Nick Harkaway, a novelist and son of John le Carré, dives into his new novel "Carla's Choice," exploring his relationship with the iconic George Smiley. He shares how his upbringing was steeped in the world of espionage and discusses the challenge of carving out his own identity while honoring his father's legacy. Harkaway reflects on childhood influences, working with literary giants like Stephen King's son Joe Hill, and the complexities of writing characters that blend history with personal aspirations. A delightful look at legacy, literature, and creativity!
Nick Harkaway navigates the complexities of honoring his father's literary legacy while carving out his own unique voice as an author.
In 'Carla's Choice,' Harkaway infuses humor into the espionage narrative, enriching character depth while maintaining the essence of le Carré's work.
Deep dives
The Legacy of John le Carré
The discussion centers on Nick Harkaway's new book, 'Carla's Choice,' which is set in the universe created by his late father, John le Carré. Harkaway reflects on the responsibility he feels to keep his father’s literary legacy alive, emphasizing the importance of continuing the conversation around le Carré’s works. A pivotal moment for Harkaway came during a family discussion where his brother encouraged him to write the book, highlighting the inevitability of stepping into a role that could be met with mixed feelings from diehard fans. This motivation reflects Harkaway's desire to honor his father while also establishing his own identity as a writer.
Navigating Father-Son Dynamics in Writing
Harkaway shares the complexity of his relationship with his father in regards to writing and how he has historically tried to distance his own work from le Carré’s influence. He notes that while he absorbed a lot from his father's writing process, their discussions rarely ventured into the mechanics of writing. This dynamic created both an opportunity for Harkaway to explore his own voice and a challenge to bridge a gap between their literary worlds. In taking on 'Carla's Choice,' he reflects on how this project allows him a deeper understanding of his father's creative essence while forging his path as an author.
A Unique Take on Espionage and Humor
In 'Carla's Choice,' Harkaway incorporates humor into the espionage narrative, a trait he admires in his father's work but seeks to amplify. He intentionally delays violent confrontations, focusing instead on the gravity of death and its implications within the story. By incorporating moments where characters express ambitious yet humorous desires, like wanting to star in a film with Peter Sellers, Harkaway showcases the absurdity often found within the serious world of espionage. This blending of wit and intrigue serves to add layers to the narrative, enhancing both character depth and reader engagement.
Finding Space within Established Narratives
Harkaway carefully positions 'Carla's Choice' within the existing timeline of le Carré’s Smiley universe, identifying gaps between key novels to weave new stories. He comprehensively reread le Carré's works to understand the stylistic and narrative shifts that occur across his father's oeuvre, aiming to preserve the essence of the original while introducing fresh elements. The book is set in a period crucial to the narrative development of the Smiley character, allowing it to feel like a natural addition to the saga. Ultimately, Harkaway expresses a commitment to maintaining authenticity while exploring the nuances of espionage that characterized his father's stories.
My guest in this week’s Book Club podcast is the novelist Nick Harkaway, whose new book Karla's Choice sees him pick up the mantle of his late father, John le Carré, in writing a new novel set in the world of George Smiley. He tells me why, having spent a career trying to put clear blue water between his own work and that of his father, he’s now steering in the opposite direction; about growing up with Smiley; about his relationship with the man so many outsiders have seen as secretive and opaque; about seeking advice from Stephen King’s son, Joe Hill; and why moving from his own style to that of his dad is just a ‘turn on the dial’.
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