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Novelist John le Carre, who defined Cold War era, passes away
Among his most popular works are: ‘The Spy Who Came in From the Cold’ and ‘Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy’. He worked for the British intelligence services in the 1950s and 1960s.
David Cornwell, better known as John le Carre, whose brief career in British intelligence gave him inputs for a literary career spanning nearly 60 years and 25 books, has died after a short illness aged 89, prompting a flood of tributes across the globe.
Among his most popular works are The Spy Who Came in From the Cold and Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy, which were among many of his works adapted into films and television series. He worked for the British intelligence services in the 1950s and 1960s during the Cold War.
Jonny Geller, his agent, said: “For six decades, John le Carré dominated the bestseller lists and review pages with his monumental body of work. His dramatic launch onto the global scene began with the publication of his third novel in 1963, ‘The Spy Who Came in from the Cold’, and the public revelation of his secret life working with the British Intelligence Services”.
“Devoting his life to writing, he went on to define the Cold War era with the help of his character, George Smiley, and through his complex plots and beautiful prose, beamed a harsh light at the injustices of our world”, he added.
Writer Margaret Atwood said the “Smiley novels are key to understanding the mid-20th century”, while Brazilian author Paul Coelho tweeted: “John le Carre, you were not only a great writer, but a visionary. Enjoy your new home #Rip”.
Based in Truro, Cornwall, John le Carre was named as a finalist of the 2011 Man Booker International prize, but he said in a statement issued through his publishers: “(I) do not compete for literary prizes and have therefore asked for my name to be withdrawn.”
In a rare media interview, the author, described by several writers as a “literary giant”, expressed his criticism of Brexit and the politics of Prime Minister Boris Johnson while talking to The Guardian in October 2019.
He said: “I think Brexit is totally irrational, that it’s evidence of dismal statesmanship on our part, and lousy diplomatic performances. Things that were wrong with Europe could be changed from inside Europe.”
“I think my own ties to England were hugely loosened over the last few years. And it’s a kind of liberation, if a sad kind...Mob orators of the sort we have, the Boris Johnson sort, do not speak reason. When you get into that category, your task is to fire up the people with nostalgia, with anger”.
Geller, his agent, also shared a short statement on behalf of the family: “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”.
