Listen to a sample
Karla's Choice
- Narrator
- Simon Russell Beale
- Publisher
- Penguin Books Ltd
- Publish Date
- 24 October 2024
- Run Time
- 10 hours 43 minutes
- Format
- Audiobook
- Genre
- Espionage and spy thriller, Modern and contemporary fiction: literary and general, Political / legal thriller, Cold wars and proxy conflicts
- Rating
- 4.2 (4 reviews)
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What to expect
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
Critics Review
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‘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.’
The Telegraph
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What a treat! Karla's Choice expertly evokes the atmosphere of the originals
Guardian
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A loving tribute as well as an excellent novel in its own right
The Observer
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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
The Scotsman
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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
Sunday Times
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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
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Harkaway is a fine writer and he has resurrected his father’s books brilliantly
The I
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Brilliant – every bit as suspenseful and knowing as the original, and often more humorous
The Spectator – Books of the year II
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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
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Tense and atmospheric, meditative and moving. Fans of le Carré will have much to rejoice about
Tan Twan Eng
User Reviews
Book 4.2
Narration 5.0
-
5.0 5.0
Absolutely brilliant entry into Smiley lore. I wept for Tom Lake, but if he'd known, I daresay he would have said it wasn't a bad way to go. As the book says, proper Scalpel.
The reading was excellent, of course. I expected nothing else from such a talented actor.AliceMerray 2026-01-17 -
2.0 5.0
The story line not that interesting!
peterstod 2025-01-12 -
5.0 5.0
A worthy addition to the ensemble. Style tone and story up to the mark as is the hidden depths. Definitely worth listening.
hallwiton 2024-12-05
Details
- Author
- Nick Harkaway, John le Carré
- Narrator
- Simon Russell Beale
- Duration
- 10 hours 43 minutes
- Release Date
- 24 October 2024
- ISBN
- 9781405971690
- Format
- Audiobook
- Publisher
- Penguin Books Ltd
- Genre
- Espionage and spy thriller, Modern and contemporary fiction: literary and general, Political / legal thriller, Cold wars and proxy conflicts
- Rating
- 4.2(4 reviews)
- Narration
- 5.0(4 reviews)
Synopsis
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 HarkawaySet 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
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