The Tailor of Panama

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Le Carré's portrayal of Panama—a nation of 2.5 million set to take control of the Panama Canal on December 31, 1999—depicts a place rife with drugs, corruption, and money laundering. The weight of global politics bears down on this unprepared country, and British Intelligence selects an unlikely hero: Harry Pendel, a charming, evasive tailor running Pendel & Braithwaite Co. Limitada in Panama City. Pendel dresses influential figures across Central America, making his shop a hub for secrets and confessions. He may not always hear the truth directly, but he has his ways of gathering information. The narrative explores the nature of truth and deception, questioning the roles of spies, politicians, and journalists as they manipulate reality for their own agendas. In this thrilling and humorous tale, le Carré crafts a satire on the fate of truth in contemporary society, expanding the boundaries of the spy genre to deliver an engaging story that resonates with the complexities of modern history. John le Carré, born in 1931, has a distinguished background in literature and intelligence, with notable works including The Spy Who Came In from the Cold and A Perfect Spy. He currently resides in Cornwall, England.