YEAH IT'S SUCH AN INCREDIBLY EFFECTIVE RUG-PULL. Smiley's done some things he regrets, sure, he's made some moral compromises, but-- but oh, we're showing a thing he damn well should regret right here front and center from the POV of the collateral damage, are we? OH OKAY THEN.

Like, damn, Le Carré! DAMN. It's absolutely ruthless in its effectiveness as a book that just leaves you staring at the wall afterward.