The Little Drummer Girl

Mr. Le Carre wrote this book about the Middle East in 1983, and it is as timely a novel now as it was then. Charlie, a modestly talented British actress goes to work for Israeli intelligence to try and locate a secretive Palestinian agent. Indoctrinated with a false background of having a romantic affair with the agent's brother, she plays the role with such determination that she begins to believe this fictional experience. At various points in the novel the reader begins to wonder if Charlie will remain an Israeli spy or begin to identify with the Palestinians. Le Carre skillfully develops the philosophy of the opposing sides. The Palestinian and Israeli characters all feel the righteousness of their cause. Each feels that they are on the side of justice, and even human love, to oppose those whom they feel are motivated by purely evil intent. There is never a consideration of whether the end should justify the means. Anything goes when justice is on your side. You are left with the feeling that there is no resolution to this conflict. JLC is known for his slow, detailed exposition of plot and character. You read over 100 pages before you get a glimmering of what is probably going to happen. There are some thrills in this novel, but don't expect this to be an edge of your seat ride. The first part of the book involves a bombing in Berlin, and the author, in an updated introduction to the book, admits that maybe he should have shortened this section somewhat. I rather like the book's pace, seeing the development of the characters, and the gelling of the Byzantine plot. He's a skilful, intelligent writer, and that's just fine. One outstanding section of the book involves the chief Israeli agent, an expert manipulator, jousting with a British intelligence officer. The description of the pompous, controlling Brit is priceless, and the two characters' verbal fencing is immensely funny. This almost 500 page book could have been written in 200 pages by the typical mystery hack, but I enjoyed every word of this fine novel.

As a suspense author with my debut novel in its initial release, I admire John Le Carre's LITTLE DRUMMER GIRL because it achieves what all authors of such types of fiction hope to achieve. Le Carre takes the complex issues involved in the Middle East and personalizes these issues with an intricate plot and vividly drawn characters. He makes the underlying and conflicting truths beneath this permanent international hotspot comprehensible to all who read his novel. Charlie, a beautiful actress, is lured into participating in a mission to entrap a Palestinian terrorist. Le Carre avoids simple answers and presents the views of all sides fairly. LITTLE DRUMMER GIRL is a terrific book, one I always recall when there is additional senseless violence in that most unfortunate world region.

Having read about a thousand novels in this genre, and having read _this_ novel four or five times over the past fifteen years, I can, with confidence, award it the highest possible marks. Le CarrŽ has woven fascinating characters into a marvellously complex plot that is seamless from beginning to end. His writting is both clever and wise, his characters larger than live but fully, deeply human (even his throw-away characters are richly drawn). One word of advice to first-time readers... you may find the first twenty pages somewhat bewildering. Hang in there. You will be amply rewarded.