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Karla's Choice

A John le Carré Novel

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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
I've been reading and re-reading Smiley books for the last four decades. This is a perfectly paced "missing tale" that also helps to fill in some gaps that le Carre never got round to explaining.

SRB is "the" le Carre narrator and his occasional auditory references to Alec Guinness enhance the telling perfectly.

There is humour in places but also the darkness of that mad world. A thoroughly enjoyable read that I will be going back to again and again. Like all the other Smiley books I know I will learn more with each read.

Also.... did anyone else see the AG "this is not the....." reference or did I imagine that...?

100% Superb

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My only other experience, I think... If I don't count Christopher Tolkien, of a respected and successful author's children continuing their work is the Brian Herbert, fist gripped, crayon crawled, Dune prequels/sequels/cash ins abominations. I'm ashamed to say that my experience with those, i hesitate to call them, books tempered my expectations of this book. I needn't have worried at all. This was excellent, the story, the reading, everything. It wasn't Le Carre but it was Smiley. Brilliant. I'll hopefully be reading more new stories from the Circus and more books from Nick Harkaway

Listened to this from behind the couch peeking through my fingers

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Will be an absolute feast for a fan of the master, hats off to Nick Harkaway.
I look forward to hearing more from George Smiley.

Pure John le Carré,

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A joy of well developed characters and plot twists. This is a most satisfying and highly recommended!

It feels as though Smiley is sat next to me - wonderful delivery!

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why are you the publisher so arrogant to demand minimum numbers of swords and other similar restrictions when an individual wishes to recocognise the simple brilliance of a book? It says it all about you. Look in the mirror

Quality

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