The man who lost the war

This book deserves to be better known among those who enjoy espionage novels, especially those set in the Cold War. It is a masterfully written, beautifully experienced narrative. In the end, it is much more than just another spy story. Absolutely at the top of any list. The author's later books, while quite good, never manage to repeat what he pulled off in this one. That's no criticism of him or of them, but rather an appraisal of what his first book accomplished.

This is the finest cold war spy novel I have read, and I've read plenty. Had Mr. Tyler lived up to the promise of this book in his later novels we would be comparing LeCarre to him rather than the reverse. Top notch. I find it hard to believe more people haven't found this book. My copy is well worn.