The spy who came in from the cold - by John Le Carre

Of late I kinda developed an interest in serious espionage novels and movies. It all started when I watched a British television series on DVD 'Reilly- an ace of spies' about a real-world spy. Then I did some research on the net.
One thing common across all discussion boards, critics forums or ratings is that Le Carre is the best among literary spy fiction. And this is the first book of Le Carre that I read. Well, I should say that the book didn't disappoint me.
It was a small book- around 200 pages. It didn't have unrealistic twists and turns that you find in cheap thrillers. But the plot itself may be implausible, but I am nobody to comment on what is plausible and what is not in the world of espionage of which I have absolutely no idea. What makes this book stand apart is the lack of heroism, lack of good-always-wins-in-the-end philosophy, lack of any grandiose undertones of patiotism and 'lack' of other little annoying things.
The story starts with a big intelligence failure by the protoganist. He expects his career to be moored after this failure. Instead he is sent on a carefully constructed double-agent scheme thats purported to be 'critical' for the agency.The story is told from the perspective of the protoganist. He believes he understands the game. So do we, while reading the novel. But the end reveals whatever we believed so far was not the reality. In that sense it makes the readers experience the 'spirit' (if I may use the word) of espionage. You really feel bad, a little bit angry about the kind of misinformation that you were fed so far and even you feel deceived. Only then would you realize that that was the intention. And thats why this is considered 'the best' in spy fiction.
The book doesn't bother to project propogandistic images about the good naturednes of British intelligence or the wicked nature of the other side. In the end both sides look equally culpable of deceit, treachery and an utter lack of respect for virtues.
Its definitelty a must read if you want to take up this genre - No non-sense spy fiction.