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Karla's Choice

A John le Carré Novel

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Karla's Choice

By: Nick Harkaway, John le Carré
Narrated by: Simon Russell Beale
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About this listen

Brought to you by Penguin.

A gripping new novel set in the universe of John le Carré's most iconic spy, George Smiley, written by acclaimed novelist Nick Harkaway

Set in the missing decade between two iconic instalments in the George Smiley saga, The Spy Who Came in from the Cold and Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, Nick Harkaway's Karla's Choice is an extraordinary, thrilling return to the world of spy fiction's greatest writer, John le Carré.

It is spring in 1963 and George Smiley has left the Circus. With the wreckage of the West's spy war with the Soviets strewn across Europe, he has eyes only on a more peaceful life. And indeed, with his marriage more secure than ever, there is a rumour in Whitehall – unconfirmed and a little scandalous – that George Smiley might almost be happy.

But Control has other plans. A Russian agent has defected in the most unusual of circumstances, and the man he was sent to kill in London is nowhere to be found. Smiley reluctantly agrees to one last simple task: interview Susanna, a Hungarian émigré and employee of the missing man, and sniff out a lead. But in his absence the shadows of Moscow have lengthened. Smiley will soon find himself entangled in a perilous mystery that will define the battles to come, and strike at the heart of his greatest enemy…

© Nick Harkaway 2024 (P)Penguin Audio 2024

 Espionage Genre Fiction Literary Fiction Political Spies & Politics Thriller & Suspense War & Military Exciting Russia Fiction War

Critic reviews

‘Is this new ‘le Carré’ novel even better than the master himself? Harkaway has done an extraordinarily good job with his father’s legacy. Karla’s Choice is note-perfect.’ (Jake Kerridge)
What a treat! Karla's Choice expertly evokes the atmosphere of the originals
A loving tribute as well as an excellent novel in its own right (Anthony Cummins)
It is difficult to encapsulate what a remarkable achievement this novel is. Karla’s Choice is absolutely first rate, as both a homage to le Carré and as a work in its own right (Stuart Kelly)
Karla’s Choice breathes new life into the murky world of the Circus. If you haven’t read any Smiley books, then this wouldn’t be a bad place to start (David Mills)
An accomplished and welcome addition to le Carré's oeuvre. Harkaway has drawn on his deep knowledge of his father's work to produce a tale faithful to the originals, while subtly adding a lighter, more modern touch.
Harkaway is a fine writer and he has resurrected his father’s books brilliantly
Brilliant – every bit as suspenseful and knowing as the original, and often more humorous
A satisfyingly intricate tale filled with intrigue and suspense. Karla's Choice is an accomplished homage and a captivating thriller.
Tense and atmospheric, meditative and moving. Fans of le Carré will have much to rejoice about (Tan Twan Eng)
All stars
Most relevant
A worthy addition to the Smiley series that is written from a place of knowledge, passion and respect. Well done Nick Harkaway. Solid narration too.

Very enjoyable

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As a huge fan of both simon Russell Beale as Smiley, I put off reading this. I really shouldn’t have! It was like putting on a pair of old shoes, to be in smileys world again. The story was everything a super fan like me could want - more please!

Glad it’s been written!

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If like, me you, adored the Smiley stories by John Le Carré, and genuinely grieved the author’s death, take heart!

Le Carré’s son has written a very convincing addition to the collection. The audiobook begins in the author’s voice, speaking about growing up with Smiley as a member of his family and about the weight of the task of doing him and his father justice.

In my opinion, he did. The tone of the book, the behaviour of familiar characters, the prose, the shades of colour and the emotions…. With barely a foot wrong, Nick Harkaway succeeds.

I thoroughly enjoyed this and cannot recommend it highly enough. Of course, now I’m hoping he’ll write more Smiley!

A worthy addition to the Smiley canon

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A familiar revisit into the machinations of cold war tactics for fans of Smiley. The emotional hinterland of both Karla and Smiley is described less obliquely than usual and adds nuance to the traditional spycraft plotting. Recognisable tropes and characters from the other Smiley novels help to anchor the tale and provide an incentive to reread the whole series.

Smiley as a force for decency

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I'm not sure what the reasoning is, but either Simon Russell Beale has never read another 'Smiley', or listened to Michael Jayston's seminal audiobooks, or he's been instructed in the voice to be assumed for Smiley. Regardless, this whole audiobook is rendered almost unlistenable by the ridiculous spectacle of Smiley as East End gangster - think Ray Winston meets Greg Wallace. For those of a certain age Smiley is inextricably linked to Alec Guinness, with his quiet but authoritative air, and inoffensive demeanour. Michael Jayston managed Smiley admirably, as he did Peter Guillam (unsurprisingly!) and even Connie Sax. I'm afraid this reading is sadly lacking, and not worthy of a good effort to fill in the considerable voids in our knowledge of the great man.

Clueless narration spoils a good book

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