What It's Like to Write a New John le Carré Novel
8 November 2024 - 38 minsThe works of John le Carré, who died in 2020, are among the most beloved thrillers of all time. For some, books like "Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy," "A Perfect Spy" and "The Spy Who Came in From the Cold" are simply among their favorite works of literature ever.
So it was a perilous task that author Nick Harkaway, one of le Carré sons, set out for himself. The author of multiple well-received science fiction novels, Harkaway picked up the torch from his father to write a new tale starring George Smiley, the Cold War spy who has appeared in more than a half dozen novels. According to Harkaway, it took some work to figure out the right period to set the book in.
"Smiley's career is a little...
Series Episodes
The Time Loop Book Series You Should Be Reading
The Book Review editors discuss Solvej Balle’s seven-book series, “On the Calculation of Volume.” Plus, a selection of translated fiction to put on your reading list.
35 mins
17 April Finished
Patrick Radden Keefe on the Mystery at the Center of ‘London Falling’
The author discusses his newest book, about a 19-year-old’s curious death and the investigation that followed.
34 mins
10 April Finished
23 Books We Are Looking Forward to This Spring
The Book Review editors discuss fiction and nonfiction that caught their eye. Plus, Ada Limón on the power of poetry.
47 mins
3 April Finished
Book Club: Let's Talk About 'Kin,' by Tayari Jones
On this week’s episode, book club host MJ Franklin leads a discussion about Tayari Jones's latest novel, "Kin."
47 mins
27 March Finished
Andy Weir on Writing the Hit Book Behind the Movie ‘Project Hail Mary’
The author talked about adapting his best-selling novel for film, creating the beloved character Rocky and making complex science feel approachable.
39 mins
20 March Finished
