Hearth and Pages: The Mission Song

“A good man knows when to sacrifice himself,

a bad man survives but loses his soul.”

The Mission Song is a spy thriller novel written by John le Carré. I pick this book to fulfill one of Pop Sugar Reading Challenge prompt: "A book with a protagonist who has your occupation." Well, if you keep reading this review, you will know what my job is, or rather a part of my job.

This book tells a story about a British citizen and half Congolese half Irish man named Salvo. Salvo who was abandoned by both his parents now has found a guidance in Mr. Anderson, a member of British Intelligence. Salvo’s fluency in many languages—especially in various African languages—has made him a top interpreter in London. Salvo is now hired to interpret at a secret meeting which supposed to bring peace to Congolese people. As he deal with his works, Salvo then unfold the secret and hidden purpose of each party. Tangled in the cobweb of International politics, and burdened with life changing informations, Salvo now has to decide where his loyalty stands. He will have to choose carefully which cards he should deal as his life and his beloved life are threaten from all sides.

This is my first le Carré's book and my first spy thriller novel in years. I won't say that this is a weak book, but it also doesn't leave a strong impression on me. Overall, le Carré's writings give me enough suspense to keep going with this book. But unfortunately, I feel most of the middle part—which I think is crucial to the plot—was written rather poorly. There are many unimportant parts thrown in, and when we got to the important parts, they fall quite flat. Not to mention the excessive use of ellipses which really irks me.

As for the character, I really find it hard to sympathetize with him. There is a type of naivety in a character that I can tolerate, even adore. But there is also a type of naivety in a character that makes me feel a bit annoyed by them. Salvo falls into the second category. I also feel like some relationships between him and other characters are really unnecessary. That being said, I like his wits and knowledge. I also really like the other characters in this book, some even more than Salvo. Other things that I like is how le Carré's put his social criticism in this book but with enough humor to tone it down. It is also fun to read a spy thriller from an interpreter point of view. It’s definitely give a new air to the genre.

In conclusion, The Mission Song was a fun read, but not good enough to be something special. If you want to read a spy thriller from a fresh point of view with social critiques then this book might be your cup of tea. But I also think that you won’t really miss much if you decided to skip this one.