Top Ten John Le Carre Novels: Which Ones Should I Read First?

You might also consider 'A Most Wanted Man'. It's a more modern work that still has all the hallmarks of a le Carre novel - complex characters, a morally ambiguous situation, and a plot full of twists and turns. It's a great entry point into his body of work.

Some of the well - known Le Carre novels in his top works could be 'Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy'. It's a classic spy thriller that delves deep into the world of Cold War espionage, with complex characters and an intricate plot.

Some of the highly regarded ones are 'Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy'. It's a classic in the espionage genre with complex characters and a convoluted plot. Another great one is 'The Spy Who Came in from the Cold', which is a gritty and realistic look at the world of spies.

In my opinion, 'Smiley's People' has a great plot as it continues the story of George Smiley. It's about his pursuit of a former KGB man. 'Our Kind of Traitor' too has an interesting plot where a young couple gets involved with a Russian money launderer and the British intelligence.

If you prefer a more modern - day take on his work, 'A Most Wanted Man' could be a starting point. It deals with contemporary issues such as the war on terror and the moral dilemmas that come with it, while still maintaining the signature le Carre elements of complex characters and intricate plots.

I would recommend 'Sword Art Online' first. It has an exciting plot set in a virtual reality world where players are trapped and have to fight their way out. The characters are well - developed and the action scenes are really engaging.

The first John le Carre novel is 'Call for the Dead'.

If you want to dive right into her more complex and well - known works, 'Beloved' is a great choice. It won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction and is considered a masterpiece. It's a profound exploration of slavery and its aftermath. However, it can be quite heavy, so if you prefer something a bit lighter at first, 'Sula' could be a good option. It's about the relationship between two women and has elements of love, friendship, and community.

I'd recommend starting with 'The Spy Who Came in from the Cold'. It's a classic and gives a great introduction to his style and themes.

I think 'The Spy Who Came in from the Cold' is one of his best. The plot is intense and the characters are very well-developed.