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A Murder of Quality

Book 2 in the series:George Smiley

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'A Murder of Quality' by John le Carre is a murder mystery novel featuring George Smiley investigating a murder at a prestigious boys' boarding school in a small Dorset town. The book is described as a departure from le Carre's usual espionage novels, focusing on a detective story rather than a spy story. The plot delves into the closed world of the classic British school, exploring themes of class consciousness, snobbery, and loyalty betrayal.

The writing style of 'A Murder of Quality' is praised for its detailed descriptions, insights into characters, and smooth narrative. The book is noted for providing a glimpse into the development of George Smiley's character, showcasing his brilliance and demeanor as a detective. Despite being a departure from le Carre's spy novels, the novel is commended for its engaging storytelling and exploration of social issues within the setting of a British public school.

Characters:

Characters are vividly depicted, with George Smiley standing out as a thoughtful and observant investigator amidst a cast that often reflects the superficiality of their upper-class environments.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is characterized by elegant prose, keen social observations, and effective character portrayal, creating a vivid sense of the setting and its inherent tensions.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot follows George Smiley as he delves into the mysterious circumstances surrounding a schoolmaster's wife's murder at an elite boarding school, revealing class tensions and personal motives.

Setting:

The setting is an elite English boarding school, which serves as a microcosm of post-war British society, highlighting class dynamics and institutional behaviors.

Pacing:

The pacing of the book is initially slow, allowing for character development and setting establishment, before accelerating to a more thrilling conclusion.
The greatness of Carne School has been ascribed by common consent to Edward VI, whose educational zeal is ascribed by history to the Duke of Somerset. But Carne prefers the respectability of the monar...

Notes:

The novel is set in a posh English boarding school called Carne.
George Smiley, a retired intelligence agent, investigates a murder in the school.
The murder victim is the wife of a master at the school who expressed fears for her life in a letter.
The plot critiques the British class system and snobbery prevalent in post-war England.
Le Carré's writing captures the atmosphere of a closed community filled with secrets.
The book lacks typical espionage themes but instead focuses on mystery and character development.
Smiley's character is described as mild-mannered and unassuming, resembling a classic detective.
The novel satirizes the social dynamics between the town and the gown, referring to the locals and the school.
Le Carré's personal experiences in a boarding school influenced the themes of the novel.
The story includes themes of betrayal, loyalty, and the complexities of human relationships.
Le Carré's writing is known for its rich character development and social commentary.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings include themes of murder, mental health challenges, classism, and some misogynistic attitudes reflective of the time period.

From The Publisher:

From the New York Times bestselling author of A Legacy of Spies.

"Fielding and Jebedee were dead, Steed-Asprey vanished. Smiley-where was he?"

John le Carré's second novel, A Murder of Quality, offers an exquisite, satirical look at an elite private school as it chronicles the early development of George Smiley.

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About the Author:

JOHN LE CARRÉ was born in 1931. For six decades he wrote novels that came to define our age. The son of a confidence trickster, he spent his childhood between boarding school and the London underworld. At sixteen he found…

 
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