Weakest le Carré-novel, and Smiley-novel, so far. I get what le Carré is trying here, telling a more realistic and tragic farce about men wanting to feel like they matter, the lengths they'll go to, and the pointlessness of spying, especially when it comes to rivalries between spy agencies, but it's almost too clear early on what will happen, that none of this will work, and while le Carré tells the story in fine prose, it's not as exciting, suspenseful, or emotional as the first three novels. There's too little story here, overtaken by le Carré's wish to undress the vain and self-important men who send spies and agents into danger. But next up is Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, which is supposed to be pretty decent, so I'm not too bothered. Only wish this novel had been better, because the theme is worth an investigation; I just prefer my themes to be anchored in a suspenseful or entertaining plot as well (or have incredible prose/characterizations, which this doesn't have - the prose is good and the characters believable and understandable, but it's nothing that lifts the novel up a notch. sadly).