Discovering Sarah Gainham: Unveiling the Overlooked Cold War Novelist

In this episode of the le Carré Cast, we introduce a new feature – ‘After le Carré,’ spotlighting authors beyond John le Carré. Jeff welcomes back Jeremy Duns, writer and spy fiction enthusiast, to discuss Sarah Gainham, a lesser-known but richly talented spy novelist. They delve into the essential elements of le Carré’s works, Gainham’s life and career, and especially her novel The Tiger, Life.

The discussion explores Gainham’s intricate plotting, authentic depictions of Cold War espionage, and her personal experiences that shaped her stories. The episode wraps up with intriguing insights into the realities of spy life and the dynamic between Gainham and her contemporaries.

All that and more in this episode.

00:00 Welcome to the le Carré Cast

00:38 Introducing ‘After le Carré’

00:48 Guest Introduction: Jeremy Duns

01:01 Defining a le Carré Novel

03:21 Spotlight on Sarah Gainham

06:24 Sarah Gainham’s Life and Career

09:30 Exploring Gainham’s Spy Novels

16:22 The Tiger, Life: Gainham’s Masterpiece

23:41 Debating Book Titles and Their Impact

26:33 Exploring the Novel’s Setting and Characters

28:23 Autobiographical Elements and Espionage

30:02 Complex Relationships and Character Analysis

39:38 Real-Life Inspirations and Historical Context

44:29 Conclusion and Upcoming Episodes

Jeremy’s twitter – @JeremyDuns

Jeremy’s Website – Jeremy-Duns.com

Jeff’s site – SpyWrite.com

Jeff’s twitter – @spywrite