I’ve always been an avid reader – particularly of fiction – so when I discovered the works of John le Carré I was excited.

The author of nineteen novels (I believe that all deal with the world of espionage), le Carre was educated at Oxford, taught at Eton and served in the British Foreign Service for a number of years.

Michel and Carmen enjoying a good read on the beach in Cannes.

His novels are always engrossing to me – depicting the lives of spies as anything but glamorous – more often than not sleazy and contemptible. But, when reading, I always feel that he knows what he is talking about and that his novels are grand examples of Werner Herzog’s idea of fiction as “ecstatic truth!” – meaning that fiction is capable of rendering basic truth in sublime or rapturous expressions that affect the emotions powerfully.

Reading my book with the waves at my feet.

I read le Carré’s last novel “Absolute Friends” on the beach here in Cannes two years ago and a glorious as well as a thoughtful read it was! His novels and characters always appear real to me as well as the issues being explored. The territory most often covered is that of the Cold War period but with the collapse of the Soviet Empire other vital issues such as the rapaciousness of the pharmaceutical companies came to his literary attention, and thus ours, as novels such as “The Constant Gardener” appeared.

I’ve always thought that if he was to take only the slightest of moves towards non-fiction, he would find himself in the celebrated world of Truman Capote’s “In Cold Blood” or Norman Mailer’s “The Executioner’s Song” – both, by the way, further examples of “ecstatic truth.”

Truman Capote & Norman Mailer

Which, I guess, is a kind of heady way of saying that the fictional world of le Carré actually exists for me along with the veracity and pointedness of the ethical issues examined.

Well, vital global concerns or vulgar romantic ripoffs of same, novels of all kinds are scattered across the chaise lounges and yachts of the cote d’azure – presumably bringing relaxation, entertainment and probably some enlightenment along the way.

And, as far as I’m concerned, lounging in one of those chairs under the Mediterraean sun sipping a “boisson” of my choice while reading a novel by John le Carré, is one of the great delights of my life.

And now made easier and more convenient, as I’ve recently purchase a Kindle – the electronic reader from Amazon. It is the size of a trade paperback and capable of holding some 200 full-length books as well as blogs, newspapers and magazines. All of this is contained in one simple wireless, electronic device that can be read easily in the direct sunshine.

Here the Kindle is shown with the reading light

I’m greatly relieved to see that no more suitcases of books will be required for the trans-atlantic travel in my future; but, alas, also no more languid perusing of favorite bookshelves, sensuous caressing of exotic pages nor repeated analyses of my most interesting bookcovers; not to mention the inability to loan to a friend my latest literary excitement – and, diminished visits to the Cannes English Bookstore.

The first book that I read in my new kindle was “A Legacy of Ashes” – the history of the CIA by Tim Weiner; and it is an eye-opener!

If we fear that the “Agency” is incompetent and/or corrupt, then this expose (based upon recent documents made public) will confirm all of them – and add new ones!

There are two movies that strike to the heart of what has been written above: one is “The Spy Who Came In From The Cold” based upon an early le Carre novel and stars an excellent Richard Burton while the second one is "The Constant Gardener”; a more recent film which based on a more recent le Carré novel.

Movie Review:

The Spy Who Came In
From The Cold

Directed by Martin Ritt — Paramount 1965
Starring: Richard Burton, Claire Bloom

On December 24th, 1965, Bosley Crowther wrote in the New York Times; “Whether its tale of subtle intrigue or double and triple-cross among international espionage agents and Communist secret police is one that actually happened is of minor consequence. The film makes you believe it could have happened. And that’s the remarkable thing.”

But, happily, that aspect of apparent reality which is so appealing about John le Carré’s work, has been brought to the screen by director Martin Ritt and his genuine “movie star” actor, Richard Burton. Burton has very successfully buried his “star” personae into the role of Alec Leamas, an alcoholic, British agent who has one more mission to perform behind the Berlin Wall before coming in from the “cold” and into retirement.

Checkpoint Charlie at the Berlin Wall.

I visited the Berlin Wall one dreary morning in 1970 – meteorologically dreary because it was November and drizzling, philosophically dreary because it was, after all, the Wall and all it stood for and physically dreary because I was suffering from a colossal hangover which left me nauseous and feeling mysteriously responsible and guilty.

But the Wall of this movie looks exactly like the real thing as does Alec Leamas, the burned-out agent and Nan, the mousy but cheerfully idealistic communist librarian played by Claire Bloom – who Alec, in a final display of good intentions, falls in love with her innocence.

Alec and Nan attempting their escape, as organized by Mundt.

Looking at this rather pitiful exercise in human vagaries from the perspective of today with its advantage of hindsight, it all feels “stupid” and, at best, unnecessary.

However, this was the early 1960’s and the Red Menace was thought to be real! It is only now that we know that the threat was hollow and only a triumph of Soviet deception.

But, in this movie, all feels true and we are caught up in the drama of very ordinary people called upon to do extraordinary things while battling such normal problems as alcoholism, idealism and the general inability to recognize the capacity for savage duplicity that seemingly never deserts the human race.

Treacherous plans further laid out.

“The Spy Who Came In From The Cold,” made forty-five years ago, feels as fresh as stepping barefoot into this morning’s dog turd.  It doesn’t feel very good; rather creepy in fact, but we know that it is of the reality of our universe – and not likely to change much.

In that, it is both depressing and exhilarating!

Movie Review:

The Constant Gardener

Focus Features – 2006
Starring: Ralph Fiennes, Rachel Weisz, Bill Nighy

An excellent example of a le Carre work that is dealing with matters other than the Cold War. The setting is Africa and the issue is testing potentially lethal pharmaceuticals upon innocents in collusion with both foreign and local governments.

Typical poverty-stricken African villagers being used as guinea pigs
by ruthless pharmaceutical companies.

So it deals with rampant capitalism and still-active colonialism. Ralph Fiennes plays Justin Quayle, a British diplomat, who stumbles upon a deadly plot around these pharmaceuticals. While both subtle and obvious, the director, Fernando Weivelles of “City of God” fame imbues the film with urgency and a palpable sense of place. Justin Quayle is no conventional hero but he knows right from wrong and once his wife is murdered he, like Alec Leamas, unflinchingly attempts to do his best!

Justin Quayle contemplating the evils of colonialism, capitalism, and his government.

An excellent film, with a gorgeously photographed Africa along with a superb, indigenous soundtrack – not to be missed. A perfect companion for “A Spy Who Came In From The Cold!