Plot Summary

The Honourable Schoolboy

John le Carré

The Honourable Schoolboy

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1977

Book Brief

John le Carré

The Honourable Schoolboy

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1977
Book Details
Pages

589

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Hong Kong • 1970s

First Publication Year

1977

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

The Honourable Schoolboy by John le Carré is the second novel in the Karla Trilogy, following the British intelligence service's attempts to recover from a devastating betrayal. It focuses on journalist-turned-spy Jerry Westerby, who is sent to Southeast Asia to investigate financial links and uncover espionage activities during the Cold War.

Mysterious

Suspenseful

Gritty

Dark

Contemplative

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

John le Carré's The Honourable Schoolboy captivates with its intricate Cold War espionage plot and rich character development, but some find its pacing uneven. Praise is given for its atmospheric tension and multifaceted protagonist, yet the detailed narrative might challenge readers seeking a faster-paced thriller.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Honourable Schoolboy?

The ideal reader for John le Carré’s The Honourable Schoolboy is someone who enjoys intricate Cold War espionage narratives. Fans of Frederick Forsyth’s The Day of the Jackal or Graham Greene’s The Quiet American will appreciate the deep character development and geopolitical intrigue. This reader revels in complex plots and morally ambiguous characters.

Book Details
Pages

589

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Hong Kong • 1970s

First Publication Year

1977

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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