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Authentic Quote by John le Carre

“The merit of 'The Spy Who Came in from the Cold,' then - or its offence, depending where you stood - was not that it was authentic, but that it was credible.” quote by John le Carre
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“The merit of 'The Spy Who Came in from the Cold,' then - or its offence, depending where you stood - was not that it was authentic, but that it was credible.”

John le Carre

About This Quote

Source Novel: The Spy Who Came in from the Cold, 1963

The book’s power lies not in factual realism but in its believable, immersive atmosphere.

In simple terms: Credibility matters more than strict authenticity.

Key Takeaway

Prioritize believable storytelling.

Themes

trust credibility authenticity political intrigue

Mood

thoughtful analytical

Type

literary critical

When to use this quote

  • political thrillers
  • writing workshops
  • media analysis

Key Concepts

Literary realism narrative immersion

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you judge credibility versus authenticity?
  • When does believability become manipulation?
A Different Perspective

Credibility can be subjective and may mask bias.

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