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

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…

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.

©2024 Nick Harkaway (P)2024 Penguin Audio Espionage Genre Fiction Political Spies & Politics Thriller & Suspense War & Military Exciting Fiction War Hungary

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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)
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)
Reads like a lost le Carrè. Smiley is back at the Circus in the safest of hands (Richard Osman)
A brilliant and almost uncanny incarnation of le Carré’s voice and world - and an exceptional espionage novel in its own right (William Boyd)
Karla’s Choice is a note-perfect tribute to le Carré that feels fresh and new, and yet fits seamlessly into the world of Smiley’s Circus in its heyday. (Mick Herron)
Le Carre’s legacy is in good hands - Smiley is back with a vengeance! (Ian Rankin)
Tense and atmospheric, meditative and moving. Fans of le Carré will have much to rejoice about (Tan Twan Eng)
The legendary Smiley’s return is a classic thinking person’s espionage thriller packed with more secrets, tricks and deceptions than a roomful of triple agents. We have witnessed the rebirth of an icon (Scott Mariani)

What listeners say about Karla's Choice

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Pure John le Carré,

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.

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A worthy addition to the Smiley canon

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!

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Almost kosher

I think my title sums it up. I was about to go through my Smiley catalog wondering wether to start at the beginning or not then found this new book

I liked the way the old characters come out of the woodwork and interweave with the plot. Russell Beales reading seems to create just the right atmosphere, I doubt you will be disappointed. Oh well back to the beginning

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Wonderful!

It was all I wanted it to be and more. The narration is first class and the story was as excellent as I really hoped it would be. Classic Smiley.

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Smiley is back!

Really loved this. Definitely in the Le Carré style. Feels like Smiley. Really hoping for more…….please!

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Really enjoyable!

Loved this, I have missed the great George Smiley and this was an enjoyable return to his world.

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Perfect Smiley

Absolutely brilliant - looking forward to reading more about the missing years. Loved the reappearance of characters from the earlier books

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Seamless Addition To The Smiley Canon

Entirely at home jn the company of its predecessors which is high enough praise. Well read too.

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Narrator

Intriguing and exciting listen and a joy to revert to the characters of the old circus. Thanks to the author narrator and all involved
Chris Key Cornwall 2024

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The King is dead, Long live the King!!

I loved everything about it. The story, the pace, the narration. Perfect autumn listening.🌿 🍂 🌱

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