"Sadness", I think, really does sum him up. In the TV version of Tinker, Tailor, Ann says "Poor George, life's such a puzzle to you, isn't it?" And I'm not sure that's true, really - I think if anything, Smiley understands the world and the people in it too well. He has no illusions, and that's a terrible thing for anybody to bear. Except when it comes to his feelings around Ann. Maybe. (And it's suggested that that's why Karla encouraged Bill Haydon to have an affair with her - because she's the one area where Smiley doesn't see clearly)
But, yes - glad to have been an encouragement to you! :D I think I first read them when I was about 17 or 18, and I've re-read them every few years since. They're a bit like Tolkien for me. ;D It's generally considered that The Spy Who Came in From the Cold is Le Carre's greatest work, and it's certainly a very good book, but for me the "Karla Trilogy" starring Smiley are just masterpieces.
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branchandroot
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Date: 2011-09-02 08:23 pm (UTC)But, yes - glad to have been an encouragement to you! :D I think I first read them when I was about 17 or 18, and I've re-read them every few years since. They're a bit like Tolkien for me. ;D It's generally considered that The Spy Who Came in From the Cold is Le Carre's greatest work, and it's certainly a very good book, but for me the "Karla Trilogy" starring Smiley are just masterpieces.