In this episode, novelist Michael Idov joins me to discuss John le Carré’s novel Our Game . Michael has written for numerous publications, was the Editor in chief of GQ Russia, is also a screenwriter and director and author of the new spy novel The Collaborators. We talk about why we enjoy one of le Carré’s more underrated novels. Plus we get into the politics of the time as well as how le Carré was prescient about the situation with Russia and the Caucasus region. All that and much more in this...
Aug 04, 2025•41 min
In this episode, novelist Scott O’Connor returns to continue our discussion of John le Carré’s novel The Constant Gardener . We explore significant characters like Tessa and Arnold Bloom, discussing their roles and revelations about sexuality and societal norms in Kenya. We also talk about the moral complexities faced by Justin, and just what the one spy in the novel is up to. Finally we chat about the movie and what we think about a potential TV version of the novel. What would a modern reinter...
Jun 23, 2025•53 min
In this episode, creative writing teacher and acclaimed writer Scott O’Connor joins to explore the layered complexities of John le Carré’s novel The Constant Gardener . The discussion ranges from O’Connor’s initial discovery of le Carrés works while researching for his own novel, Half World , to the idea that readers often connect with books differently depending on their life’s circumstances. We look at the thematic elements of The Constant Gardener , such as the focus on abusive systems, the d...
Jun 09, 2025•55 min
In this mini episode, Mark Meynell returns to explain just what that whole High Church/Low Church concept discussed in A Murder of Quality is about. Mark explains the historical and social distinctions between the two, detailing how Anglicanism and its relationship with non-conformist denominations shaped British society and class systems over time. He also touches upon how these religious affiliations have evolved and their current status in secular Britain. It doesn’t get any more exciting tha...
Jun 02, 2025•10 min
In the latest episode of the le Carré Cast, host Jeff continues his discussion with Mark Meynell about the themes and narrative intricacies of John le Carré’s A Legacy of Spies . The conversation explores how le Carré revisits and deconstructs the world and characters he created in The Spy Who Came in From the Cold , revealing the bleak and ultimately futile nature of the spy operations depicted. They discuss the nuanced portrayal of characters like George Smiley, the overarching themes of distr...
May 26, 2025•44 min
In this episode of the le Carré Cast, host Jeff speaks with Mark Meynell, a freelance writer and author of ten non-fiction books, about his transition to writing fiction and his recent book, ‘A Wilderness of Mirrors.’ The discussion covers Mark’s discovery of John le Carré’s works, particularly A Legacy of Spies. They delve into the themes of espionage, secrecy, and the moral complexities of the Cold War as portrayed in le Carré’s novels. The conversation also touches on the cultural impact of l...
May 12, 2025•46 min
In part two of my discussion with Sleeper Beach novelist Nick Harkaway we discuss the latest in le Carré news. Nick talks about the upcoming adaptation of one of his novels into an Amason Prime show Kill Jackie , season 2 of The Night Manager and an update about the new comic series, The Circus: Losing Control. Finally, we of course chat about the new Smiley series. Will we see The Young George Smiley Chronicles? Plus, the history of Finland in World War 2? All that and much more in this episode...
Apr 28, 2025•40 min
In this episode I am pleased to welcome back novelist Nick Harkaway. We discuss his latest work, Sleeper Beach , the second in his Titanium Noir series of futuristic mysteries. We talk about his earlier nonfiction book The Blind Giant , how we should be using technologies, and what does it mean when tech companies turn un-Evil. Plus, get your elevator pitch on why you should read Sleeper Beach . All that and much more in this episode. Nick’s website – https://nickharkaway.com/ Nick’s Instagram –...
Apr 14, 2025•42 min
In this episode I welcome Tod Hoffman, author of Le Carré Landscape , to the show. Tod is a former Canadian Intelligence Officer and used that knowledge to write his insightful book looking at le Carré’s work. We discuss le Carré’s use of interrogation in his novels, slow moving bureaucracy versus moving quickly and his decision to leave the service. Plus the long shadow of Kim Philby on fiction and reality. All that and much more in this episode. Tod’s book Le Carré’s Landscape is here . Tod’s ...
Mar 31, 2025•1 hr 6 min
In this episode we break down the news of a new George Smiley TV series – Legacy of Spies . I have TV and Film expert Matthew Bradford on to talk through what we know and might expect to come. We talk about the long gestating project, producers, and casting. All that and much more in this episode. Matthew’s interview with Graham Yost in which he talks about his love of le Carré. Tom and Greg supercut . Matthew on le Carré is here . Jeff’s site – SpyWrite.com Jeff’s twitter – @spywrite Listen on ...
Mar 15, 2025•41 min
In this episode we are celebrating 50 years of Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy by counting up to 50 interesting things about the book. For numbers one to ten I’m welcoming Matthew Bradford back to the podcast. We talk that iconic cover, opening line and dig into the mystery of who the novel was dedicated to. All that and much more in this episode. Le Carré’s First Line is here . My interview with Richard Hutt on his le Carré map is here . Matthew on le Carré is here . Jeff’s site – SpyWrite.com Jeff’s...
