Mentioned in Podcasts

Person

Every book Nick Harkaway recommended on podcasts

Key facts

  • Nick Harkaway has recommended or discussed 4 books on podcasts, as of November 8, 2024.
  • Nick Harkaway has talked about books on 1 podcast, as of November 8, 2024.
  • Those books came up in 1 episode, as of November 8, 2024.
  • The 3 books Nick Harkaway has mentioned in the most episodes, not counting Nick Harkaway's own, as of November 8, 2024: A legacy of spies, Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy and The Secret Pilgrim.
  • The latest episode with a book mention from Nick Harkaway aired on November 8, 2024.

Updated

Guest on The Book Review · 4 books · 1 episode across 1 podcast

Nick Harkaway is an author who appears on literary programs such as The Book Review to discuss the intricacies of storytelling, narrative continuity, and his creative process in penning novels within established fictional universes. In his discussions concerning his contribution to the legendary spy thriller genre, Harkaway extensively references the works of John le Carré. He analyzed the character arc and history of George Smiley by looking closely at 'Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy', pointing to specific scenes—such as Smiley handling a weapon—to illuminate tradecraft and personal restraint. Harkaway also reflected on the narrative challenges and character motivations found in 'A Legacy of Spies' and 'The Secret Pilgrim', noting how le Carré later re-examined Smiley's past involvements with a sense of horror or critical distance. Furthermore, he discussed his own novel 'Karla's Choice', explaining how Smiley attempts to re-establish his identity and sense of purpose at the beginning of the story. Through these detailed literary explorations, Harkaway proves to be a meticulous craftsman who deeply respects espionage traditions while thoughtfully navigating the complex continuity and psychological weight of iconic characters.

Books recommended by Nick Harkaway

Who said what is determined automatically. In hand-checked samples, at least 6% of mentions were credited to the wrong speaker — sometimes an interviewer’s line recorded as the guest’s, sometimes the reverse. Every entry below quotes the words and links to the episode, so you can check it.

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  1. A legacy of spies

    John le Carré · Discussed · 1 episode

    Discussed
    “and then much later looking back when he wrote Legacy of spies which came out I think in 2017 he was suddenly horrified by Smiley's involvement in in the operation in home from the cold”
    The Book Review What It's Like to Write a New John le Carré Novel 2024-11-08 Listen at 4:36
    Where to get it
    AmazonListen on Audible

  2. Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy

    John le Carré · Discussed · 1 episode

    Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy by John le Carré is a classic espionage novel that follows veteran British intelligence agent George Smiley as he hunts for a Soviet mole high up in the Circus.

    Discussed
    “although we have in Tinker Taylor Soldier Spy we have a kind of account of Smiley's history”
    The Book Review What It's Like to Write a New John le Carré Novel 2024-11-08 Listen at 2:51
    Where to get it
    AmazonListen on Audible

  3. Karla's Choice

    Nick Harkaway · Discussed · 1 episode

    Discussed
    “he's not necessarily happy about that because of the cost and he is looking to in Carla's choice he's looking to reestablish his sense of who he is and why he does what he does now at the beginning of Carla's Choice”
    The Book Review What It's Like to Write a New John le Carré Novel 2024-11-08 Listen at 3:23
    Where to get it
    AmazonListen on Audible

  4. The Secret Pilgrim

    John le Carré · Discussed · 1 episode

    Discussed
    “I didn't actually go on to secret Pilgrim I skipped that because those are beautiful vignettes of Smiley's life”
    The Book Review What It's Like to Write a New John le Carré Novel 2024-11-08 Listen at 8:51
    Where to get it
    AmazonListen on Audible

Books Nick Harkaway wrote

Appearances

EpisodePodcastDateBooks
What It's Like to Write a New John le Carré NovelThe Book Review2024-11-086
Other mentions (2: passing, ad reads, own books)
Passing Call for the Dead
“I actually read the early ones I read call for the dead a murder of quality and the spark came from the cold”
The Book Review What It's Like to Write a New John le Carré Novel 2024-11-08 Listen at 8:42
Passing A murder of quality
“I actually read the early ones I read call for the dead a murder of quality and the spark came from the cold”
The Book Review What It's Like to Write a New John le Carré Novel 2024-11-08 Listen at 8:42