lot better at solving mysteries, but I get how to read them and understand what's going on). I think there is a learning curve to understanding a particular type of literature, and I hope that with more exposure, I figure out this genre. It's always good to expand your options. And having read this one, I'm better prepared for the next one. I know that the Circus is the British spy agency, the Centre is the Russian one. Never did figure out what janitors really are, or the mothers. But I got enough to follow the basic plot. But, if you are planning on picking up the genre, (is spy novel a distinct genre? It had a mystery sticker on it...) be warned that there might be some stuff that you aren't familiar with. Don't be afraid of it, just be prepared.

Another thing about this book: don't think James Bond when you read it. There are not explosions and shootouts in every chapter. In that sense, it is a mystery. Smiley pours over files and records, putting pieces together. He interview people, gets stories. It's methodical. It's a lot of brain work. It's cover stories, people acting like normal people. I think in that sense, it is much more realistic, but if you are expecting an action movie in book format, you might be disappointed. I liked it for it, though.

And finally, I just want to say, Bill Roach was a great character. He will always have a spot in my literary heart.