The Little Drummer Girl: A Novel

Twenty-five years after initial publication, John le Carre's journey through the "theater of the real" that is the Middle East is a packed house of poignancy. The 60th anniversary of the founding of the State of Israel prompted me to read "The Little Drummer Girl" and I concluded that anyone who remains a flag-waving partisan of the Israelis or the Palestinians after reading this book is lacking some basic building blocks of humanity.
Charlie, an English stage actress, is recruited to help unravel a cadre that is bombing Jewish and Israeli institutions all over Europe. Kurtz, his name a link to Joseph Conrad's "Heart of Darkness," in which a man of civilization is "unhinged" (or - looked at another way -- becomes his "natural" self) through contact with "the natives," is the Israeli ringleader. Dr. Alexis is Kurtz's friend/go-to guy in West Germany's government - his name of Paul reminding us of the Jewish apostate/Christian apostle who built a bridge between East and West through evangelical religion and bringing on stage the tattered kinship of Deutschland and the Jews (both victims of Hitler).
Kurtz's difficulty in speaking Hebrew prompts a meditation on whether Jewish assimilation into the West has disoriented Jews in our dealings with the East (Arabs especially). Khalil, leader of the Palestinian bombers of Europe, calls anti-Semitism (it should really be called "Anti-Jewism" in most cases since Arabs are also Semites) a European Christian invention but that's not wholly true - for its first appearance in recorded history see the experience of the patriarch Isaac (Genesis, Chapter 26). Joseph and Khalil are the looking-glass war equivalents of each other - mindful and admiring of their opponents, adding to the grand tragedy of the whole business.
Elegantly written, le Carre's erudition and wit are on display throughout. Here's one to marvel at - "Like other successful proposals, it was one that in a strict sense was never made" (p. 63, hardcover edition, 1983). There is foreshadowing of 9/11 - see Charlie's dream in Chapter 21 (p. 324). Le Carre throws in the decadence of the West (p. 114; for elaboration read "The Abolition of Britain" by Peter Hitchens) and the appealing irrationality of the East (p. 328).
The open-door prison that is home to Palestinian refugees (p. 338) shows what happens when a people lacking in statecraft is forced out into the world of nation-states. Diaspora Jewry suffered from this phenomenon time and again - for its biblical roots see Deuteronomy, Chapter 28.
For those who have tossed Providence and brotherhood of man into the dustbin of history, Kurtz's way seems best. In today's climate of U.S. neoconservative/neoliberal bellicosity, it's worth examining some of Kurtz's commandments -
1) The need to find ways to take the enemy inside his own camp (for the sake of peace. For the sake of Israel).
2) More effective to use violence against the mind than the body.
3) More emphasis on person-to-person relations. Secret war must replace open war.
"The Little Drummer Girl" was published around the time of Israel's 1980s invasion of Lebanon. In the book, Kurtz is incensed by this descent into "hot war." In the real world President Reagan saw the folly of overtness after 241 Marines were killed by a suicide bomber in Beirut. He wisely withdrew American forces, something today's Commentary magazine/New Republic/Beltway think tank Axis of Ignorance would call "cowardice" and "appeasement." Sane people might call it "a-PEACE-ment."
The crusty character of Picton reminds us of Britain's former role in policing Israel/Palestine and Charlie's outsider status convinces that Britain was wise to hang up its badge and gun. Americans not caught up in the silly cant of "They (Arabs/Muslims) hate us for our freedoms" will see that the United States is attached to the conflict by its two faces. An aerial Israeli bomb explodes on a Palestinian camp and an Arab woman shouts "America, America, America!" (p.348). American-made weapons are the most destructive tools of the Zionist war machine and every Arab/Muslim knows this. Yet all parties can count on each U.S. president to offer one or more shallow peace plans.
Kurtz makes an important point about politics being an externalization (p.136). But perhaps this is where believers in Providence and brotherhood of man need to part company with the Israeli spymaster or strike a Maimonides-type balance of pushing away statist politics with the left hand and bringing person-to-person relations (a la Barley Blair of JLC's "The Russia House") closer with the right.
We need the spirit of Abraham to infuse us. When Abraham thought of his sons Isaac (grandfather of Jews and Christians) would survive yet Ishmael (grandfather of Arabs and Islam) would perish, the Master of Kindliness said to G-d "O that Ishmael might live before You!" (Genesis 17:18). Abraham prayed for the wicked people of Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis, Chapter 18). Abraham did not seek to expel the Canaanites even though G-d promised the land to Abraham and his descendants. In short, we need to believe in G-d's ability to keep His promises and maintain peace simultaneously.
Jewish religious instruction should reoriented away from rote citations of Talmud and commentaries and perfunctory holiday customs (to say nothing of ending the corrupt practice of taking money from Israeli and other governments in the name of "Torah") toward recreating a living, acting faith conspicuous by a sentiment of -
"Not shirking any responsibility...not avoiding any obligation...Improving one's surroundings and the city in which one lives...participating in all questions relating to the lives of people in the country in which you live, improving the lives of Jewish people everywhere, and the ultimate responsibility: establishing the world as the vehicle for G-d's rule." (Rabbi Eliyahu Meir Bloch, Telshe Yeshiva, Ohio).
Put another way by Leo Tolstoy: living moral truths in a natural environment and influencing the world by example.
The top rung of this Jacob's ladder would be staring down militarism and statecraft. This would involve cessation of calling and operating Israel/Palestine as "The Jewish State" although it would remain a homeland for Jews. A tall order, yes, especially after the rough-and-tumble of the Diaspora culminating in the Holocaust but G-d expects such great things from the Jewish people. What does it mean to be an Israelite? Esau's angel told Jacob our father - "You have striven with the Divine and man and overcome" (Genesis 32:29). We shall overcome.
Le Carre's Joseph despairs for Israel's future - "What are we to become...?" (p. 426). The answer awaits (if we have the courage) - G-d: "You are my servant, Israel, in whom I shall be glorified." (Isaiah 49:3).