Feb 17, 2025•40 min
In this episode I speak to author Ben H. Winters about his Crime Reads article “In Praise of Reading Le Carré’s Entire Oeuvre In Order”. We talk about the joys of reading an author’s work from start to finish, the connection between author and reader as well as The Looking Glass War as The Bad News Bears. All that and much more in this episode. P.S. Yes, there was a SNL skit that contemplated “ What if Eleanor Roosevelt could fiy ?” Ben’s article on reading John le Carré is here . Ben’s website ...
Feb 04, 2025•53 min
In this episode we continue to look at Nick Harkaway’s 2024 George Smiley novel, Karla’s Choice . You can find part one here . Steven Ritterman, le Carré expert and collector, returns to talk through what we thought about this new Smiley novel. Plus, an exclusive discussion with Nick Harkaway about Karla’s choice. All that and much more in this episode. Steven’s episode on collecting John le Carré is here . Spybrary’s interview with Nick Harkaway. The le Carré Cast interview with Nick Harkaway ....
Jan 20, 2025•42 min
In this episode we look at Nick Harkaway’s 2024 George Smiley novel, Karla’s Choice . Steven Ritterman, le Carré expert and collector, joins me to talk through all of our thoughts on this Smiley continuation novel. We talk reference Jurassic Park’s famous quote “Your scientists were so preoccupied with whether or not they could , they didn’t stop to think if they should ,” All that and much more in this episode. We’ll be back in two weeks for part 2. Steven’s episode on collecting John le Carré ...
Jan 09, 2025•46 min
In this episode I’ve pulled some of my favorite clips from shows this past year. If you missed an episode or enjoyed the shows from this past year, I think you’ll enjoy it. Listen in for the cream of the crop! Dominic Sandbrook on le Carré Paul French on The Honourable Schoolboy Mac Rodgers on the BBC Audio Dramas Shaun McKenna on writing the BBC Audio Dramas Jeremy Duns on Sarah Gainham Jonathan Ray on his Godmother Sarah Gainham Clarissa Aykroyd on A Most Wanted Man Shane Whaley on Absolute Fr...
Dec 26, 2024•1 hr 3 min
This episode the le Carré Cast delves into the world of true crime with a look at one of the strangest moments in le Carré’s literary history. You won’t read about this one in Sisman’s biography! Settle in for the case of the fake blurbs. Further Reading Sources used to write this post are below. Both The New York Times and The Washington Post had some great reporting on the story with “The Bizarre story of Derek Goodwin” being especially well done. “A Spy Novel’s boosters it seems, aren’t” 04/1...
Dec 23, 2024•16 min
In this episode we continue to look at John le Carré’s 2003 novel, Absolute Friends . Shane Whaley, host of the Spybrary podcast, is back to break down all of the action in this novel. We talk about the dramatic end of the novel, Mundy and Sasha’s motives and talk about the dangers of entrapment. Plus, an unexpected change in point of view that le Carré deploys at the end of the book? All that and much more in this episode. Find Part 1 here . God’s Spies by Elizabeth Braw – https://www.amazon.co...
Dec 09, 2024•43 min
In this episode we look at John le Carré’s 2003 novel, Absolute Friends . Shane Whaley, host of the Spybrary podcast joins the show to look at one of his favorite le Carré novels. We talk about the enigma that is Absolute Friends lead character Ted Mundy. How many trips over the wall does it take to get a gold watch from MI6? And do all tour guides make good spies? Plus, Lutheran pastor Stasi spies! All that and much more in this episode. We’ll be back in two weeks for part 2. God’s Spies by Eli...
Nov 26, 2024•45 min
Donate to #TeamEvie and the Literally Healing program at the Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles. Go to TinyURL.com/giveTE to make a monetary donation to the Literally Healing program or go to TinyURL.com/TeamE24 , pick a book and make sure to pick Team Evie as the shipping location. That’s so much for your support. In this episode I am pleased to welcome playwright David Eldridge to the show. We discuss his work adapting the book for the stage, Leamas and Liz, and the issues he hopes folks are t...
Nov 12, 2024•56 min
Donate to #TeamEvie and the Literally Healing program at the Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles. Go to TinyURL.com/giveTE to make a monetary donation to the Literally Healing program or go to TinyURL.com/TeamE24 , pick a book and make sure to pick Team Evie as the shipping location. That’s so much for your support. In this episode I am pleased to welcome Meredith and Duane Swierczynski to the show to talk about the Evelyn Swierczynski Foundation. We learn about the Literally Healing program at C...
