It was third time lucky, I finished it yesterday, although I realised long before the end that the previous two attempts to read the whole book were two attempts too many. I must state that as far as literature is concerned I am an ignorant peasant and my opinions mean nothing but I found it to be a dull read, no excitement, no great adventure, no sex, no violence, no car chases, no gadgets, just a dull read about a conman, so probably a more lifelike tale of spying.
Next read could be "The Alchemist" by Paulo Coelho recommended by a Finnish friend who first read it in French before it was a bestseller. So that is a Brazilian author, Finnish recommendation of a French translation of a Portugeuse language book to be read by an Englishman with a Scottish bookmark. To complicate matters the story takes place in Spain, Morocco and Egypt. I wonder if i will like it, there is the possibility that I could actually enjoy it....... mmmm, now to find a copy, none available in the shops here. Will have to go online.
Oregano
Pro 
As somebody who struggled with English literature at school I also regard myself as an "ignorant peasant". However, just as 'beauty is in the eye of the beholder' I think any book is what the reader makes or doesn't make of it.
I found "A Perfect Spy" fascinating. I suppose I found that the whole development of Rick's character in the story was remarkable. Apparently David Cornwell's (John le Carre) father was a conman and Rick's character might have been based on his father.
O.