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Our Kind of Traitor

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'Our Kind of Traitor' by John le Carre is a spy thriller that follows a young couple, Perry and Gail, who get caught up in a web of power, money, violence, and corruption when they meet a Russian money launderer named Dima in Antigua. Dima wants to defect and share information with British Intelligence about British politicians in exchange for protection for his family. The novel is praised for its well-developed characters, tense plot, and a critical view of international politics and big business. The story unfolds with intrigue and betrayal at high levels, leaving readers with more questions than answers at the end, which is a signature of John le Carre's writing style.

Characters:

The characters are a mix of familiar archetypes and complex individuals, although some are criticized for lacking depth compared to earlier works.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is marked by elegant prose and rich character development, though it may be fragmented and confusing at times.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot centers on a British couple who unwittingly get involved with a Russian criminal seeking asylum, leading to a web of espionage and unresolved tensions.

Setting:

The setting shifts from a leisurely vacation in Antigua to the espionage backdrop of contemporary Europe, enriching the narrative.

Pacing:

The pacing is generally slow, creating tension towards the end, although it can feel tedious and disjointed at times.
At seven o’clock of a Caribbean morning, on the island of Antigua, one Peregrine Makepiece, otherwise known as Perry, an all-round amateur athlete of distinction and until recently tutor in English li...

Notes:

The main characters are Perry Makepiece, a university professor, and his girlfriend Gale Perkins, a barrister.
They meet a Russian criminal named Dima on vacation in Antigua.
Dima is involved in money laundering and seeks protection from British intelligence in exchange for information.
Le Carré's writing style includes complex character development but a thin, less thrilling plot.
The story is told from multiple points of view, shifting between Perry, Gale, and MI6 operatives.
Readers note that the novel is not a typical spy thriller and focuses more on character relationships than on action.
The ending is described as realistic but dissatisfying, leaving many plot threads unresolved.
Dima's family, including his children, are central to the emotional stakes of the story.
The book critiques the bureaucracy of British intelligence and the morality of its agents.
Some readers appreciate the writing style and character depth, while others find the pacing slow and the plot convoluted.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings include themes of violence, betrayal, and political corruption, which may be intense but are presented thoughtfully.

From The Publisher:

From the New York Times bestselling author of A Legacy of Spies. In this exquisitely told novel, John le Carré shows us once again his acute understanding of the world we live in and where power really lies.

In the wake of the collapse of Lehman Brothers and with Britain on the brink of economic ruin, a young English couple takes a vacation in Antigua. There they meet Dima, a Russian who styles himself the world’s Number One money-launderer and who wants, among other things, a game of tennis.

Back in London, the couple is subjected to an interrogation by the British Secret service who also need their help. Their acquiescence will lead them on a precarious journey through Paris to a safe house in Switzerland, helpless pawns in a game of nations that reveals the unholy alliances between the Russian mafia, the City of London, the government and the competing factions of the British Secret Service.

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