Nick Harkaway continues his father John le Carré's George Smiley series with The Taper Man, following the spy's efforts to unearth a sleeper agent in LA
If you’ve ever thought about what it would be like to inherit a literary legacy, Nick Harkaway is here to show us. The son of the legendary John le Carré, Harkaway has taken a bold step into his father’s iconic spy universe with his new thriller, ‘The Taper Man.’ And let me tell you, the stakes are as high as a double espresso on a Monday morning.
Set in the good ol’ year of 1965, ‘The Taper Man’ features none other than British spymaster George Smiley. Yes, that George Smiley, the one who has probably seen more espionage than most of us have seen Netflix series. In this thrilling tale, Smiley finds himself on the hunt for a Soviet agent while navigating the murky waters of the CIA, all wrapped up in the delightful chaos of Cold War tensions. Because what’s more fun than a good old-fashioned spy chase during a time when everyone was worried about their national decline? It’s like a high-stakes game of chess where everyone’s holding a gun.
As Harkaway describes it, writing this story felt like “writing in the mirror.” Which is a fancy way of saying that he’s not just copying his dad’s homework; he’s adding his own flair to it. It’s like taking a classic recipe—let’s say, your grandma’s famous chocolate cake—and then deciding to throw in some chili powder because why not? This is Harkaway’s way of saying, “Hey, Dad, I love your work, but I’ve got some ideas of my own!”
Now, for those of you who might not be familiar with Smiley, he’s not your typical action hero. He’s more of a cerebral type, favoring strategy over brawn. Think of him as the guy who will outwit you at a game of Scrabble while you’re still trying to figure out how to spell ‘cat.’ Harkaway seems to embrace this aspect of his father’s character while also modernizing it for a new generation of readers who might be more accustomed to car chases and explosions—because let’s face it, who doesn’t love a good explosion?
The book is already generating buzz, and it’s not hard to see why. The blend of nostalgia and contemporary relevance is a delicious recipe for intrigue. Plus, it’s always fun to see how a new author interprets the world their parent built, especially when that parent is a literary giant. It’s like watching a talented child take their first steps on a path that has been tread by a master, albeit with a little more swagger.
In a time when the world feels as chaotic as a toddler on a sugar high, Harkaway’s return to the Cold War era offers a refreshing perspective. It’s a reminder that while we may not be in the same geopolitical situation, the themes of espionage, loyalty, and the ever-present question of who can really be trusted are as relevant as ever.
So, if you’re in the mood for a thrilling ride through the spy-laden world that John le Carré so masterfully crafted, with a dash of Harkaway’s unique style, ‘The Taper Man’ might just be your next read. Just remember to keep your wits about you—after all, in the world of espionage, nothing is ever quite what it seems. And who knows? You might find yourself questioning everything, including whether or not you should trust that guy in the coffee shop who keeps giving you the side-eye. Happy reading!
Inspired by: “Writer Nick Harkaway expands his father John le Carré’s spyverse in new thriller ‘The Taper Man’” (r/News)