The Spy Who Came In From The Cold | Review

The spy who came in from the cold was written by John Le Carré and published in 1963. The book falls into the genre of a thriller of the spy persuasion, I would say.  All the same it is interesting to read for historical purposes, as it addresses both sides of the cold war, giving insight into spy morality and cynicism.

I first picked up this book because I was interested by the author; being a former worker for MI6 and MI5 himself, it would be a truthful representation of the world of espionage. This was my first spy novel to date, and certainly not my last. I enjoyed the ever-changing plot and the human conscience it addresses. 

One of the things most noteworthy about this book is the detailed plot; which is the basis of any good book. It follows a washed up British spy ‘Alec Lemas’, who is called in and asked to falsely defect in order to frame the infamous ‘Mundt’. However he falls in love with a naive Communist and suspects he is in a bigger double cross in the spy world. Although the plot is quite confusing, so if you aren’t an avid reader, I wouldn't recommend.

Mundt, himself is one of the most complex and paramount characters, as he is one of the ‘big men’ in the Albteilung- one of Germany’s intelligence agencies. His ultimate assignment is to protect the Communist East Germany, from the West. The fact that he is an ex-nazi makes his ambitions clear and unwavering throughout- creating a head to be reckoned with.

Lemas, the main character works for ‘The Circus’, which is a fictional representation of MI6. He is prideful, and apart from society- in the way he acts towards people. Furthermore he is also self-destructive and isolated, as he is seen as a drunk and ‘washout’ by his colleagues.

Control - the head of the circus - calls in Alec tell him about the other spies who have been brutally murdered by Mundt. From there they come to think of a plan of action, this consists of supplying Fiedler, Mundt's deputy and an intelligent advocate of Communism, with evidence that Mundt is a double agent, actually working for the British Intelligence in order for Alec to ‘come back in from the cold’.

As the plan unravels the clear morals of the spies are uncovered, as not seem to have a sense of right and wrong- as a spy should. 

I won’t tell anymore, or spoil it in anyway, but I will say that I highly recommend it. The book offers more clarity and closure than most books I’ve read, as the end really is the end, as horrifying and abrupt it is. In conclusion I would rate this book 9/10, for the sublime plot and lack of ‘goodies and baddies’; making it a more interesting and well thought out book. The work - I would say - definitely makes it into my top 50 and I suggest picking it up as well.

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