Those looking for a fast-paced espionage thriller will be slightly disappointed with this novel. But if you prefer more literary spy novels that are well written and have compelling characterizations, this might appeal to you.  That's not to say there's no action here, as there are definitely moments of nice tension as well as more dramatic clashes with the story's villains. I'm sure I could never pull off a double life, a life of secrets and betrayals, even with 'good reasons'.  George Smiley is definitely the kind of intelligence officer I could buy.  As mentioned, he is not without flaws and often reflects on his position and the way he lives as a result.  He mourns what life was once like and that if he had made a different choice he might have been that way.  Always withdrawn, he now finds himself shrinking from the temptations of friendship and human loyalty. He is carefully guarded against spontaneous reactions. With his intellect, he observed humanity with clinical objectivity.

I recommend this novel to those who like the old school style spy novels.