#7324
Mentioned in 5 episodes

THE HONOURABLE SCHOOLBOY

Book • 1978
John le Carre's "The Honourable Schoolboy" is a complex spy thriller set against the backdrop of 1970s Hong Kong.

The novel follows the intricate operations of the British Secret Intelligence Service (SIS) as they navigate the political landscape of the Cold War. Le Carre masterfully weaves together themes of betrayal, deception, and moral ambiguity, exploring the human cost of espionage.

The story delves into the lives of various characters, each with their own motivations and secrets, creating a suspenseful and thought-provoking narrative.

The novel's detailed descriptions of Hong Kong and its portrayal of the waning days of the American presence in Vietnam add depth and historical context.

Mentioned by

Mentioned in 5 episodes

Mentioned by
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Jack Carr
as one of the few espionage thrillers set in Southeast Asia.
542 snips
#2390 - Jack Carr
Mentioned by
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Sam Jones
as one of his favorite books about espionage.
83 snips
Episode 4: Backbearings
Cited by
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Jack Carr
as inspiration for his espionage story set in and around Saigon.
15 snips
THE SECRET OF SECRETS
Mentioned by
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Jack Carr
as an espionage story written by John Le Carre in 1977.
Best of the Program | Guest: Jack Carr | 10/8/25
Recommended by
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Rory Stewart
for its descriptions of Hong Kong in the 70s and the end of the American involvement in Vietnam.
45. Question Time: BBC impartiality, books vs. newspapers, and Stewart spoofery
Mentioned by
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Jack Carr
as an espionage story set in Southeast Asia in 1977.
Behold: The WORST Politician Ever | Guests: Jack Carr & Kristen Waggoner | 10/8/25
Mentioned by
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Jack Carr
as one of the few thrillers set in Southeast Asia, specifically in 1977.
JACK CARR | Why Fiction Frees the Mind
Mentioned by Andrew Rosenheim as the book where Le Carre's preoccupation with accuracy began, requiring trips to Hong Kong.
Spectator Out Loud: Nick Boles, James Ball, Andrew Rosenheim, Arabella Byrne & Rory Sutherland

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