In a recent interview, we explored the intriguing revival of the iconic Cold War spymaster George Smiley, now brought back to life by Nick Harkaway, the son of legendary author John le Carré. Harkaway’s new story captivates readers by expertly evoking the atmosphere of his father’s original works.
When asked about the decision to return to Smiley’s character, Harkaway draws a parallel to the James Bond franchise, noting how Ian Fleming’s estate has permitted various authors to expand on Bond’s adventures. “If they can do it for Bond, why not for Smiley?” he remarked. It’s a valid point, especially since Harkaway possesses an undeniable literary heritage—being the son of the master himself.
He emphasizes that Smiley is rooted in the Cold War era, stating, “You wouldn’t want to drop him into today’s world with discussions about smartphones and pronouns.” Instead, Harkaway sets his narrative precisely in 1963, a pivotal time period nestled between “The Spy Who Came in from the Cold” and “Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy.” The shadow of Alec Leamas’s death at the Berlin Wall looms large in the story, affecting Smiley and his colleagues.
Discussing the setting, Harkaway described the Circus, reminiscent of its original state rather than the modern adaptation seen in the 2011 film. “The original characters are back, and they behave just as aficionados would expect,” he said. Control’s signature opaque glasses, Toby Esterhase’s fast-talking charm, and the old-school charisma of Bill Haydon grace the pages, each character alive with familiarity.
When the conversation shifted to the plot, Harkaway introduced Susanna Gero, a Hungarian émigré whose world turns upside down when her boss disappears. “It leads to a slow investigation that stretches across Europe, through the grey tones of Berlin, Vienna, Budapest, and Lisbon,” he explained, emphasizing the atmospheric richness of the setting.
Harkaway acknowledges that while his prose may not perfectly mimic his father’s style, it captures the essence of the original works with a distinct tone. “There might be minor anachronisms, but there’s a chill that mirrors the moral complexities in le Carré’s novels,” he noted. He infused a bit more warmth and humor into the narrative, making connections to real-life bureaucratic dilemmas rather than typical action movie shootouts.
Reflecting on the current global climate, Harkaway smiled and remarked, “It seems like the right time to bring Smiley back, particularly with today’s resurgent Russian tensions.” He hinted that fans may see more stories featuring new characters, like an intriguing Indian forger, in the future.
As we wrapped up, Harkaway mentioned that his father once felt challenged by Alec Guinness’s iconic portrayal of Smiley in the 1970s adaptations. “Knowing that I have that legacy to build upon is both an honor and a responsibility,” he reflected. Ultimately, he strives to honor that legacy while bringing a fresh perspective to Smiley’s world. “As Peter Guillam says in the novel, ‘We don’t do justice, though, do we? That’s another department.’”
