The Honourable Schoolboy (George Smiley, #6) (The Smiley Collection) (The Penguin John le Carre Hardback Collection) (BBC Radio) (George Smiley: Karla, #2)

by John le Carre

[annieb123]

Originally posted on my blog Nonstop Reader.

The Honorable Schoolboy is the 6th novel to feature spymaster George Smiley by John Le Carré. Originally released in 1977, this reformat and re-release in audiobook format from Dreamscape is due out 9th July 2024.

This is one of a handful of truly iconic spy thrillers from an author who literally shaped the entire genre. Smiley has taken over after removing the mole from the last book, and is building up the agency again. He's on a mission to root out all external influences. The trail soon leads to Hong Kong and points beyond.

Released to coincide with the 50th anniversary of the original publications, this unabridged audiobook has a run time of 20 hours 31 minutes and is beautifully read by Simon Vance. He has a classically trained voice with well modulated RP accent and delineates the various characters and a range of ages very well. He's easy to listen to and does credit to the read. Sound and production quality are high throughout.

Four and a half stars. Classic literature, very well done. The actual book does show its age somewhat with social attitudes of the time period, but that doesn't change the fact that this is a remarkably well crafted story with compelling characters. Additionally, the narration on this audiobook edition is outstanding.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.