u/YourFavesLeastFave

Question: Does LeCarre return characters from previous books often or are roles more likely to be filled by new creations? How much more appreciation does reading in publication order give you?

spoilers for TTSS till page 116, TSWCIFTC, TLGW and CFTD.

Hello everyone, the questions are above and the commentary is my little payment.

I’ve been meaning to read LeCarre since primary school, but I never got my hands on TTSS. I’m glad I didn’t, knowing me back then I wouldve powered through, not understanding a thing, and spoiled the ending, never to reread it. Many years later I’ve finally gotten around to him.

I tried TTSS earlier this year and DNFd it, a little confused and thinking that reading the previous books would help. This weekend I ate TSWCIFTC, TLGW and CFTD in that order.

TSWCIFTC was riveting and I was extremely impressed by Le Carres ability to juggle personality’s and motivations, giving us insight and realistic reactions even when we aren’t given insight into the characters themselves.

TLGW may be one of my favourite novels till the day I die. One day I’ll write extensively about it, but it’s due a few rereads first. It spoke to an anxiety of ineptitude and a certainty that I wasn’t the only one muddling along, limited by my nature that I’ve always felt.

CFTD was a good time and reminded me of the sort of things I’d read as a kid, just good fun. Smiley is very pleasant company.

I jumped to the Karla trilogy because I can’t wait anymore, I will go back to ASTIG eventually but I understand it’s even more disconnected than TLGW. I’m a little surprised by how little of the TTSS cast ive experienced, is that really it for Control? I thought maybe I would’ve seen more of characters like Connie before she was sached, or Tarrs father. The book also has an end of the original circus feel to it but I never really got to know it.

I’m not complaining, Guillam is a familiar face and so is Mendel. I’m still very early though, but I feel like some of the pivotal players are new.

All a little disjointed, it’s late and I’ve had a long day at work. Having a ruddy good time though.

Apologies in advance if this violates rules but most of the discussion I found regarding this topic was in reference to the movies alone.

I have a friend who’s never touched Star Wars and somehow has no clue that Anakin is Vader. Naturally this is an opportunity I’d like to exploit.

What watch order (including Clone Wars show) do you think would maximise the effect of the reveal of Vaders identity? This can be (and is preferably) with reference to fan edits that condense the animated shows into movies.

In my mind this would start at TPM and end before the hints about Anakins fall are too overt, then time jump to ANH and after the reveal allow the viewer to choose what they want to see next. Yes it may dilute the integrity of the experience as Lucas intended it, but Anakins fall hurts as is I can’t imagine how much it would hurt seeing that after growing attached to him.

If you believe the watch order would be enhanced by inclusion of other Star Wars shows/movies other than TCW animated series then by all means include them.

I would put one together but I’m a very casual fan by Star Wars fan standards, lightsaber, force, darkside, Ferus Olin and that’s about it.

Hello and thank you in advance, I’m looking for books where every word matters and that answers/payoffs that are found hundreds of pages in are hidden in the interpretation of ‘throw away’ lines in the first 100. Or such a vibe.

Not necessarily a mystery or thriller reveal, but even something like the thematic development of a character and significant moments being made apparent as the climax is reached.

I’m not fussed by genre, though my tastes skew ‘literary’ (☝️🤓) and I’ve been enjoying books with darker/confronting themes.

Though I haven’t finish it (decided to start from his first book) Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy was giving me that impression when I began it.

A book that definitely qualified is Blood Meridian because your interpretation of the book is contingent on your understanding of everything from the first page onwards.