The Little Drummer Girl is over 40 years old. It's a John le Carré classic and has been adapted for the screen multiple times. I don't know what I could add to the collective as a review of the book at this point, but I do feel compelled to join the chorus of modern readers acknowledging the timelessness of the story. Other than some technological details like the use of payphones (or lack of computers), The Little Drummer Girl could be taking place today.

I would like to focus my praise on this current audiobook, narrated solely by Adjoa Andoh. I do not remember ever listening to an audiobook where a solitary narrator was able to provide so much versatility in bringing the story to life. She can only be compared to Mel Blanc. I don't believe a full cast could've added to the quality of this performance. Each character was given a distinct personality and tone. She knew exactly how to bring out the dark humor in the appropriate parts (the Silesian cracked me up), the different accents (you could just tell Helga was a nasty piece of work), and even making a particular character's false accent still reflect themselves (Kurtz and Litvak as Gold and Karman). Simply one of the best audiobook performances I've heard to date!

I would like to thank Dreamscape Media for allowing me to experience this NetGalley audiobook.

DNF at 80%

I have enjoyed tv/movie versions of LeCarre's work so I was super excited when an audiobook became available on Netgalley. And I hate dnfing but I just couldn't stand it anymore. it was very long winded and confusing, in part because my audio skipped a few times.

The narrator is great and probably the only reason I tried to listen as far as I did so she gets all the stars.

John Le Carre is the master spy tale teller. The Little Drummer Girl starts off a bit slow but builds and builds and builds as all the pieces come together.

I didn't read these when they were new but I'm glad they're being released again in audiobook form. I was a huge Jason Borne fan, and the style here fell very much the opposite. The Borne books are psychological but more action based, with a more overall positive feeling. This book was so dark and depressing to me. People have their beliefs and values and other people figure out how to manipulate them based on that to achieve their own ends.
Charlie is a young actress at the center of this and we get to see her evolution from being recruited to actively acting as an agent. She's being manipulated, but she's also manipulative. It really felt as though this author understands this kind of thinking, and apparently based Charlie on one of his own relatives. The narrator does such a good job portraying the emotions of the characters. Thanks to NetGalley for letting me listen to this audiobook

I have been on a “Le Carre” audio kick the past few months. Thanks to NetGalley I have had the opportunity to listen to a few books I read many (many) years ago. The good news is that “The Little Drummer Girl” has been issued for our listening pleasure. I was a bit concerned about whether the story would feel “dated.” Perhaps it is a tad dated in some sociological contexts; however, the politics and the Mideast as a powder keg resonates greatly in a world that just recently experienced a massacre of civilians in the most brutal, violent man-made actions. Once you (the reader) immerses yourself into Charlie’s world your mind will be captured as the tension slowly builds towards a sensational climax.
If it’s your first time with “The Little Drummer Girl” then strap in and enjoy the ride. If revisiting then….just strap in and enjoy (once again) the genius of John Le Carre.

This is a very short read but I realized very quickly that this audiobook was not for me. While the narrator was objectively fine, I quickly realized that this is the kind of dense classic story that I need to read with my eye balls in order to consume. I do a lot of audiobook reading but I found the narrative style did not lend itself to read aloud and was not the best way for me to review this one.

I requested this one because it might be an upcoming title I would like to review on my Youtube Channel. However, after reading the first several chapters I have determined that this book does not suit my tastes. So I decided to DNF this one.

Finally, this gripping thriller is available as an audiobook. And it does not disappoint. The content is very suitable for audio and a pleasure to listen to, especially with the lively narrators. I can recommend this audible delight.

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC in audiobook format

John le Carré’s The Little Drummer Girl is a masterful blend of espionage and psychological drama, and the audiobook version, narrated by Michael Jayston, brings this intricate tale to life with remarkable depth and nuance.

Set against the backdrop of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the story follows Charlie, a young and passionate actress, who is recruited by Israeli intelligence to infiltrate a Palestinian terrorist cell. As she becomes deeply entangled in the world of espionage, Charlie’s sense of identity and morality is put to the ultimate test.

