This book is a short story collection under deep cover as novel. A speech by George Smiley causes the protagonist, known only as "Ned" (though he adopts numerous surnames throughout the book) to reminisce or recount another episode, each a self-contained reflection on the morality, futility, and, perhaps, necessity of spying.

As always, le Carré's witty, terse prose and deep skepticism creates a first-class book that often verges on literature.