In a nutshell, the problem with The Naive and Sentimental Lover is that John Le Carré published it using the John Le Carré name. While, yes, technically at this point in his career he had written a novel that wasn't about espionage, because A Murder of Quality featured George Smiley few noticed. Understanding this going into The Naive and Sentimental Lover helped. Also, Richard Mitchley's excellent work on the audiobook more than helped (love, love, loved his Shamus). Still, I think it would've been better if The Naive and Sentimental Lover had been published using a different name, like when Agatha Christie published her romance novels as Mary Westmacott. But, then The Naive and Sentimental Lover might've been better received and we might not have gotten Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy.

Ah, hindsight.

Anyway, as a comedy of manners The Naive and Sentimental Lover is decidedly not bad. At no point did I feel disoriented like I did reading A Small Town in Germany. Again, shout out to Richard Mitchley. Excellent, because The Naive and Sentimental Lover is kind of an investment at almost 14 hours. As others have pointed out, The Naive and Sentimental Lover foreshadows A Perfect Spy as a pseudo-memoir. If you like the trope of the naïve outsider falling in with the sophisticated in-crowd (e.g., The Secret History or The Furies, or even Indecent: A Novel), or post-WWII British comedies of manners, you should give The Naive and Sentimental Lover a try.

I highly recommend the audiobook narrated by Richard Mitchley.

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

If you are a fan for John le Carré's spy novel, this book is not for you. I did know it is his only novel outside his usual genre, still, it took a bit of getting used to, however, Carré still presents interesting characters and great locations. It is a tender, often amusing, wistful rumination on love and sex and loneliness and manhood. It proves that he was one of Britain's finest post-war novelists whatever genre he might choose to write in.

I read it as an audiobook; the narration was very expressive and enjoyable.

The audiobook of Death by Misadventure by Tasha Alexander was a courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher for an honest review. Thanks so much to all for this opportunity.

I wrote for support because this audiobook did not function for me when all others are working find. I never heard back. I deleted it, thinking I could retrieve it but I could not. Your loss. I've loved the Le Carre revival on Net Galley and am disappointed.

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.

The Naïve and Sentimental Lover by John le Carré, narrated by Richard Mitchley, is a departure from le Carré’s usual espionage thrillers, diving instead into the complexities of human relationships and self-discovery. This novel, originally published in 1971, explores the contrasting lives of two men: Aldo Cassidy, a wealthy but disillusioned businessman, and Shamus, a charismatic and enigmatic writer.

Richard Mitchley’s narration brings a unique depth to this story, capturing the nuances of each character’s voice and the emotional undercurrents of their interactions. His performance enhances the listening experience, making the characters’ struggles and transformations more vivid and engaging.

The plot centers around Cassidy’s mid-life crisis and his quest for meaning beyond his material success. His encounter with Shamus and his wife, Helen, propels him into a world of bohemian freedom and artistic expression. The novel’s title, inspired by Friedrich Schiller’s essay on naïve and sentimental poetry, reflects the dichotomy between Cassidy’s pragmatic, unfulfilled existence and Shamus’s idealistic, passionate life.

Le Carré’s prose in this novel is richly descriptive and introspective, offering readers a deep dive into the psyche of his characters. The narrative is less about action and more about the internal journeys of its protagonists, making it a thought-provoking read.

One of the strengths of this audiobook is how Mitchley navigates the shifts in tone and perspective, from Cassidy’s bewilderment and yearning to Shamus’s flamboyant and often manipulative charm. His narration adds layers to the characters, making their flaws and vulnerabilities more palpable.

The Naïve and Sentimental Lover is a compelling exploration of identity, love, and the search for authenticity. It’s a departure from le Carré’s spy novels but showcases his versatility as a writer. For those who appreciate character-driven stories with psychological depth, this audiobook is a rewarding experience.

More classic le Carre, author supreme of taut pacey spy thrillers. Considering the twists and layers in this book I just gobbled it up. Highly recommend.

*4.5

Another great, great book by the king of spy story. I especially enjoyed the tension of this one and the narrator was so great at it! I like it a lot!

Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for the arc.