Chapter 9 Summary

Tarr had not photocopied the diary, just handwritten it, and returned the original to where Ireina had left it. Tarr is listed as a defector, so Smiley wants to know why he suddenly showed up. Tarr explains that he was trying to lose any tail the Russians may have had on him. Smiley asks him a number of other questions, for which Tarr seems to have a reasonable answers. Smiley thinks the diary looks professionally prepared. Tarr says that if Irina is correct, the Circus is finished.

Chapter 9 Analysis

After listening to Tarr's story, Smiley wants more information and asks questions. He is interested in what their signals were and who instigated their use. Tarr laid low for the last six months and spent much of the time in Kuala Lumpur with his daughter and her mother. Smiley senses that Tarr is lying...