A review by ravenousbibliophile
The Complete George Smiley Radio Dramas: BBC Radio 4 Full-Cast Dramatization by John le Carré

adventurous dark emotional mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

 [The following is a review of the Karla trilogy from the collection]  

Blurb: The spies who ASMR'd me 

Before my 15th Birthday (or thereabouts) I had always considered myself a bit of an 'afficionado' when it came to espionage literature. At the time, after having read more than a few James Bond novels along with a healthy dose of Modesty Blaise and a bit of Simon Templar, I fancied my tastes in the genre to be rather refined and exclusive. And then George Smiley strolled into my literary landscape and disabused me of my elitist illusions. In my early 20s I found the Karla stories brought to life on-screen with Alec Guinness' impeccable performance as the reticent Chelsea pensioner. And just when I thought I had finally experienced everything there is to experience with regards to the world of George Smiley, in walks Simon Russell Beale and hits me with a heady dose of deja vu.

Much like the ailing Connie Sachs, I fell victim to Simon's evocative voice as George Smiley and it would be a disservice to the rest of the cast if I did not mention their contributions alongside Simon's to a most invigorating auditory experience. I had seen the life and triumphs of George Smiley in my mind's eye, through my physical eyes and now I've heard him perhaps at his most vulnerable & in his most human form. 

If you've stared (as I have) to your monthly Audible charge and asked yourself 'Is it worth it?' then content like this should whisper in your ears that it is.