Michael Jayston’s narration is nothing short of captivating. His ability to switch between accents and characters seamlessly adds a layer of authenticity and immersion that is crucial for a story as complex as this. Jayston’s voice carries the weight of le Carré’s prose, capturing the tension and emotional undercurrents that drive the narrative forward.

Le Carré’s characters are richly drawn, and Jayston’s performance enhances their depth. Charlie’s transformation from a somewhat naive actress to a conflicted and determined operative is portrayed with subtlety and precision. The supporting characters, from the enigmatic Israeli spymaster Kurtz to the various members of the terrorist cell, are given distinct voices that make them memorable and distinct.

The pacing of the audiobook is well-balanced, maintaining a steady rhythm that keeps listeners engaged without overwhelming them with information. Jayston’s measured delivery allows the suspense to build gradually, creating an atmosphere of constant tension and uncertainty. The detailed descriptions of settings and events are brought to life through his evocative narration, making it easy for listeners to visualize the scenes.

The Little Drummer Girl delves into themes of loyalty, identity, and the moral ambiguities of espionage. Through Charlie’s journey, le Carré explores the psychological toll of living a double life and the blurred lines between right and wrong. Jayston’s narration captures these themes with a sensitivity that resonates deeply, prompting listeners to reflect on the complexities of the human condition.

This audiobook is a compelling experience that showcases the synergy between le Carré’s storytelling and Jayston’s exceptional narration. It’s a must-listen for fans of espionage thrillers and those who appreciate character-driven narratives. The combination of a gripping plot, nuanced characters, and top-notch narration makes The Little Drummer Girl an unforgettable audiobook experience.

Also, don't forget to check out the movie by the same name where Diane Keaton plays Charlie, this was a favorite of mine for decades. It is a well crafted movie and Keaton her standard top star performance.

I love Le Carre and all of the Smiley novels but I'll admit, my interest in this title was purely for Adjoa Andoh's narration. She has a voice sent by the gods! This title was no exception. Excellent, exciting narration with all of the scheming and intrigue of Le Carre's works. These new audio versions, two of which I've been fortunate enough to listen to, are exceptional and I can't wait to see which titles get updated audio next.

I'm loving John Le Carré's book. There is something about a good spy thriller that just makes me excited to read it. I need to read them all.

Thank You, NetGalley and the publishers for allowing me to listen to The Little Drummer Girl by John Le Carré.

I like John Le Carré's spy stories and had to listen to this.

Audiobooks always seem to add a new dimension to a story.

I loved this book and would definitely recommend it.

DNF

This is going against everything I stand for: read the book before seeing the movie (if it exists). I flat out struggled after receiving the audiobook from @netgalley and it was beautifully narrated. However, I just never seemed to get anywhere in it. With 13 hours remaining I just had to stop. I’m sure that it all will develop, but the process of developing the story was sooooo long, honestly I kept on thinking “I get it. Can we speed up the pace of the story?” Nope. In this case I will seek out the movie.

#readmorebooks
#netgalleyreader
#netgalleyreviewer
#netgalleyarc
#audiobook
#goodreads
#readersofinstagram
#bookstagram
#bookstagrammer
#bookish
#mybookishlife
#wearebookish
#lovereading
#alwaysreading
#readinggoals
#2024reads

With the backdrop of the current Palestinian-Israeli fighting, it’s astonishing to hear the words of Le Carre’s masterpiece sound like contemporary arguments. The same passion, moral outrage and righteous reasoning that Le Carre articulated forty years ago in this 1983 novel are still being presented on both sides.. Le Carre’s novel weaves an exciting spycraft story within lengthy and complex chapters describing the disciplines and methods of the enemies, requiring significant patience and concentration by the reader/listener to fully absorb. Adjoa Andoh, who narrates this new audiobook, provides considerable assistance by voicing a wide range of unique sounds and accents for the many characters. This is an outstanding novel, and it’s both illuminating and disheartening to appreciate how entrenched these beliefs are, and how little progress has been made toward peace.

