'The Unbearable Peace' (1981) An Essay by 'John le Carré

'The Unbearable Peace' is an essay by John le Carré that featured in Granta magazine's Issue 35.

In this piece, le Carré delves into the life of Jean-Louis Jeanmaire, a Swiss army officer convicted of espionage for allegedly passing military secrets to the Soviet Union.

Through his interactions with Jeanmaire, le Carré explores themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the personal costs of political neutrality.

The essay provides a nuanced examination of Switzerland's unique position during the Cold War and reflects on the broader implications of peace and security in a complex world.