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Avg. Rating: 4
fast-paced action novel that lacks plot developement
This novel opens with the gruesome death of Tessa Quayle, the humanitarian wife of a British Foreign Service operative in Kenya. The news of her death slowly travels through the British High Commission and finally reaches her husband, Justin Quayle. An investigation quickly ensues with leading detectives flying in from London. Le Carré reveals the details leading up to Tessa's death through individual character flashbacks. This is an interesting way to present the material, but may be confusing to some readers.
The novel then enters a dry spell when not much seems to happen. The characters remain in Kenya and the only addition to the story line is as a new angle that portrays Tessa as an unfaithful wife. At this point, there are no suspects and the reader is unable to draw any conclusions as to where the story is heading.
Throughout the first half of the novel, I found Justin's lack of emotion toward his dead wife to be annoying and detrimental to the development of his character. It is not until he returns to London that he displays any interest in solving his wife's murder. Justin then surrounds himself in Tessa's research and learns that she has uncovered a dangerous conspiracy involving big name pharmaceutical companies and African governments. The addition of this new subplot captivates the reader, but basically spells out who the killer is any takes all the mystery away from the story. The reader is left with 200 pages of fluff where Justin goes on an ill-conceived mission to confront the pharmaceutical companies responsible for his wife's death.
The Constant Gardner is a gripping action novel, but is lacking the qualities of a good murder mystery. Le Carré's writing style exhibits a fluidity and elegance that is pleasant to read, but the length of the novel takes away from its overall impact.
I would, however, recommend this book to anyone who is a fan of spy-novels or likes conspiracy based drama.
The movie is great too
John leCarre of Cold War espionage fame has over the years widened his scope, while still giving us the insider's look into the worlds of diplomats and spies--which turn out not to be so separate at all. I need not rehash the plot, other than to say that this is intelligently written and suspenseful, a great read as most of LeCarre's books are. The author raises many ethical issues that are hard to resolve, but bear considering. The major issue in the book, testing of a drug that is still unsafe on an unsuspecting poor population, and a cover up of the bad results, is clearly abhorrent. But LeCarre raises more subtle issues.What are the developed world's obligations to the third world in the case of pharma companies? How far must we go in protecting their patent rights if the result is denying access to the poor? Is exclusive protection in rich nations sufficient reward, and should we let generics be developed much more quickly where they are needed? LeCarre raises issues about the basic morality and efficacy of a simple issue like food aid--should we continue it if doing so requires making deals with the very governments which pursue a fruitless civil war that causes the famine in the first place? And of course LeCarre brilliantly paints the world of diplomacy and its compromises.
If all this profound thinking scares you away, don't let it. LeCarre includes an unprobable, doomed love story, a mystery to unravel, and a few surprises along the way as characters slowly reveal their true selves. This one is an intelligent page turner of high quality.
Great thriller and everything else
I read this book because I noticed that the movie was coming out. The book was great and I hope the movie is just as good, although movies never seem to be. This is a top notch thrill ride.
I would also recommend getting David Demello's The Killing Game, hopefully that will become a movie too!
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