Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy is a very complex novel, with numerous characters, some of whom are not developed; others emerge with some depth, but like all of his people, are never totally alive. He likes to mention them briefly in one work, so that like an index card he can pull them out again in a future work if they appeal to him. The plot of this work is equally complex, suggesting many phases of espionage, from "moles" to watchers. In developing the story, le Carre weaves a small portion, drops the threads, and returns only after many other pieces have been begun or continued. To the less careful reader's consternation, he leaves out many pieces. His work is very slowmoving, but keeps the reader in suspense until the very end. In his novel, he makes use of an engrossing subplot, Jim Prideaux's brief teaching career at Thursgood's...