John LeCarre’s SMILEY: GEORGE SMILEY with Aaron Cohen

John LeCarre wrote 25 novels. George Smiley appears in half and is the central character in three; “Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy”, “The Honorable School Boy”, and “Smiley’s People.”

This 90 minute program will focus on LeCarre’s background, his writing style, the real-life characters upon which some of his stories are based, the enigmatic George Smiley, (the anti-Bond if you will,) the spy jargon he invented, and the portrayal of Smiley by Alec Guinness. LeCarre’s novels are mysterious, ironic, stranger than truth, troubling and at times difficult to follow. But for his dedicated readers the rewards of completing a John LeCarre novel, the satisfaction is well worth it. The program will close with an interview with LeCarre about Alec Guiness’s portrayal of George Smiley.

Familiarity with LeCarre’s writing is useful but not essential. There will be a brief break halfway through the program.

Aaron J Cohen retired 10 years ago from New York City’s public hospital system. For 20 years he was the chief financial officer of Bellevue Hospital.

His early career included time as a teacher-trainer for the New York City Addiction Services Agency and assistant director of a training institute at Rutgers Medical School. He has a BA from Antioch College and an MA from Clark University.

Since retirement Mr. Cohen has functioned as an executive coach. Teaching and presentation activities have included leading sessions on public speaking, on the history of public hospitals in New York, and on “The Tragedy of the Commons.” Sanibel activities have included moderating a discussion with the author of the book “The Women’s Hour, “ for the League of Women Voters, moderating Big Arts Talking points sessions on health issues for several years, and teaching a class at Big Arts on “The Second Most Famous Detective in the World-Inspector Maigret.” More recently Mr. Cohen was on the planning committee for the Sanibel FORUM.

He splits hits time between Sanibel and New York.