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A review by andrew61
The Little Drummer Girl by John le Carré
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
actress Charlie arrives and the plot starts to pick up pace this is an interesting read and as the Middle East continues to dominate the news a reminder of how ever present the Israeli/Palestine conflict has been. Set in late 1970s/early 80's there is a Palestinian spate of bombings in Europe in which Jewish diplomats and their families are targeted and notably a child killed. The leader of the cell is unknown but a plot is hatched by the Israeli secret service and particularly chief spy master Kurtz to place an agent in to the frame.
In a very convoluted scheme they hatch upon a little known beautiful and volatile English actress and after the kidnap of the brother of Kahil the Palestinian leader Charlie is coached into the role of the brother's lover by another Israeli operative.
Once I found my way into the book I enjoyed being back in the twisty mind of a master storyteller and while I found Charlie's willingness to take on this role at times stretched credibility I was willing to follow the plot through to it's climactic end.
In a very convoluted scheme they hatch upon a little known beautiful and volatile English actress and after the kidnap of the brother of Kahil the Palestinian leader Charlie is coached into the role of the brother's lover by another Israeli operative.
Once I found my way into the book I enjoyed being back in the twisty mind of a master storyteller and while I found Charlie's willingness to take on this role at times stretched credibility I was willing to follow the plot through to it's climactic end.