What The Critics Said About Karla's Choice by Nick Harkaway
Nick Harkaway’s Karla’s Choice ushers the legendary George Smiley back into the espionage world, capturing the essence of John le Carré‘s Cold War era with renewed vigour and nuanced storytelling. Karla's Choice not only revives a beloved character but also enriches the storied universe crafted by John le Carré, Harkaway's late father.
Why It Matters
Inheriting a literary legacy is no small feat, especially when it's one as towering as that of John le Carré. Harkaway approaches this daunting task with a deft hand, satisfying longtime fans with his fidelity to classic themes while also welcoming new readers. His narrative serves as both a continuation and a gateway, enriching the Smiley series with fresh layers that encourage a sequential reading of the novels.
Latest Intelligence
Set in the pivotal year of 1963, Karla’s Choice explores a previously untouched interval in Smiley's life, effectively filling a gap in the timeline while staying true to the atmospheric tension of the era. Critics have applauded Harkaway for maintaining the series' hallmark authenticity and for introducing a slightly warmer narrative tone that distinguishes his style yet respects the source material.
In the Field
The intrigue in Karla's Choice spirals around Susanna Gero, a Hungarian émigré caught in the complex web of the Circus after her employer's mysterious disappearance. Harkaway skillfully crafts a tale of espionage that prioritizes intellectual maneuvering over physical confrontations, adhering to the cerebral approach beloved by fans of spy fiction. The setting in Control’s office, described as a place that “seemed to generate only false expectation,” cleverly encapsulates the enigmatic and darkly humorous world of the Circus.
Revisiting the Circus means reuniting with familiar faces such as Bill Haydon, Peter Guillam, Jim Prideaux, Toby Esterhase, and Connie Sachs, whose dynamics enrich the narrative. Additionally, Harkaway introduces new characters and cleverly coined terms like the ‘Bad Aunts,' adding novelty and depth to the established setting.
Redacted
While Karla’s Choice is generally well-received for its authentic ambiance, some readers express nostalgia for the stark, nihilistic undertones that typified le Carré’s original works. Harkaway's narrative, with its warmer and more sentimental tone, broadens the book's appeal but may somewhat soften the harsher realities that the series is known for.
The Critic's Take
Reception from literary critics has been positive. Steven Poole of The Guardian highlights the book as “a treat,” while Jake Kerridge of The Telegraph praises it as ‘note-perfect' and that ‘in Karla’s Choice, which fills in George Smiley’s missing years, Nick Harkaway has done an extraordinarily good job with his father’s legacy. David Mills from The Times praises the work for its clever integration and enriching contributions to the Smiley series.
Tim Shipman of the Sunday Times and author of the Best 125 Spy Writers List said ‘It is stylistically similar to his father, but without failling into pastiche. Harkaway doesn't just plug a gap between The Spy Who Came In From the Cold and Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, it successfully conjures a surprising plot which actually adds explanation (both in Smiley's character and the plot which eventually arrives in Smiley's People about what we know coms next. It is a very very clever piece of work in that regard – and I hope Nick is emboldened enough to give it another go.
Karla's Choice is celebrated as a warm, engaging reunion with the intricate world of spies and their labyrinthine lives. As the characters navigate through shadows and secrets, Harkaway successfully reignites the legacy of George Smiley, ensuring that both new and old fans will find something to cherish.
This novel not only redefines but also revitalizes a narrative that has captivated readers for decades, proving that sometimes, a fresh perspective can indeed breathe new life into familiar tales.
The Spybrary Takeaway
Nick Harkaway’s deep appreciation and understanding of his father's work are evident throughout Karla’s Choice. The novel is both a tribute and an evolution, bridging generational gaps in storytelling with thrilling plot developments that enrich the overarching Smiley saga. Positioning Karla's Choice between The Spy Who Came In from the Cold and Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy is a clever move that not only makes narrative sense but also invigorates the continuity of the series. Karla's Choice does not read like one of those awful Tom Clancy continuation novels, this is Premier Cru!
Shane Whaley of Spybrary says, “More, Nick, More!” echoing the sentiment of readers eager for the next chapters in this riveting espionage saga.
Watch our 64 minute Karla's Choice deep dive with Nick Harkaway on YouTube or listen on all good podcast apps.
Tim Shipman, the Sunday Times Political Correspondent and spy fan, ranks every John le Carré novel for Spybrary.
Amazon links in this report may earn Spybrary a small commission.
Join the Spy Book Podcast Community Discussion
Spybrary is more than just a spy podcast; it's a place to chat with fellow spy book and spy film fans from around the world. We encourage you to share your views on each spy book/movie, engage in discussion with fellow fans, and immerse yourself in the captivating world of spy fiction, spy fact and spy films.
