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Summary: I finally just gave up...
Review: I'm so disappointed. I've read all of LeCarre's books but the end of the cold war really did him in for me. I got the book from the library four times, carried it around in my tote bag, paid several dollars in fines (at $.20 a day) but couldn't get past page 158. I just didn't care about any of the people -- the Messrs. Single, Brock, the Russians, the rest.Usually I read rather than vacuum, wash dishes, shop. However, I found myself doing the aforementioned rather than slogging through this book. (I considered keeping it until the windows were washed, but that's just going too far!)
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Summary: The sound of Le Carre is terrific
Review: Not only can Le Carre write circles around hacks half his age, but he reads his stuff really really well. Ultimately, the characters that fall in and out (and are sometimes shown stage door left with a resounding gunshot) are pretty much the same. But they all represent what LC's work is about ... complete loneliness. Tattered men with tarnished ideals making one last good for the team. And LC's voice captures that loneliness perfectly. While not as stunning a performance as Tailor Of Panama, S & S shines nonetheless. In no small part because of Le Carre's terrifically lonely voice.
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Summary: How not to get rich in the post cold war world.
Review: Unlike the brilliant "Our Game," "Single and Single" creates no meaningful connection between the its reader's life and the world of its characters; Oliver's big adventure (and Oedipal gratification) is good fun, but leaves the reader unchanged. The world is not a better place, the British Intelligence community is still run by uncaring accountants, but at least Oliver's loved ones are safe, he's gotten himself a girl, and Dad promises to be a better person. Shucks, I suppose he wasn't going to join the Chechen army, but I'd hoped for something more than a ride into the sunset.
Rating: 
Summary: A good read
Review: There is a tendancy to compare, favorably or unfavorably, an author's latest with his previous work. Given that, I say with some qualification, that this book is not as good as some of Le Carre's earlier books: specifically, the Smiley/Karla triology. So what! Compared to what else is out there, I'm convinced that something coming from Le Carre's hand is a better read than anything else currently available, unless Graham Greene or Eric Ambler are still publishing without my knowledge.
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Summary: LeCarre's Best in Years
Review: Although Single & Single falls short of the Karla series,LeCarre is back on track (I am still puzzled by the Tailor of Panama)with this excellent novel. Single & Single, like all of LeCarre's work, requires some discipline but duly rewards the patient reader. The writing is beautiful, and LeCarre remains peerless on matters of ethical imprecision.
Rating:
Summary: great lecarre at his bestt
Review: not done with the audio version. i keep rewinding, which is a pretty good gauge as to my enjoyment of the book.
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Summary: Le Carre still has it!
Review: In the battle between those who can't seem to comprehend the elliptical style perfected by Le Carre (who give it one star in their reviews) and those who claim that Single & Single is a masterpiece (five stars), I come out on the positive side, but with a few reservations. Yes, the first 125 pages are slow. Yes, the writing can be maddeningly obtuse at times. And yes, none of the characters are complete models of moral integrity. But, if you expected something else from Le Carre, you've clearly not read his prior work. His books always take a while to draw you in. His lack of clarity in individual scenes are like brushstokes--eventually leading to a picture that (even though impressionistic) stands beautifully by itself. And Le Carre remains the superstar portrayer of moral ambiguity. In my view, Single & Single is completely consistent with Le Carre's other work. It's a very good addition to his body of work and delivers in the end. On the other hand, it's not among his very best (the Karla trilogy, The Spy Who Came in From the Cold), but it's certainly better than The Tailor of Panama (a book that had me believing that Le Carre may have lost his way). Welcome back, John, and please write a few more. It's so nice to see a thoughtful, literate, and entertaining book on the best seller list (even if it's only for a few weeks).
Rating:
Summary: Very good read!
Review: As intense and suspenseful as "The Triumph and the Glory", and as well-crafted as any of LeCarre's fine novels, Single and Single suffered only from some faltering pacing and pedantic narration at times.
Rating:
Summary: Boring
Review: Maybe it gets better after page 132, but that is where I gave in
Rating:
Summary: His best yet! A well-written page-turner.
Review: Le Carre's best yet. The relationship between Tiger Single and his son Oliver is portrayed with deep insight and literary perfection. I found myself re-reading sentences with delight. The first 100 pages begin the story in the middle, so, although seemingly confusing at the beginning, I found sticking with it well worth the effort. The author knows and loves his characters, each of which he reveals in sparingly beautiful language. It's about the strongest love imaginable... between a parent and a child....about integrity, morals, good and evil. I've read all Le Carre's books and hope to live long enough to read them again... but especially Single & Single. It is his masterpiece.
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