The Mission Song
Le Carré’s typically reluctant spy, Bruno Salvador is the “zebra” son of an Irish missionary and an unknown Congolese woman. His remarkable gift for languages, which includes fluency in Congolese dialects, guarantees him regular work in London business, as well as the occasional stint with British Intelligence, which he happily embraces as his patriotic duty. His first major assignment is to serve as an interpreter for a mysterious Syndicate dimly associated with British interests at a conference dealing with coming elections in the Congo. Needless to say, he becomes entangled in a world where nothing is as it is presented to be. All parties involved have a hidden – and dishonorable – agenda. Le Carré is at his best here, mixing tragedy and satire with devastating effect.