John le Carre’s decision to publish Silverview after his death a ‘mystery’, agent says
Acclaimed spy novelist John le Carré’s decision to posthumously publish his new novel Silverview is “a mystery” in itself, according to the author’s literary agent Jonny Geller.
Mr Geller, who worked with le Carré for just under 15 years, says the book was finished in September 2014: “He said to me ‘ok it’s ready’ … I was waiting at my house for the book but nobody delivered a box, instead I got a letter that said ‘I’ve decided this isn’t the time but if you wish to publish this after my death with the permission of my sons, please have my blessing’.”
Le Carré – who went on to publish three further books before his death in December 2020 – wouldn’t reveal to his agent why he would only release Silverview posthumously.
Mr Geller says the book was finished in September 2014
“It’s a mystery to me,” Mr Geller admits. “He said ‘Look, I don’t want you to read it because I’m worried that you’ll like it and try and persuade me and, at the moment, I don’t feel I want this book out there’.”
Mr Geller says neither he nor le Carré’s family fully understand the author’s reasons for doing so.
After the author’s death, Mary Mount, his editor of the past decade, worked alongside le Carré’s youngest son, novelist Nick Cornwell, to get Silverview ready for publishing.
“It was in a very polished shape when it arrived … we were very respectful and we were both channelling le Carré’s very strong voice throughout.”
Le Carré’s novel is being released on what the industry calls “Super Thursday”, when hundreds of books are released aimed at the Christmas market.
Le Carré’s posthumous novel Silverview is being released on what the industry calls ‘Super Thursday’
Trade magazine The Bookseller has suggested this year’s event will be the lightest in years as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, with fewer titles than normal released.
Highlights include memoirs and non-fiction books by Olympic diver Tom Daley, Drag Race runner-up Bimini Bon Boulash, TV personality Paris Fury and comedians Billy Connolly, Michael McIntyre, Jack Whitehall, Rob Beckett and Julian Clary; a posthumous novel by Andrea Camilleri; new fiction from Sophie Kinsella, Christine Pride, Jo Piazza and Heather Morris; cookery titles from Nigel Slater and the Hairy Bikers; and children’s books by Julia Donaldson, Liz Pichon, Tom Fletcher and Sir Lenny Henry.
Mary Mount says the book was very polished when it arrived
Le Carré’s posthumous novel is likely to top the bestseller charts for weeks to come. A prolific writer whose work was translated into 47 different languages, the sustained popularity of his body of work speaks for itself.
But the current popularity of spy novels as a genre is a sign of the times, according to Professor Penny Fielding from Edinburgh University.
“In a world where there aren’t any truths, spy novels perhaps mirror that more, they give us a sense that knowledge is contingent and provisional rather than absolute,” she says.
Lauren Wilkinson, author of American Spy, says le Carré’s writing was an inspiration
Famed character George Smiley was a man from a very British institution but le Carré’s writing inspired many around the world.
Lauren Wilkinson, author of American Spy, says: “Yeah it can be a very white, very male, straight genre but I feel that a writer like le Carré sort of made me see this genre and think ‘well maybe I can my add my voice as well.'”
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How does it all end?
Well, while this is being touted as le Carre’s “last complete masterwork”, read between the lines and the implication is, amongst the extensive archive he left behind there might still be a book or two that may still come in from the cold.
Peter Kay says he has been forced to postpone two shows at a new arena in Manchester again – this time for almost a month.
The comedian was due to perform at the Co-op Live in Manchester, which is set to become the UK’s biggest arena, on 23 and 24 April.
Behind-schedule power tests and safety concerns meant both gigs were initially pushed back to 29 and 30 April – but now, the dates have been delayed until 23 and 24 May.
Co-op Live’s general manager, Gary Roden, resigned yesterday following a series of problems and delays at the new venue.
Kay wrote: “To everybody with tickets, my apologies once again… I know I can’t believe it either.”
He added: “It’s very disappointing but your safety is important and I won’t compromise that.”
The £365 million arena’s general manager announced his resignation after a slew of issues led to a delay in the opening of what will be the UK’s biggest indoor arena.
In an X/Twitter post today, comedian Kay apologised to fans for the cancellations.
The 50-year-old Phoenix Nights star wrote: “To everybody with tickets, my apologies once again but unfortunately the Co-op Live still isn’t ready and so, as yet, remains untested for a large-scale audience.
