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Karla's Choice

A John le Carré Novel

John le Carré author Nick Harkaway author

Format:Hardback

Publisher:Penguin Books Ltd

Published:24th Oct '24

Should be back in stock very soon

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Karla's Choice cover

DISCOVER THE MOST-TALKED ABOUT THRILLER OF THE YEAR . . .

‘Reads like a lost le Carrè. Smiley is back at the Circus in the safest of hands’ RICHARD OSMAN

‘Karla’s Choice is a note-perfect tribute to le Carré that feels fresh and new’ MICK HERRON

‘Le Carre’s legacy is in good hands – Smiley is back with a vengeance!’ IAN RANKIN

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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 novels starring George Smiley, The Spy Who Came in from the Cold and Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, this is an extraordinary, thrilling return to the world of spymaster John le Carré, written by the author’s son and acclaimed novelist, Nick Harkaway.

‘An exceptional espionage novel in its own right’ WILLIAM BOYD

‘Harkaway has done an extraordinarily good job with his father’s legacy’ TELEGRAPH

‘An accomplished homage and a captivating thriller’ THE ECONOMIST

‘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 * The Telegraph *
What a treat! Karla's Choice expertly evokes the atmosphere of the originals * Guardian *
A loving tribute as well as an excellent novel in its own right -- Anthony Cummins * The Observer *
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 * The Scotsman *
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 * Sunday Times *
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 *
Harkaway is a fine writer and he has resurrected his father’s books brilliantly * The I *
A satisfyingly intricate tale filled with intrigue and suspense. Karla's Choice is an accomplished homage and a captivating thriller. * The Economist *
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

ISBN: 9780241714904

Dimensions: 240mm x 161mm x 30mm

Weight: 524g

320 pages