What do You think about A Small Town In Germany (2008)?
A low-level German-born staffer in the British embassy in 1960s Bonn disappears along with several dozen files which may prove crucial to the UK's gaining admittance to the European Common Market. Set during the student riots in West Germany, when politicians flirted with both East and West, there are elements in this novel which still ring true today. Inept diplomats and their even more stultifying staff each scramble to protect their own turf, damn the consequences for the country they are supposed to be serving, even including illicit affairs. The world weary players trudge through their monotonous lives with the sole hope of retiring comfortably on a government pension. Meanwhile, revolution is in the air, stirred up by a larger than life German who may not be all he seems. Did the staffer defect to Russia or East Germany? Did he take the files with him? What was in the files? Does it all matter or can it be swept under the rug? And, the issue most concerning the embassy, can we keep the Germans from finding out about the disappearance so they don't realize just how blazingly incompetent we are? Le Carré's unromantic cynicism, developed in his previous novels, is on full display here.
—Darin
Of the first five books that I've read from Le Carre, this was the hardest to get through. That is not typically the start of a great review, but I assure you it was a much better book than the length of time to read it would indicate (as compared to my average read time). In fact, I'd go so far as to say this was my second favorite of the books I've read (The Spy Who Came In from the Cold being my favorite).The more I read of Le Carre, the more I realize that to classify him exclusively as a spy novelist is to sell what he does short. In reading these novels I've come to understand how his style has influenced the writing styles of people in this genre. I appreciate the subtlety present in his writing. I also appreciate that he doesn't feel compelled to rely on pacing to create tension- he allows his stories to breathe, meander, and develop. There is a large psychological element to his writing that exists despite never overtly utilizing the typical constructs.Perhaps the thing I find most striking in his work is how his books end with the reader left to draw his or her own conclusions related to the protagonists and antagonists. He doesn't beat the reader over the head with good guys and bad guys. The good guys don't always win and the bad guys don't always die. In fact, I think one can't help but realize that intelligence work is inherently fraught with ambiguity as a result of reading his books. This certainly would turn some people off, but I find it enthralling.As I mentioned, this was probably my second favorite novel I've read during this mini-binge. I thought that Turner, one of the central characters, was a fascinating study and enjoyed tying to peer into his mind. The story wasn't what it appeared at first to be, but didn't stray so far that I felt misled by the first 50 pages. The other characters in the book were unique and treated to enough space to be able to develop personalities and traits that made their interactions with Turner rewarding as he tried to get his job done. Ultimately, I thought this was a rewarding read and would recommend it to others.
—Alec
This is not the most accessible le Carre, but that doesn't mean it isn't a very good read. I started slowly as I could only read a few pages at night, and that meant I was hopelessly lost. I started again when I got on a long plane journey, and then it was much easier to retain the key facts and follow the dialogue. As it features many 'dips' (diplomats, not pickpockets) the dialogue is often contorted. And the final scene still puzzles me. I completely trust his knowledge of this world, and his description at times of Bonn reminded me of Joseph Conrad's description of London in the Secret Agent: like an aquarium with the water drained out of it. Worth reading for sure, but try to allocate it the time and attention it requires.
—Katherine Kreuter
