John Le Carre, Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy

WE are an "all girl band" of readers although some of us are no longer girls but we all generally liked it for one reason or another no matter what our ages.

WE all liked Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy although we had two reservations. The characters at the Circus were not that distinguishable from each other. Ignoring Lisbon the book lacked action scenes.

WE loved John Le Carre's flowing writing style and brilliant descriptive capabilities. He is a great writer but that covers up some of the boring bits like the top meetings at the Circus. It never came across as though he had ever attended meetings at any "top table" although Smiley was meant to have been near the top once.

WE didn't all enjoy the latest film but those of us old enough (shame) to remember the TV series from the last century thought that was great, much better than the recent film and worth buying even now.

WE thought the paperback was good value for money although some of us tired or lost focus when reading it.