Simply superb

A superb final instalment of the trilogy of trilogies. I didn’t want this to end, ever, though all good things do. Well done Mr Deighton.

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Brilliant

It has been a thoroughly entertaining triple trilogy and a brilliant performance by the narrator.

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An wonderful finale to the best series of books.

I have just finished the whole of the Bernard Samson series - all 10 books. They are undoubtedly the best I have ever listened to. Beautifully written and superbly narrated. The plots, the dialogue, the descriptions - all come together brilliantly. Simply outstanding.

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Good twist ending to a good story

Need to read the others first and concentrate! It is really entertains and shines a light onBerlin

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Disappointing ending but wonderful series

I'm so sorry to say goodbye to Bernard Samson and his world. The whole 9 books create an incredibly complex story with single book subplots. It's a window into a hidden part of history which seems so alive.

All of the middle books in each trilogy lagged a bit, but Charity picks up the pace again to offer a rather unsatisfying ending. It's almost as though Deighton couldn't wait to wash his hands of the series and get on to something that interested him more.

Still these books have to be among my most favourite ever and I shall undoubtedly read/listen to them again.

Aufwiedersehen, Bernie.

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Super last in the series. All knots tied in most ingenious ways.

Loved this. Ended just as I had hoped. V ingenious plot and all the fav characters taking part. The narrator helps to Make this series.
Well done James.
Will read the whole series again later in the year. So gripping.

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Truly Wonderful 9 Books

If you haven't done so, I urge you to listen to the 8 books before this and then this one. Truly wonderful writing, beautifully narrated. There were many, many moments that took my breath away for one reason or another. What a wonderful treat. Bravo

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The Complex World of Bernard Sampson: A Reflection on Len Deighton's Trilogy, Culminating in "Charity"

SPOILER ALERT. THIS IS A REVIEW BOTH FOR CHARITY AND THE SERIES OF BOOKS AS A WHOLE WITH SOME MAJOR REVEALS.

Len Deighton's Bernard Sampson trilogy, culminating in "Charity," is a mesmerising journey through the intricate world of Cold War espionage, where secrets, loyalties, and betrayals intertwine to create a web of complexity that captivates readers from start to finish. At the heart of this saga is Bernard Sampson himself, a character so beautifully nuanced and rounded that he becomes not just a protagonist, but a living, breathing presence on the page.

Bernard Sampson stands as a compelling and deeply human protagonist amidst the pantheon of iconic spy characters, such as George Smiley created by Le Carré and James Bond by Fleming. While Smiley embodies the quiet, cerebral demeanour of Cold War espionage and Bond epitomises the glamorous, action-packed world of spying, Bernard brings a unique blend of both worlds.

Unlike Smiley's reserved character or Bond's suave confidence, Bernard is refreshingly relatable, grappling with personal, professional and social challenges in a way that feels authentic and poignant. Len Deighton's writing style adds further depth to Bernard's character, with its meticulous attention to detail and intricate plot twists. Deighton eschews the flashy gadgets and high-octane action of Fleming's Bond in favor of a more nuanced exploration of espionage, highlighting the moral ambiguity and human cost of the Cold War era.

Bernard's journey is not just about thwarting enemy agents or saving the world, but about navigating the complicated web of relationships and loyalties that define his world. In this regard, Bernard Sampson and Len Deighton's writing offer a more subtle and introspective take on the spy genre, providing readers with a deeper understanding of the human condition amidst the backdrop of geopolitical intrigue.

Throughout the series, Deighton masterfully weaves together multiple opinions, agendas, and viewpoints, creating a tapestry of intrigue that keeps readers guessing until the very end. The revelation of secrets in "Sinker," where Bernie discovers truths that were previously beyond his reach, is indeed a masterstroke, showcasing Deighton's skill at crafting compelling narratives that delve deep into the human psyche.

However, as we reach the conclusion in "Charity," questions linger. Why does Bernie, despite his keen intelligence and dogged determination, still not quite solve the mystery of Verner's involvement in Therkettle's death? Why does the narrative end with Silas Gaunt bearing the full weight of the subterfuge, while others involved escape unscathed? My conclusion is that these questions, while they may initially leave readers wanting more, ultimately add to the richness of the series.

One particularly intriguing aspect of Bernard's character is his romantic entanglements, and this was Deighton’s major intention in crafting the world, within the setting of international intrigue and the machinations of state. What does it say about him as a man that he chooses to make a go of things with Fiona instead of pursuing happiness for himself and his children with Gloria? Is he too wedded to the life and the love of Berlin, no matter how frustrating and dangerous the game may be, with the likes of Dickie always likely to come out better? These questions delve into Bernard's psyche, forcing readers to confront the complexities of love, loyalty, and personal sacrifice and add yet another layer of richness to a series that already brims with nuance and depth.

My desire for another book, akin to "Sinker," that delves further into the motives of all involved speaks more to my loss at not having more time with these characters than it does to its necessity. Perhaps such a narrative would reveal hidden layers of deception, orchestrated to reward and further thwart Bernie in ways he could never have imagined. Maybe Gloria, behind the scenes, works to ensure that Bernie receives the recognition and reward he so richly deserves, even as she moves on with her life. We’ll never know.

And what of Bernard Sampson himself, in the wake of the fall of the Berlin Wall? How would Bernard navigate this drastically altered geopolitical landscape as old secrets resurface and new challenges arise? While the somewhat ambiguous ending of this masterful trilogy of trilogies may initially leave readers wanting more, ultimately invites us to ponder the complexities of human nature, the blurred lines between right and wrong, and the enduring legacy of loyalty and betrayal.

In the end, "Charity" serves as both a satisfying conclusion to Bernard Sampson's journey and a tantalizing glimpse into a world where nothing is ever quite as it seems. Len Deighton has crafted a trilogy that will linger in the minds of readers long after the final page is turned, a testament to the enduring power of masterful storytelling.

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Disappointing conclusion

Mostly good story with excellent narration and some good set pieces, particularly Werner's party, but the resolution of the protagonist's career and personal life are conveyed in a single long speech by another character. The narrative groundwork for these has not been done, so the specifics feel unconvincing and unearned. Even so, the protagonist takes this cue to plan major changes to the lives of his partner and children without consulting or even informing them, for the second time in this one volume.

This is really not the satisfying finale I expected. There is a strong feeling that Deighton is wrapping up a project that once interested him, but with little concern for what might interest me as a reader. I suppose that's legitimate, but I don't have to like it, and accordingly I don't.

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Damn started with the wrong one!

Having said ‘goodbye’ to Bernie Gunther now falling in with Bernard Samson. Have read a few already but started with ‘Charity’ rather than ‘Faith’ and ‘Hope’. Never-mind always an absorbing read and takes me back to when I lived in or visited Berlin.

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