The Latest Breaking News from Le Carré

I grew up in the southeast of England. There wasn’t all that much to do. I remember spending a lot of time at the local cinema. You had to drive to get there. I watched pretty much anything I could.

We asked 20 of our regular contributors to nominate their favourite books of the year. Their choices were diverse, intriguing and sometimes surprising. Whether you’re looking for something relaxing or stimulating, educational or enchanting, this selection is a great way to plan your summer reading – or simply add to…

Sisman, whose new book on the spy turned novelist chronicles his many extramarital affairs, discusses the morality of biography and how le Carré attempted to seduce him

David Cornwell, better known by his pen name John le Carré, was the spy-turned-novelist whose erudite tales of espionage and betrayal defined an era, gave literary heft to a genre and inspired numerous adaptations

John le Carré, whose birth name was David Cornwell, died in 2020

Three years after le Carré’s death, his official biographer reveals the adultery that was off limits during his lifetime. Does it further our appreciation of his work?

A chronicle of the author’s many affairs unable to be published during his lifetime

Errol Morris’s gentle interview allows the mesmeric writer to hold forth on how his relationship with dodgy dad Ronnie informed his life as a spy and novelist

Women’s role in espionage, largely written by women, leans less on explosions and more on perception, nuance and explorations of sacrifice – though they still kick ass