Karla's Choice: A John le Carré Novel
The instant international bestseller set in the world 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 against the Soviets strewn across Europe, he has eyes only for a more peaceful life. And indeed, with his marriage more secure than ever, there is a rumor 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 Szusanna, 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 soon finds himself entangled in a perilous mystery that will define the battles to come and set him on a collision course with the greatest enemy he will ever make.
Set in the missing decade between two iconic instalments in John le Carré's George Smiley saga, The Spy Who Came in from the Cold and Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, Karla’s Choice marks a momentous return to the world of spy fiction's greatest writer.
It is spring in 1963 and George Smiley has left the Circus. With the wreckage of the West’s spy war against the Soviets strewn across Europe, he has eyes only for a more peaceful life. And indeed, with his marriage more secure than ever, there is a rumor 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 Szusanna, 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 soon finds himself entangled in a perilous mystery that will define the battles to come and set him on a collision course with the greatest enemy he will ever make.
Set in the missing decade between two iconic instalments in John le Carré's George Smiley saga, The Spy Who Came in from the Cold and Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, Karla’s Choice marks a momentous return to the world of spy fiction's greatest writer.
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Community Reviews
A Triumphant Return to the Circus...
"Karla's Choice" is a masterfully crafted spy thriller that seamlessly blends the legacy of John le Carré with Nick Harkaway's own distinctive voice. This is not just a worthy addition to the Smiley canon; it's a superb novel in its own right, capturing the essence of Cold War espionage while exploring profound questions about morality, loyalty, and the human cost of deception.
Harkaway expertly navigates the intricate world of the Circus, bringing familiar characters like George Smiley, Peter Guillam, and Toby Esterhase to life with fresh insights and depth. He also introduces compelling new characters, like Susanna Gero, whose journey from innocence to a dangerous awareness of the world's shadows is both captivating and heartbreaking.
The plot is a tapestry of intrigue, weaving together multiple storylines and timelines that converge in a satisfyingly complex climax. As Smiley investigates the disappearance of Ferencz Róka, a former spy with a troubled past, he uncovers a web of secrets and betrayals that reaches back decades. The story moves at a brisk pace, keeping the reader guessing until the very end.
What sets "Karla's Choice" apart from other spy thrillers is its exploration of the moral complexities inherent in the world of espionage. Smiley, forced back into the shadows after his retirement, grapples with the consequences of his past actions and the compromises he has made in the name of national security. The novel also shines a light on the personal sacrifices made by those who operate in this clandestine world, the quiet tragedies that unfold behind closed doors.
Harkaway's prose is elegant and evocative, painting vivid pictures of Cold War Europe with a keen eye for detail. He captures the atmosphere of suspicion, the constant tension, and the moral ambiguity that permeated this era. The dialogue is sharp and believable, revealing the characters' personalities and motivations with nuanced precision.
"Karla's Choice" is a must-read for fans of le Carré and anyone who enjoys intelligent, suspenseful fiction with a touch of moral complexity. It's a story that will stay with you long after you turn the final page, prompting reflection on the choices we make and the sacrifices we are willing to endure in pursuit of what we believe in.
The full Deep Dive review of this book can be watched from our YouTube channel...
https://youtu.be/b8LOb80yE2w
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