I just started reading The Looking Glass War by John Le Carré. I know it isn't the first in the series, but my dad told me that it was a good standalone story and that I didn't have to read the preceding books. I'm about 50 pages in and am confused. I don't know any of these characters and their introductions are brief. Also, the details seem kinda unconnected. Is this because I didn't read the other books or is this his writing style?