The Secret Pilgrim

John Franklyn-Robbins gives a fully voiced, unabridged performance of THE SECRET PILGRIM, which is, without reservation, worthy of the novel's excellence. Much of the power of Franklyn-Robbins's reading comes from the feeling that he is talking to you alone, providing intimacy through undistorted sound. The recording technique is perfect for the intended tone. He has an excellent vocal range and wonderful voices, and he gives Ned an appropriately worldly, battle-weary voice. Franklyn-Robbins's rendition of the forty-page dialogue between the interrogating Ned and the pathetically lonely Cyril Frewin is a stunning example of how oral interpretation can enhance one's understanding and appreciation of a text. P.W. Winner of AUDIOFILE Earphones Award (c)AudioFile, Portland, Maine

Near the end of his own career as a cold-war spy, the narrator invites his mentor, George Smiley, to address his students as they complete their spy training. Seeing Smiley again evokes for him a series of memories, some involving Smiley, all marvelously written vintage le Carré. Loosely linked stories may not have the drive of a coherent long-form narrative, but the device offers different pleasures, allowing for reflection on how the service has changed since Smiley's day, making room for narrative gems that don't fit in a novel but are far too good to waste. Michael Jayston could not be better, giving a wry, elegant wide-ranging performance that brings Smiley, Toby Esterhazy, and many other old friends from the Smiley novels back to vivid life. B.G. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2012, Portland, Maine