Review: Silverview by John Le Carre

 Le Carre, John. Silverview. Viking. 2021. 

Silverview was completed before Le Carre died but was held back from publication by Le Carre for unknown reasons.  His youngest son, writing under the pseudonym Nick Cornwell,  is also a published writer.  He told Nick about the manuscript and added instructions to complete the manuscript if need be.  Nick reports that there was nothing to add or subtract. The manuscript was ready for the editor’s pen. Any changes would be what any editor would do.  

I am grateful that this book was published, even if posthumously. It was a delightful read.  

Julian did well in the trading house in London but grew tired of the rat race. He purchased a bookstore in a tourist seaside small town. Julian had ideas for the bookstore but admits that he really did not have a good grasp of literature. In walks Edward, an older gentleman, shortly before closing.  Without much effort, Edward convinces Julian to open a second hand bookshop in the basement. The name shall be The Republic of Literature.  Edward proceeds to give Julian a fine education in literature.

Edward is a mystery though.  He lives in town in a large house called Quicksilver with his dying wife.  Well, this being a story by Le Carre, we eventually learn that Edward is a spy for the British Service, but that he was always contract.  He had an amazing career, but now he is strongly suspected of espionage. Julian eventually meets dying wife along with their daughter Lily.  Love blooms between Julian and Lily as Edward is pursued by the Service. It is a cat and mouse game with several surprises.  Julian gets caught up in the affair unawares. But, it all ends well. Sort of. It appears that Edward loved another woman. 

If Le Carre had lived, I should think that Edward’s life would be great fun to explore.  

The story held my interest from the second page.  I laughed out loud by some of the English dialogue and manners expressed between Julian and the characters.  And, I wished I could visit Julian’s book shop.  Sounds like a great place to look for books. Nick Corwell’s afterward is touching and insightful.