Gibraltar, the lock of the Mediterranean, land of Her Majesty. An operation is set up with the British special forces, mercenaries, the CIA, the Americans. The operation is officially a success, except that… That is the essence of this novel, a blunder, denied at high levels, ignored—or so it is believed. Some men have a conscience and want to expose the truth, even at the cost of their diplomatic careers. Throughout this book, we follow one of them.
John le Carré takes us from Gibraltar to London, to Scotland. A spy novel full of twists and turns, a suicide or a murder? Wiretapping, in short, a complete arsenal to keep us in suspense. A truth so delicate. There’s money, interests, and political careers at stake. The life of a woman and a child weighs little against these stakes.
Toby Bell, our hero, promised a bright future in diplomacy, will he sacrifice his brilliant career in the name of truth? That is the question he asks himself, measuring the weight of his conscience. There are also the usual corrupted individuals, devoid of moral sense and ready to do anything to achieve their ends.
A beautifully written book. From the first to the last page, we are held in suspense over the fate of Toby Bell. Sirens are wailing everywhere, services invade the neighborhood, but hush!… First, start by reading this spy novel where the meaning of the word “secret” reaches its peak.
Thierry Jan
