A blog reviewing mystery books, with a listing of Saskatchewan mysteries, and a sprinkling of non-fiction books, especially history and biographies
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Sunday, June 2, 2013
Mission Song by John Le Carre
45. - 455.) Mission Song by John Le Carre – Salvo, a
Congolese zebra (white father and black mother) in London, is a skilled linguist and
interpreter. He can speak a pack of languages starting with English, French and
Swahili and including a variety from the Congo. The English Secret Service
hires him to translate at a meeting between a new messianic leader for the Eastern Congo and representatives of three groups within
the area. As Salvo is leaving London
his marriage is dissolving and a new love affair commencing. At the conference
Salvo skillfully handles his official translations and listening to secret
recordings of private conversations. When he listens to some private
conversations to which he should not have listened, he learns the official
purpose of a grand reconciliation of the region under a charismatic leader is a
façade for yet another grab at the valuable mineral resources. Salvo is an
idealist who seeks to prevent yet another injustice perpetrated on his homeland
by greedy foreigners. I feared as bleak and bitter an ending as the The Constant Gardner or Absolute Friends. Salvo is dealt with
more discreetly by the Establishment. Salvo is another amazing character. Le
Carre is such a master at creating fascinating characters. It was a good but
not great book. (Oct. 28/08)
****
Since reading this book the Congo has continued to be in conflict. Little has changed. If anything real life in the Congo is more bizarre than any author could credibly concoct.
Bill, I absolutely agree that le Carre creates "fascinating characters" and I found that in two of his books that I read last, "The Contant Gardener" and "The Tailor of Panama." I was quite overwhelmed by "The Contant Gardener" and the exposure of the sinister activities of a powerful western pharma company in Africa. The film version was pretty good too. I can't think of another espionage author whose espionage-related novels can prick one's conscience as le Carre does. I have "The Mission Song," too, and I hope to read it soon.
Bill - In my opinion, le Carré is one of the the finest thriller writers we've had. And this one sounds no different as far as that goes. The setting sounds really interesting too; I'm glad you thought it was a good read.
Margot: Thanks for the comment. We do not traditionally think of espionage in Africa. Considering the state of the world I expect more spy stories to involve that continent.
45. - 455.) Mission Song by John Le Carre – Salvo, a
Congolese zebra (white father and black mother) in
Bill, I absolutely agree that le Carre creates "fascinating characters" and I found that in two of his books that I read last, "The Contant Gardener" and "The Tailor of Panama." I was quite overwhelmed by "The Contant Gardener" and the exposure of the sinister activities of a powerful western pharma company in Africa. The film version was pretty good too. I can't think of another espionage author whose espionage-related novels can prick one's conscience as le Carre does. I have "The Mission Song," too, and I hope to read it soon.
ReplyDeleteBill - In my opinion, le Carré is one of the the finest thriller writers we've had. And this one sounds no different as far as that goes. The setting sounds really interesting too; I'm glad you thought it was a good read.
ReplyDeletePrashant: Thanks for the comment. Le Carre has a great talent for making the reader feel uncomfortable about moral issues.
ReplyDeleteMargot: Thanks for the comment. We do not traditionally think of espionage in Africa. Considering the state of the world I expect more spy stories to involve that continent.
ReplyDelete