Silverview
A tale of espionage and moral dilemmas
Format:Paperback
Publisher:Penguin Books Ltd
Published:28th Apr '22
Should be back in stock very soon
This paperback is available in another edition too:
- CD-Audio£25.00(9780241994658)

In Silverview, Julian Lawndsley leaves his corporate life for a bookshop, only to discover intrigue and moral dilemmas in his quiet seaside town.
In Silverview, Julian Lawndsley leaves behind his successful career in the City to pursue a quieter life running a bookshop in a quaint English seaside town. However, his plans for tranquility are disrupted when Edward, a Polish émigré, arrives at his doorstep. Edward's fascination with Julian's new venture is accompanied by a wealth of knowledge about Julian's family history, which adds an unexpected layer of complexity to their interactions. As the two men navigate their budding friendship, the story unfolds against a backdrop of intrigue and danger.
The narrative takes a thrilling turn when a letter warning of a dangerous leak reaches a spy chief in London, prompting an investigation that leads directly to Julian's serene coastal town. This unexpected connection introduces themes of innocence versus experience, as well as the moral dilemmas faced by individuals caught in the web of public duty. Silverview explores the delicate balance between personal ethics and national loyalty, questioning what one owes to their country in times of uncertainty.
As the final complete work from the esteemed author John le Carré, Silverview stands as a testament to his mastery of storytelling. It invites readers to reflect on the complexities of identity and allegiance in a world where the lines between right and wrong are often blurred. With its rich character development and gripping plot, this novel solidifies le Carré's legacy as one of the greatest chroniclers of our time.
Valedictory, with a final turn of events that ends surprisingly but pleasingly in a cock-up, this is a satisfying coda to the career of the finest thriller writer of the 20th century * Guardian, Books of the Year *
A compelling character study of a supposedly retired spy . . . Such was his rare command of language and unique understanding of how the world really works that I finished the book with a sense that the only real grown-up in the room had left -- Jake Kerridge * Daily Telegraph, Books of the Year *
As graceful an exit as we could hope for, the old master remaining at the top of his game to the last -- Mick Herron * Daily Express, Books of the Year *
Nothing will ever match the Cold War spy novels written in his prime, but his later work illuminates themes of loyalty, betrayal and conflicting values in a modern context -- Vince Cable * New Statesman, Books of the Year *
A superb example of le Carré's enduring and exquisite genius * Daily Mail, Books of the Year *
Gripping and involving, an elegant farewell by a much missed writer -- Siân Phillips * Daily Express, Books of the Year *
Silverview has many of le Carré's characteristic virtues . . . engaging characters and three or four splendid set scenes in which veteran spooks stir the embers of old fires * Scotsman, Best Books of the Year *
Silverview is a cat-and-mouse chase from an East Anglian seaside town to the Eastern Bloc. Published ten months after he passed away, it marks a fitting final work by the master of spy fiction * Irish Times, Books of the Year *
A taut, thrilling spy novel. Read it as a tribute to a master * Stella, Books of the Year *
Silverview has all the old magic . . . it offers a rewarding post-script to the long-distance spell-binders The Little Drummer Girl and Absolute Friends -- David Bromwich * Times Literary Supplement, Books of The Year *
ISBN: 9780241994535
Dimensions: 198mm x 129mm x 20mm
Weight: 240g
272 pages