Little Drummer Girl

Rating:
Summary: Spy novel about terrorism ... and love
Review: The Little Drummer Girl to me is LeCarre's best work. The book is about an English actress, Charlie, who is recruited by Israeli spys to help find and stop a Palestinian bomber and his network. The novel's overriding theme is the motivations of various people who are willing to do anything for their cause. LeCarre is a master of characterization; these people seem so real it is hard to believe this is fiction. To me, Charlie is every bit as memorable as George Smiley, LeCarre's best-known and much-loved creation. In fact, she may be more remarkable in that LeCarre, a man, has revealed this woman's heart so well. Females turned off by the macho spy novel genre should take note: This is also a very moving love story.