Why was I fascinated by the "Little Drummer Girl" ? Because I read it third times and still wonder about the title... Yet that little girl Charlie is one of the greatest caracters Le Carré ever created. At first you can't like her, at least she is indifferent to you. But Le Carré builds up an oppressive atmosphere that makes you feel what Charlie exactly feels. You become aware that Charlie could be you. Perhaps that's why you didn't like her in the beginning : too close to you, to the people you see everyday. But the complexity of that caracter makes you learn a lot about yourself, because YOU are Charlie. It is no use saying again that Le Carré is a master at describing spheres and worlds and people and their mankindness. But still "The Little Drummer Girl" is one of his most achieved attempt at grasping the sensations and unlogic acts of human beings. Having read that book, I thought Le Carré was at is best, but I was wrong... He was one step before, then he wrote "A Perfect Spy" ! But still try this one first !

A masterpeice written by a master. As an Israelian I had special interest in this book, and I really liked it. The plot is thrilling and fun to read and the book is very well written. Yet, the most important thing about this book is, in my opinion, that it reflects the reality in the middle-east: A cycle of old hates and old revenges. No one can remember who started it, and it doesn't really matters. There are no bad guys or good guys because the whole concept of justice doesn't exist anymore. Everybody knows they are angry about something, that they are revenging something, however, does it really matters? Does it right? Does anyone really remember why it all started? This book is recommended as a good thriller and a thought provoking book.

This is a most marvelous book. It is almost three books in one. It has a chatty style that is unusual in an espionage story. It is very readable thruout. The character Kurtz was fantastic. The interview interrogation section was an entertaining classic.

I first listened to the Frank Muller version of "Little Drummer Girl" 10 years ago when I checked it out at the library. It swept me off of my feet then, and it still does. It is one of the few books that I listen to more than once. I am now listening to it once again for the forth time and it still has magic. I loved it so much I bought a different audio edition with a British narrator. It was no where near as good. I didn't realize it when I first listened to it, but Frank Mullers's narration is what makes the book come alive. There are plenty of excellent reviews of the plot on other LDG pages, my plug there is mainy for the Frank Muller narrated version.

