Last from master’s pen

Silverview by John Le Carre, Penguin Random House, $37

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David Cornwell, aka John Le Carre, died aged 89 on December 12 last year. After six decades and numerous successful novels Silverview is the last. It was with mixed feelings that I leapt into this book. I knew it would entice me, but I also didn’t want to finish it, if you get my meaning. Knowing that there will be no more did inspire though as I will now start at the beginning again with The Spy Who Came In From The Cold, and work my way through Le Carre’s substantial library.

In Silverview we meet Julian Lawndsley who has recently renounced his high-flying job in the city aiming for a simpler life running a bookshop in a small English seaside town. Just a few weeks into his new career Julian is interrupted by a visitor who introduces himself as Edward, a Polish e´migre´ living in Silverview, the manor at the edge of town. Edward seems to know a lot about Julian’s family, claiming to have been a school friend of his father’s. Soon Julian finds himself sharing the inner workings of his new venture.

Around the same time a letter turns up at the door of a spy chief in London, warning him of a dangerous leak. On investigation this leads him to this seaside town.

This is typical Le Carre. Silverview is the last complete masterwork from the greatest spy writer of our age.

Like me, you will devour it much quicker than you would prefer. —