Karla's Choice
A John le Carré Novel
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Karla's Choice
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Narrated by:
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Simon Russell Beale
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.
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Average customer ratingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- sally e
- 30-10-24
Very welcome partial unwrapping of the character of George Smiley.
It's hard in some ways to put into words what I feel about this book. It's a bit like déjà vu on the one hand as the writing is so very close to that of the original author but with a really distinctive freshness. Freshness not just in tone, but also the very welcome additional information to the background and thinking of George Smiley and other familiar characters that appear in the novels. I have genuinely really enjoyed it and wouldn't hesitate to recommend it not just to those like me who have always loved the novels, but perhaps to those who don't know Smiley. They should be careful though, because once you read this novel you will need to read them all.
I sincerely hope that Nick Harkaway will write more and more about George and his fascinating world. I, for one, will always be looking forward to them.
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1 person found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Andy Evans.
- 28-10-24
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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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance4 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Stuart Bailey
- 16-11-24
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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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- AM in the UK
- 29-10-24
100% Superb
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...?
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2 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story4 out of 5 stars
- Paul Jenkins and Stuart Watson
- 14-11-24
It feels as though Smiley is sat next to me - wonderful delivery!
A joy of well developed characters and plot twists. This is a most satisfying and highly recommended!
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1 person found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- exy
- 17-11-24
As good as le Carre himself
Just like all the le Carre books  I didn’t want it to end  It really was a page turner
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- elaine4queen
- 03-11-24
Canonic Smiley
An absolute joy to unexpectedly re-enter the Smiley world. A seamlessly written revisit to old haunts with the ambivalent patriot, Smiley.
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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Performance3 out of 5 stars
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Story4 out of 5 stars
- Tim
- 12-11-24
Not over impressed, but enjoyed
Being a man in his mid fifties I have devoured JLC’s books and audio.
I did enjoy the audio and congratulations to Nick et al.
I think I fell into the hype of the marketing.
The reference to past books and characters was obviously well researched and detailed, Simon RB is an outstanding narrator and performer, I felt was under used,
My personal opinion only I am sure.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Paul
- 02-11-24
Oh how I’ve missed this…
Like all LeCarre this book is subtle and intelligent, thrilling and angst ridden like the job in hand it’s 85% cerebral 15% pure adrenaline and panic. Oh yes this hits the spot most completely. Thank goodness for that! And the characters we love are back and just as we remember them and we find out just a bit more about them… love it. Please please give us more!
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- David N. Hopkins
- 01-11-24
Like his father’s writing at the very top of his game
Like his father’s writing at the very top of his game enhanced by Le Carre’s best reader - the incomparable Simon Russell Beale!
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