Oct 28, 2024•14 min
Donate to #TeamEvie and the Literally Healing program at the Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles. Go to TinyURL.com/giveTE to make a monetary donation to the Literally Healing program or go to TinyURL.com/TeamE24 , pick a book and make sure to pick Team Evie as the shipping location. That’s so much for your support. In this episode I am pleased to welcome novelist Nick Harkaway, talking about his latest work, Karla’s Choice , a continuation of the George Smiley saga. The discussion navigates thro...
Oct 22, 2024•1 hr 13 min
In this episode we continue our look at John le Carré’s 1977 novel, The Honourable Schoolboy . Find Part 1 here and Part 2 here . Writer Paul French returns to the show for our epic finale looking at The Honourable Schoolboy. We talk more about the politics of Southeast Asia in the 1970’s, Jeff throws out his crazy fanboy theories and did Janet Leigh Carr really happen? Plus could The Honourable Schoolboy ever be filmed? All that and much more in this episode. Paul’s Website – https://paulfrench...
Oct 14, 2024•47 min
In this episode we continue our look at John le Carré’s 1977 novel, The Honourable Schoolboy . Find Part 1 here . Writer Paul French returns to the show to share his extensive knowledge of China and Hong Kong. We talk about the political background surrounding China and the UK when THS was written, the Ko brothers, and ponder Lizzie Worthington. Plus what’s the deal with Jerry Westerby? All that and much more in this episode. Part 3 Paul’s Website – https://paulfrench.substack.com/ Paul’s articl...
Sep 30, 2024
In this episode we begin our look at John le Carré’s 1977 novel, The Honourable Schoolboy . I’m pleased to welcome writer Paul French to the show. Paul has extensive knowledge of China and Hong Kong and is the perfect person to discuss this particular novel. We talk about where le Carré got his ideas for the opening scene of the novel, the politics of the time and some F.I.L.T.H. Plus the Hong Kong foreign correspondents club’s urinal? All that and much more in this episode. Part 2 Part 3 Paul’s...
Sep 17, 2024•41 min
Part 1 can be found here . Part 2 can be found here . We delve into the fascinating life of the enigmatic author Sarah Gainham, also known as Rachel Ames, with her godson Jonathan Ray, a drinks editor for The Spectator. We explore Rachel’s mysterious persona, her connections with spies and diplomats, and her life as an author. Jonathan shares stories about Rachel’s life in Vienna, her eccentric habits like stealing cats and smoking incessantly, and her love for Austrian wine. They also discuss h...
Sep 02, 2024•56 min
Part 1 can be found here . We are back with part 2 of this look at the novelist Sarah Gainham. I continue to be joined in the discussion with writer Jeremy Duns. The episode begins with a recounting of a passage from ‘The Stone Roses,’ one of Gainham’s novels. We then discuss several of Gainham’s works, including ‘Time Right Deadly,’ ‘The Cold Dark Night,’ and ‘The Silent Hostage,’ exploring themes like politics, espionage, and deep human character studies. We also have an upcoming interview wit...
Aug 26, 2024•37 min
Discovering Sarah Gainham: Unveiling the Overlooked Cold War Novelist In this episode of the le Carré Cast, we introduce a new feature – ‘After le Carré,’ spotlighting authors beyond John le Carré. Jeff welcomes back Jeremy Duns, writer and spy fiction enthusiast, to discuss Sarah Gainham, a lesser-known but richly talented spy novelist. They delve into the essential elements of le Carré’s works, Gainham’s life and career, and especially her novel The Tiger, Life . The discussion explores Gainha...
Aug 19, 2024•46 min
In this episode of The le Carré Cast, I interview acclaimed playwright and screenwriter Shaun McKenna. Sean discusses his journey into writing, his collaboration process for bringing le Carré’s complex characters to life on BBC Radio 4, and the challenges of adapting intricate novels for audio. about his adaptation of Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy and The Looking Glass War while highlighting Shaun’s eclectic career, including his involvement in the ‘Lord of the Rings’ musical. Sean also shares insig...
Aug 05, 2024•47 min
In this episode we continue our look at John le Carré’s 2008 novel, A Most Wanted Man . I’m pleased to welcome back poet Clarissa Aykroyd to the show. If you missed Part 1, you can find it here . We talk about parallels between the novel’s characters and another famous spy duo, Jackson Lamb and Catherine Standish from Mick Herron’s ‘Slough House’ series. The conversation highlights the novel’s exploration of complex characters, long-term espionage strategies, and critiques of American actions po...
Jul 22, 2024•38 min
In this episode we look at John le Carré’s 2008 novel, A Most Wanted Man . I’m pleased to welcome poet Clarissa Aykroyd to the show. We talk through the motivations of the various players, whether le Carré succeeded at creating fully realized characters and le Carré’s difficult writing women. All that and more in this episode. Clarissa’s Website – https://thestoneandthestar.blogspot.com/ Clarissa’s Twitter – https://x.com/stoneandthestar Jeff’s site – SpyWrite.com Jeff’s twitter – @spywrite List...
Jul 15, 2024•45 min