“Consequently, they are having to reschedule my two shows yet again (I know I can’t believe it either).”
Today it also emerged that The Black Keys gigs due to be at the venue this month have also been pushed back.
Dan Auerbach of The Black Keys. Pic PA
Headaches for Co-op Arena became patently clear after capacity for a test event last Saturday was reduced with just hours’ notice.
The arena announced on Monday that Kay’s performances would instead take place on 29 and 30 April, with Kay saying he was “truly gutted” by the delay but the comedy gigs will now move to 23 and 24 May 23.
He wrote: “Tickets will be transferred, or refunds given if the new dates aren’t suitable. It’s very disappointing but your safety is important, and I won’t compromise that.”
In a post on X/Twitter, Co-Op Live Arena said: “Since making the difficult decision to postpone the live shows at Co- op Live due to take place this week, we have been undertaking an extensive protocol of testing critical procedures to ensure all areas are ready for fans.
“To ensure that we can run all shows safely, regretfully we have now had to take the decision to reschedule the planned The Black Keys and Peter Kay shows.”
The US rock band will now play at the venue on 15 May.
Co-Op Live Arena in Manchester
Pic: Cover Images/AP
A spokesperson for the venue posted: “Rescheduling Peter Kay and The Black Keys will give us the extra time we need to continue testing enhanced emergency communications thoroughly.
“This is vital to satisfy the rigorous set of guidelines and protocols that are necessary for a venue of this size to ensure that our fans, artists and staff have the safest experience possible.”
Over the weekend, a preview concert starring Rick Astley was also hit by delays, with ticket capacity slashed just hours before his gig was due to begin.
Astley fans who had their tickets cancelled have instead been offered seats to see US rock band the Black Keys play next week – but now that show has been cancelled.
Organisers said one problem in particular related to the power supply that was the cause of the cancellation.
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A spokesperson said: “It is critical to ensure we have a consistent total power supply to our fully electric sustainable venue, the completion of which is a few days behind.
“Rescheduling gives us the extra time we need to continue testing thoroughly. This is vital to satisfy the rigorous set of guidelines and protocols that are necessary for a venue of this size.”
Once fully open, the arena next to Manchester City’s ground will have a capacity of 23,500, overtaking the size of the existing Manchester Arena which can hold 21,000 spectators.
Built at an estimated cost of £365m, the arena counts former One Direction singer Harry Styles as one of its investors, with the pop star also advising on some elements of the arena’s design.
Other stars that were due to play at the venue include Take That, Liam Gallagher, Olivia Rodrigo and Eric Clapton.
Peter Kay has been on a comeback tour since December, appearing in Manchester, Leeds and Birmingham – his first tour since 2010.
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Jack Whitehall says he’s been the victim of “outrageous shading” after the Prince of Wales described his jokes as “dad-like”.
The next in line to the throne was asked by a group of school kids to tell a “dad joke” – and responded by saying he was “channelling” the 35-year-old comedian.
On X, Whitehall quipped: “There goes my knighthood.”
In a light-hearted, split-screen video, Whitehall reacted to the prince’s comments – but flattery after being name dropped turned to mock offence after William critiqued his jokes.
“Rinsed by the future King,” the comic said.
William made a surprise visit to a school in the West Midlands yesterday after a pupil requested he come and learn about their mental health campaign.
During the trip, William was asked to join children from St Michael’s Church of England School in Sandwell for the “dad joke” segment of their radio show.
He said: “I’m trying to channel Jack Whitehall, because most of his jokes are pretty dad-like.
“I think what I’ll do is I’ll say a joke which is Charlotte’s favourite joke at the moment, she keeps telling me.”
The Prince of Wales visits a school in Sandwell. Pic: Kensington Palace
The royal began with “knock knock” – and when pupils replied “who’s there”, William said “interrupting cow”.
As the kids tried to ask “interrupting cow who?” he made them laugh by saying “moooooo” before they could finish the sentence.
Whitehall shook his head with disapproval while listening to the joke – but then picked up a notebook and scribbled it down, as if he planned to use it in a future set.
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Whitehall – who welcomed his first child with his partner Roxy Horner last year – has written a Netflix special called Settle Down about becoming a father.
He is known for his sarcastic and self-deprecating stand-up comedy, starring in the sitcom Bad Education, and his long-running travel show with his father Michael.
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