4 ms·
If I can compare le Carre with Cormac McCarthy I would say The Spy Who Came in From the Cold is his “The Road”. Its the novel people always recommend and put on
by porknubbins 3y ago
If I can compare le Carre with Cormac McCarthy I would say The Spy Who Came in From the Cold is his “The Road”. Its the novel people always recommend and put on “best books” lists because its short, punchy and therefore seems like a good introduction. But both authors have a substantial body of work that much better represents them as authors since it explores the themes that really are uniquely interesting about their work. For le Carre I think the Smiley novels and a Perfect Spy and for McCarthy the plains trilogy and Blood Meridian are much more rewarding if you are willing to put in the time.
- tptacek 3y agoI think "The Spy" is a better stand-alone book than any of the Smiley trilogy books are. It's not as interesting as Honorable Schoolboy, but it's more tightly plotted and asks some of the same questions in a more interesting way. Cormac McCarthy I'd start with Blood Meridian. But le Carre, I'd start with "Spy".
- InSteady 3y agoI think No Country or The Road are much better starting points. McCarthy's style takes some warming up to, especially regarding the terse run-on sentences and his strict lack of punctuation or indication of the speaker during dialogue. Blood Meridian is a heavy and dense book that is a difficult enough read even after you are somewhat used to his unique style and tone (desolate, gut-wrenching, violent, quasi-mythical, beautiful). I also think it somewhat undeservedly overshadows his other work when it comes to internet discussions.
- postexitus 3y agoBlood Meridian as "rewarding"? I do agree it is a jaw-droppingly well written book, but it is excruciating to read and experience. This is on a par with recommending Irreversible as more rewarding for French cinema if I put in the time. Please stop destroying young minds. /s