John le Carré's Son Revives His Late Dad's Beloved Spy
Oct 23, 2024
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In this engaging discussion, Nick Harkaway, author and son of the legendary John le Carré, delves into his new George Smiley novel, 'Carla’s Choice.' He shares anecdotes of growing up with his father's espionage stories and the challenges of honoring that legacy while finding his own voice. Harkaway also reflects on themes of identity, deception, and personal loss that influence his writing. With a flair for storytelling, he explores the evolving nature of spy narratives and the emotional complexities tied to his family's literary heritage.
Nick Harkaway embraced the challenge of writing a new Smiley novel to honor his father's legacy while infusing his own voice.
The character George Smiley, designed to be an ordinary yet complex individual, highlights the moral dilemmas faced by spies.
Deep dives
The Legacy of John Le Carré and George Smiley
John Le Carré, a renowned author, created the character of George Smiley, a seemingly ordinary yet brilliant British spymaster, known for his depth and complexity. Smiley's character serves as a counterpoint to the typical action hero archetype found in spy fiction, embodying the essence of everyman while possessing exceptional intelligence and emotional insight. In a new novel, 'Carla's Choice,' Smiley is called back into action after retirement, exploring themes of regret and the moral complexities of espionage. The story not only revitalizes Smiley but also serves as an origin tale for his KGB nemesis, known as Carla, enriching the established universe of Le Carré's works.
Nick Harkaway's Decision to Write a Smiley Novel
Nick Harkaway, son of John Le Carré, initially grappled with the weight of continuing his father's legacy by writing a Smiley novel. The decision to undertake this task emerged from a family obligation to keep the literary estate alive and relevant in today’s literary landscape. After much contemplation, he embraced the challenge, motivated by a desire to learn from his father's craft and to contribute his own voice to the character he grew up with. Harkaway acknowledged the daunting nature of the task but ultimately found joy and excitement in bringing George Smiley back to life.
George Smiley's Relatable Humanity
The character of George Smiley is intentionally designed to defy the glamorous stereotypes of spies, portraying him as an unremarkable and ordinary individual. Harkaway emphasizes Smiley's relatable qualities, portraying him as a middle-aged man with a dry wit that often goes unnoticed. This approach highlights a fundamental truth in espionage literature: it is not just elite heroes who navigate the murky waters of intelligence, but ordinary people facing their own flaws and moral dilemmas. The duality of Smiley’s character allows readers to connect with him on a personal level while also showcasing his remarkable abilities.
The Intricacies of Spy Life Revealed
In 'Carla's Choice', Harkaway conveys the complex psychological landscape of spies, emphasizing that fear is an inherent part of their profession. Characters in espionage must constantly question their surroundings and navigate a world filled with unseeable threats, leading to an exhausting state of hypervigilance. Through anecdotes, Harkaway illustrates the subtleties of spy training, including the importance of understanding cultural nuances, even in mundane situations, like restroom usage. These insights reveal the often-overlooked aspects of a spy's life and the mental strain that accompanies such a dangerous profession.
Writer Nick Harkaway grew up hearing his dad read drafts of his George Smiley novels. He picks up le Carré's beloved spymaster character in the new novel, Karla's Choice. He spoke with Sam Briger about choosing his own pen name, channeling his dad's writing style, and his stint writing copy for a lingerie catalogue.
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