What a performance!

Perhaps a little predictable but enjoyable nonetheless. Performance by David Oyelowo exceptional. Really well done

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Only OK by Le Care’s Standards

An excellent rendition of the work sadly spoiled by intrusive drum interludes which, perhaps, are trying to conjure up some Central African atmosphere - misplaced in my view, as the story, whilst relating to E Congo, is set mostly in England.
By Le Carre’s standards the story is ok - it lacks the dimensions of the majority or his works - I feel as though my purchase of this audiobook was a stolen credit, better spent on re-listening to one of his earlier works, I’m more likely to relisten to them than revisit this one.

If not for David Oyelowo’s depth of delivery, I’d be looking to get my credit back

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J le Carré’s mellowness with age.

I loved the book’s worthwhile place, people and points. Legendary le Carré being better than ever.

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Not le Carres best but still good

As someone else has said, a predictable plot so not that gripping but well written as usual and brilliantly read. Although not le Carres best still worth a listen.

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Rich Writing

Rich writing , with perhaps too many , many-layered complex twists and turns for its own good. It is easy to get lost in this, but the writing and the plot drives you on.

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1 person found this helpful

Not Le Carre's best

I love Le Carre, I have read him since I was a boy and have followed him from Smiley and his earlier novels to his post 9/11 diatribes on Bush et al. I am afraid this excursion into the Heart of Darkness world of the Congo is possibly the weakest of his novels I have read or listened to.

The reader does a fine job on a very diverse set of characters, but the problem is the main character. The setting is unusual and the story has lots of potential, but the hero is the problem. Most Le Carre novels have an idealistic hero who does what he (almost exclusively a "he") thinks is just, even if that usually ends with a compromised victory at best, and usually the end is tragedy. In this instance the hero is just rather naive, pompous and rather annoying. His undoing is just so damned obvious you feel no sympathy but just think "what an idiot".

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Excellent reading and great story

After a slow start with the reader and writer searching for the right pace this becomes a very hard to put down book. Great value all round.

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Entertaining Le Carré, excellent narration

May not be Le Carré’s greatest story, but still very enjoyable and typically well written. The narcissism and naïvety of the main character made for entertaining adventure. Superb performance from David Oyelowo.

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well worth the pay off!

If you could sum up The Mission Song in three words, what would they be?

moody, different, atmospheric

What did you like best about this story?

I liked that this book is another brilliant insight into the world of espionage but is narrated from a very different point of view to many of the other books I've read / listened to and highlights African conflict which is a different setting for me. In the classic Le Carre way, this book builds slowly but delivers with a satisfying conclusion.

What does David Oyelowo bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you had only read the book?

David Oyelowo brings the characters in this book to life

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

more of a slow burner

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2 people found this helpful

Could require second listening - incredibly entertaining

Listening to a LeCarre story while driving and at night to go to sleep means you are not always going to be 100% thinking of the story. I got perhaps 80% of the story. What struck me is meanness of entitlement, which does exist as proven not just through fiction. This became one of the themes of the book and the moral I take away though I temper it with my own experience knowing what is written about is the exception and not the norm (I pray anyway this is so). In the case of Congo, outsiders from all different countries, have plundered and been able to take what they want for extremely little cost in return.
Having lived in Zaire (Congo) as a youngster to Mennonite missionary parents I was especially interested. I have my own stories from a child’s viewpoint and been interested in the history that I have learnt since then that tells me of one the most fascinating places on God’s green earth, and most abused.
What the story left me with is a rekindled interest in remembering and further studying Congo. The language my parents learned was Tshiluba, but this was just one language of many in the area of the Kasai River. My friends in the village of Djokupunda (Charlesville at the time) learnt French in the school, but 98% of the village did not speak French. LaCarre’s story of an principled young man born of a Congolese native and sired by an Irish priest, educated with exceptional language skills that led him to becoming, not just a translator, but the distinguished elevated career as an interpreter. This LaCarre explained the difference and thus the story unfolds.
I will listen again after waiting awhile and for this rare book return to this story with an appreciation of familiarity held only for unique books. This one holds a special place because in the midst of evil there is good and it holds fast.
The story is recommended. The reader of the story is exceptional. It was a gold star production and I feel a classic Audible narrative.

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