The son of John le Carré, Nick Harkaway, has written a new thriller titled “Karla’s Choice,” set in the world of the iconic spy master George Smiley. Harkaway, who had previously made a name for himself with sci-fi thrillers, was initially apprehensive about taking on his father’s legacy but ultimately decided to write the new novel. The book has been met with largely positive reviews, with critics praising Harkaway’s recreation of the Smiley milieu.
“Karla’s Choice” is set in 1963 and follows a retired Smiley as he is pulled back into the world of espionage for one last job. The novel explores the early relationship between Smiley and the Soviet spymaster Karla, delving into their complex dynamic. Harkaway, who grew up listening to his father read draft pages of his works, found capturing Smiley’s voice to be a natural process, given his upbringing immersed in le Carré’s literature.
The novel introduces more humor and gives more space to female characters, a departure from le Carré’s predominantly male-centric narratives. Harkaway acknowledges that his father’s complex relationships with women influenced his writing and sought to offer a more inclusive portrayal of characters within the Circus universe. Despite the shadow of grief attached to the project, working on the book was still a joyful experience for Harkaway.
Looking ahead, Harkaway plans to continue writing both under his own name and under the le Carré mantle, with a sequel to “Titanium Noir” in the works. As more le Carré thrillers are expected to follow, Harkaway pays tribute to his father’s dual identities of David John Moore Cornwell and John le Carré, acknowledging the multifaceted nature of the man behind the iconic spy novels. The dedication of “Karla’s Choice” serves as a reminder of the many roles le Carré played in both his personal and professional life.