Thanks to Dreamscape Media and Net Galley for a copy of this audiobook in exchange for my honest review.

I usually love Le Carré’s books and this is not exception, but unfortunately I don’t appreciate the fact that he try to consider Palestinian and Israeli the same. It’s not. Israeli is the invader.
I couldn’t enjoy this book as much as I hoped because right now Israeli is committing a genocide.

I first read this remarkable, smart and illuminating literary le Carre espionage novel in the 1980s, and on hearing it again on audio now, it is timeless in how it holds up today with its complex themes and issues. It is ably narrated by Adjoa Andoh, it demands concentration and patience for it is long, although I have to admit taking my time with it, relistening to parts as I savoured le Carre's intricate and captivating storytelling. You will find yourself drawn in by the unforgettable characters, the English actor Charlie, the perfect candidate, lured in by Israeli spy, Joseph, for an operation masterminded by his boss, Martin Kurtz. It is a joy to be once again immersed in the flawed characters, the focus on human nature, politics, relationships, intrigue, developments, and moral ambiguities that continue to resonate in our contemporary world. An extraordinary and superb novel, exquisitely written, suspenseful, surely one of the author's best, that I would urge readers to read, or engage in a rewarding reread, I can recommend listening to this audio. Many thanks to Dreamscape Media for the ALC.

Starting with one of several bloody Palestinian bombings set in Europe to kill Israelis, we are drawn into a world of espionage with the Israelis trying to kill the Palestinian bomber who keeps targeting them and a double agent named Charlie who is working for the Israelis. Thanks so much to NetGalley for the ARC/audiobook and a brilliant reading.

I really enjoyed this book decades ago when it was first published. This go-around wasn't as enjoyable, perhaps because of the current Israel-Gaza war and all that has happened since its writing. This was written before Gaza was a territory and Jews, whose ancestors had lived there for centuries, were forcefully removed as peace wad promised if the Palestinians got their own space. The plot is good, but Le Carre' posits a deeply misguided and nonsensical ethical equivalence between a Palestinian movement animated by terrorism and the democratic State of Israel. Somehow while reading it this time I felt like the Jews and Israelis were the bad guys.

*Many thanks to John Le Caree, Dreamscape Media, and NetGalley for a free audiobook in exchange for my honest review.*
I have not read a book by the late David Cornwell which I have not enjoyed and this one is yet another proof that John Le Carre is the author for me. His plots are most complicated, and so are his characters. The Little Drummer Girl, with the Israeli-Palestinian conflict at its core, focuses on the moral dilemma which are still present. Thousands of innocent victims and revenge for killings which generates subsequent killings. I did not warm up to any characters and was surprised that little has changed since the 1980s or even since the 1940s.
I liked the narration although at time the lady narrator tried too hard. It is a long listen but worth your time.

2.5 stars

Well this left me feeling completely flat. The saddest thing about this book is that it is as relevant now as it was 80 years ago. Israelis and Palestinians are still at war with no end in sight. More people die and there's no solution, which is pretty much what Le Carre presented us with in these pages.

It's a complicated story of double agents that is much better told by the synopsis than my poor efforts at being concise.

I listened to the new audio recording of this book and even though I've listened and loved several of Adjoa Andoh's narrations before this I'm afraid that this time she let the accents get the better of her. The rolling of r's on the Arab and Israeli characters got more and more pronounced whilst the Germans were positively barking by halfway through. As for Charlie, she had permanent Barbie/AQI disease. All in all I was quite disappointed. I'd have preferred a straight reading.

So in conclusion I didn't enjoy the reading and I wasn't convinced by the storyline. I have a chequered past with Le Carre though so if you love him unconditionally then you'll probably enjoy this. I was bewildered by the halfway through and once I'd listened to the audio I watched the BBC series just so I could figure out what had occurred. (And even though it was a good production I still felt miserable at the politics and wasn't convinced by Charlie at all).

Sorry, not for me.

Thanks to Netgalley and Dreamscape Media for the audio advance review copy.