John le Carré

John Le Carre

In a novel about global politics and the fate of truth in modern times, Harry Pendel, a tailor in Panama City who can claim politicians, presidents, crooks, and conmen among his customers, becomes an unlikely spy for British intelligence

The Tailor of Panama

Janet Doré

“We’ve got everything God needed to make paradise. Great farming, beaches, mountains, wild life you wouldn’t believe, put a stick in the ground you get a fruit tree, people so beautiful you could cry.”

The Tailor of Panama was a CHORE for me — both literally and figuratively. As I prepare to live in Panamá, I am slowly making my way through an educational reading list in order to learn the history of my new country.

Although le Carré's writing was good from a technical standpoint, I found it very challenging to connect to the story and every single character. I was powering through without too much grumbling until about 2/3 of the way through when the narration completely flipped and totally lost me. It required some major mental effort to finish, but I did! (Were it not for my love of Panamá, I would have ditched it far earlier because, in general, life is too short to read books one doesn't like!)

As I struggled, I kept thinking that me reading this book about espionage is like the toughest of guys reading a sappy romance. So, in fairness to John le Carré, it was (mostly) me! Others might thoroughly enjoy this book.

The struggle was both real and worth it. Although this was fiction, le Carré got positive feedback from Panamanians in the know so my education definitely benefited from reading this book. Looking forward to watching the movie to fill in the gaps created when my brain glazed over.

Max Veytsman

An English tailor working in Panama is hired by the British government as a spy because of his contacts at the highest level. He proceeds to tailor his reports the way he creates his suits, giving the client what he wants, and the result is tragicomedy.

The Tailor of Panama

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