This tough, highly romantic book is a favorite. It has a very long and genius level acting lesson in it as Charlie is being prepare to be a spy. It could have been written by Uta Hagen. It's an extraordinary book

This book is a complex exploration of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, that manages to look at both sides of the story. While nominally based in an Israeli viewpoint, I think that Le Carre makes the Palestinians (at least those not directly bombing people) the more sympathetic of the two. That said, the story is a little dated, but was probably right on the line when it was written.
Israeli agent Kurtz is determined to catch the Palestinian mastermind behind a dedicated bombing campaign that is claiming Jewish targets throughout the world. To do this, he calls in a sometime operative called Becker, who is to recruit an English actress, Charlie (still with me?) Through an intricate web of deception and fabrication Charlie 'becomes' the girlfriend of Michel, the brother of the man they are attempting to catch. Charlie must live in a delicately balanced world of the real and unreal if she is to complete her task alive.
Warning - this paragraph has spoilers.
Le Carre starts off with a fantastic premise, and he does manage to keep an amazingly labyrinthine plot together. Some sections, such as the descriptions of the Palestinian refugee camps, are believably and sympathetically written. But there are also some major flaws - the main one being the romance between Charlie and Becker (or Joseph as she calls him). Why did Le Carre throw this in?? It is totally unbelievable and unnecessary. Actually, the whole character of Charlie just doesn't ring true - or perhaps it is just that she is such a brat that you end up spending the book being annoyed with her rather than admiring her.
I am going to give Le Carre another chance, but sadly this book was a disappointment.

A poignant novel of betrayal. This tale of recuitment and use of a young girl to get at a terrorist, and how it all comes down, is a worthy commentary on how and why spy agencies do what they sometimes do and what it means for those involved. Provides insight into Le Carre's thoughts about innocents, as his writings regularly do in different ways, a constant theme. Should not be ignored by his readers, whatever they might think about Palestinians.

A great read, sophisticated and thought provoking. This one is so much more than just a spy novel. The Mossad recruit a young English actress in order to infiltrate a terror bombing network and set up a big sting. Definitely a page turner, but at times a bit repetitive. Some scenes do go on and on with far too much detail and intricate plotting. That said, LeCarre's writing is absolutely superb. You know you're in the hands of a master storyteller at the top of his game.

A true masterpiece. I just finished. I am speechless. What amazes me about JLC is how can he spend so much time on the details and be economical on the essential. In the end, ir all makes sense.This book is relevant, complicated, sweet, compelling, informative. It is everything except moralistic. It is incredible.

The Little Drummer Girl involves a conflict between Israeli and Palestinian spymasters, basically. The Israeli man choose an actress to use as an agent to further his ends, and the book follows her adventures and problems throughout.

The major problem with it is you are not quite sure why the woman is doing what she is doing, so doesn't hold up as well when that doesn't make sense.

Complicated and sometimes long winded, but overall an interesting book for those that pay attention to details. If, for example, someone were to confuse the Israeli agents in this book for English, they would probably enjoy it as much as they would "Hunt for Red October" if they confused the Soviets for German Nazis.

le Carre creates stories that draw one in after time. This one is no different. Unlike many of his novels, the ending is more clear and less open. Well written as always and more engaging as one reads on. Typical Le Carre. Great story and highly reccomended.

Taking into account that this was written during the thankfully dying days of groovy hipness. Started off interesting enough, then out of the blue we are introduced to Charlie In Mykonos living on the beach with a troop of too too hip performers and her unbelievably brutal boyfriend. It then digressed into a mess of pretentious hippie twaddle, which was enough to make me put it down after 75 pages and a wasted evening. I give it two stars only because it started off well enough, then lost me, but others seem to enjoy it. I think Le Carre hit his peak with "The Spy Who Came in From the Cold" which was great. I have put down "A Perfect Spy" and " A Small Town in Germany," both too slow to waste precious reading time on.

It is really thrilling to read such well crafted prose in a spy novel. The psychological inisight alone is worth the cover price. Tremendously enjoyable and fluid. Le Carre hits this one out ofd the park.

I wouldnt let this review put anyone off reading it as the author seems to know his business well and it was good to read parts of it and the different sides of the terrorist argument - it's just that i could not get into the story. I struggled through half the book and then read some reviews and tried again but it just was not believable. It seemed like i was reading hearsay from someone who was relaying the story to me and not to well. The idea of the girl, Charlie being brought into the scene as occurs also seems a bit difficult to swallow as well. I have found this author's books difficult to get into, but I can see he is a good writer, its' just his method - and how I read. On that basis I would emphasise not to shun the book as the next person may like it.