Tonight we report the sad news that John le Carré has passed away. Jeff Quest of Spywrite recorded this episode in 2019 looking at the life of John le Carré. Spybrary host Shane Whaley announces a special upcoming episode of Spybrary where he will broadcast your tributes to John le Carre.
Jeff tells us ‘In this episode I provide an introduction to the world’s most famous spy writer.
John le Carré began writing novels as a way to relieve the boredom of his duties as an upper-class raised British diplomat. That was what the world was told. The reality was that he wrote under a pseudonym; in truth he was a spy for MI6. His ability to live two lives at once was what made him both a successful spy as well as one of the most famous espionage novelists of all time.'
If you don't do podcasts, you can read Jeff's words here.
Jonny Geller, Mr Le Carre's agent published this statement:
His like will never be seen again, and his loss will be felt by every book lover, everyone interested in the human condition.
We have lost a great figure of English literature, a man of great wit, kindness, humour and intelligence. I have lost a friend, a mentor and an inspiration.
Below is a short statement which I am sharing on behalf of the family, who ask for privacy during this time:
It is with great sadness that we must confirm that David Cornwell – John le Carré – passed away from pneumonia last Saturday night after a short battle with the illness. David is survived by his beloved wife of almost fifty years, Jane, and his sons Nicholas, Timothy, Stephen and Simon. We all grieve deeply his passing.
Our thanks go to the wonderful NHS team at the Royal Cornwall Hospital in Truro for the care and compassion that he was shown throughout his stay. We know they share our sadness.
More tributes to John le Carré, (the pen name of David Cornwell.)
- John le Carré, the great chronicler of our age, has died – (Penguin Random House)
- John le Carré, Best-Selling Author of Cold War Thrillers, Dies at 89 (New York Times)
Graham Greene called “The Spy Who Came in From the Cold,” featuring the plump, ill-dressed George Smiley, the greatest spy story he had ever read. - John le Carré: a life in pictures – The Guardian
- John le Carré, author of Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, dies aged 89. (The Guardian.)
Thriller writer most famous for stories of complex cold war intrigue began his career as a real-life spy in postwar Europe. - The Spybrary Facebook Group – discuss the life, times and novels of John le Carré.
- Spywrite.
