Spy Fiction: Lies, Life Writing, and John le Carré

This week on Whale Hunting, Tom Wright and Bradley Hope dive into the life and works of legendary spy novelist John le Carré. After le Carré's death in 2020, a new documentary and biography were released this autumn, revealing previously hidden elements of the author’s personal life. Was he really the spy he claimed to be – or were his stories of deceit and duplicity inspired by his other secrets? Tom and Bradley discuss le Carré’s life, how recent revelations might affect the legacy of his books, and whether biographies of powerful people can ever really tell the full story. 

Mentioned in this episode:

John le Carré, a 2015 biography by Adam Sisman: bloomsbury.com/uk/john-le-carré-9781408849446 

The Secret Life of John le Carré, a biography by Adam Sisman: profilebooks.com/work/the-secret-life-of-john-le-carr

The Pigeon Tunnel, a new documentary by Errol Morris: imdb.com/title/tt28486633

The Secret Life of John le Carré by Adam Sisman review, from The Guardian: theguardian.com/books/2023/oct/15/the-secret-life-of-john-le-carre-by-adam-sisman-review 

How John le Carré's serial adultery shaped his spy novels, from The Washington Post: washingtonpost.com/books/2023/10/23/secret-life-john-le-carre-adam-sisman-review/

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