The Honourable Schoolboy

novel by le Carré

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July 20, 2026

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The Honourable Schoolboy is a 1977 spy novel by John le Carré. It is the second novel in le Carré's George Smiley trilogy, following Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy and preceding Smiley's People.

The novel continues the story of George Smiley, a British secret service agent, as he works to dismantle the Soviet spy network led by his nemesis, Karla. Smiley is tasked with finding a way to undermine Karla's operations, leading him on a complex mission that involves tracking down a defector and uncovering a vast conspiracy. The narrative explores themes of betrayal, loyalty, and the moral ambiguities of espionage.12

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John le Carré
Their struggle was continued in The Honourable Schoolboy (1977) and culminated in Smiley’s People (1979; television miniseries 1982) with a successful attempt by Smiley to force Karla’s defection to the West. In The Little Drummer Girl (1983; film 1984; television miniseries 2018) a young actress is persuaded by the Israeli…
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Their struggle was continued in The Honourable Schoolboy (1977) and culminated in Smiley’s People (1979; television miniseries 1982) with a successful attempt by Smiley to force Karla’s defection to the West. In The Little Drummer Girl (1983; film 1984; television miniseries 2018) a young actress is persuaded by the Israeli…
Read More