The Constant Gardener by John le CarréMy rating: 3 of 5 stars
It almost pains me to give le Carre less than 4 stars, but this just wasn’t my favorite book. The reason may be found in the afterword he wrote where he is careful to explain that the story was not based on any particular experiences of his. Maybe there is more truth to his other spy books, which make them so riveting. And those stories without twisting plotlines usually have deep characters. This one seemed to be built around the issue of pharmaceuticals instead of plot or character and it felt a bit lackluster. There was no real mystery, and I didn’t feel tied to any of the characters. It may have been a statement about the reach of capitalism and its consequences, but it’s a story that’s been told before and so it was neither shocking nor fulfilling. Sorry le Carre, but this one wasn’t a keeper.
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