Karla's Choice
John Le Carré Nick Harkaway
DISCOVER THE MOST-TALKED ABOUT THRILLER OF THE YEAR . . .
‘Reads like a lost le Carrè. Smiley is back at the Circus in the safest of hands’ RICHARD OSMAN
‘Karla’s Choice is a note-perfect tribute to le Carré that feels fresh and new’ MICK HERRON
‘Le Carre’s legacy is in good hands – Smiley is back with a vengeance!’ IAN RANKIN
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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…
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Set in the missing decade between two iconic novels starring George Smiley, The Spy Who Came in from the Cold and Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, this is an extraordinary, thrilling return to the world of spymaster John le Carré, written by the author’s son and acclaimed novelist, Nick Harkaway.
‘An exceptional espionage novel in its own right’ WILLIAM BOYD
‘Harkaway has done an extraordinarily good job with his father’s legacy’ TELEGRAPH
‘An accomplished homage and a captivating thriller’ THE ECONOMIST
Product Details
About John Le Carré Nick Harkaway
Reviews for Karla's Choice
Jake Kerridge
The Telegraph
What a treat! Karla's Choice expertly evokes the atmosphere of the originals
Guardian
A loving tribute as well as an excellent novel in its own right
Anthony Cummins
The Observer
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
The Scotsman
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
Sunday Times
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.
The Financial Times
Harkaway is a fine writer and he has resurrected his father’s books brilliantly
The I
Brilliant – every bit as suspenseful and knowing as the original, and often more humorous
The Spectator – Books of the year II
A satisfyingly intricate tale filled with intrigue and suspense. Karla's Choice is an accomplished homage and a captivating thriller.
Economist - Best books of 2024
Tense and atmospheric, meditative and moving. Fans of le Carré will have much to rejoice about
Tan Twan Eng Gripping, clever, and full of tension, Karla’s Choice bridges the gap in the Smiley saga perfectly. Fans of John le Carré will not be disappointed.
Lisa Hall Elegant as smoke, ruthless as steel, Karla’s Choice is a love letter to fans of Smiley, but it’s also got le Carre’s furious humanity and Harkaway’s playful intellect. A genuinely surprising treat.
Patrick Ness, author of A Monster Calls Every reader of John le Carré will love this brilliant book
Tony Parsons It’s thrilling to be back with old friends and enemies. Smiley’s tested, essential goodness sings through the pages. I couldn’t put it down.
S J Bennett We have witnessed the rebirth of an icon
Scott Mariani, Number One Sunday Times Bestselling author of the Ben Hope series