Karla's Choice cover art

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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  • Overall
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Style was Le Carre

Liked it all. I couldn't put it down(turn it off). Fascinating. The reading was excellent and, looking back on the era now, it was savage at that level.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Nice to have Smiley back.

keep Smiley going. I thoughallry enjoyed having Smiley back. like an old friend who's come home.
fantastic!

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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Very good

Not quite the master but a good substitute. Worth a try again certainly. Thank you

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outstanding story

like a few I was worried if Nick Harkaway could continue where his late father left off but my god he has, it is fantastic another Smilie classic, really enjoyed the whole story from start to finish, I would say it wouldn't be the best story to enter Smilies series of stories but 5 out of 5 for me

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Excellent.

So we'll written, It would not have shamed John Le Carre. What other praise is required?

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  • Overall
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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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Outstanding!

Nick Harkaway has truly taken on the mantle of Smiley. Reading was like stepping back into that dangerous time but with Smiley as an honourable guide. Superb!

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Really enjoyed this

Seamlessly a Smiley story … nothing else to say really

A good story … Well narrated … you’ll enjoy

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Outstanding

Excellent story set in the Cold War era, encompassing multi-European city locations which are all vividly described, and thrilling denouement. The writing is breathtaking in places. And narration by Simon Russell Beale is pitch perfect always.

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The narration is good

I struggled with the premise of the book. I am not sure what happened could have happened. Still, I enjoyed it and the narration was good and it’s always great to hear a bit more of George Smiley.

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