Karla's Choice

A John le Carré Novel

By: Nick Harkaway, John le Carré

Narrated by: Simon Russell Beale

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

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)

Beale is addictive

As with all le carre work the more I listen and repeat the better it is until the end which leaves me curious… I know the canon but still…

A revelation!

Way, way better than I expected. I was extremely wary downloading this book. Only my addiction to cold war espionage novels managed to overcome my fear that Mr Harkaway was just "cashing in" on his fathers creations and canon. I needn't have worried. Very well written (even some beautiful passages) and an excellently crafted narrative. The news that another installment of the Smiley saga is forthcoming is welcome. Thanks to the author(s) and Mr Beale's superb narration. PS. The only reason I didn't give the story 5 stars was that at one point I got a bit lost. That, though, is probably my own fault rather than the author's!

Worthy successor

The story captures the listener from the start and the tone is spot on. Totally worthy of the master’s name.

A convoluted narrative beautifully read

The story was confusing and convoluted, too much ‘philosophising’ and agonising rather than a clear and compelling narrative. Simon Russell Beale absolutely excellent.