Karla's Choice by Nick Harkaway

In the spring of 1963, George Smiley has stepped away from his life as a spy, seeking peace after the tumultuous Cold War years. However, his plans for a quiet life are interrupted when a Russian agent defects, and the target he was meant to eliminate in London has vanished. Smiley is drawn back into the world of espionage, tasked with interviewing Szusanna, a Hungarian émigré connected to the missing individual. As he delves deeper, Smiley finds himself navigating the dangerous shadows of East Berlin, uncovering secrets tied to his most cunning adversary's past. Set between two pivotal moments in Smiley's career, this novel explores the intricate and perilous world of espionage.

The 139th greatest book of all time


Ranking Details:

Our ranking system awards points to books based on their appearance and position on curated lists. Here's how it works:

Unranked Lists: For lists without specific rankings, each book receives points equivalent to the list's weight. This approach recognizes the book's inclusion on prestigious lists.

Ranked Lists: Books on ranked lists receive points in two ways:

  • Base Points: Initially, every book is awarded points equal to the list's weight, acknowledging its significance.
  • Bonus Points: Additionally, books earn bonus points based on their ranking. The total bonus pool, equal to 100% of the list's weight, is distributed among the books, with higher-ranked books receiving more points.

Exponential Distribution: The distribution of bonus points follows an exponential model. This means the top-ranked book (#1) receives significantly more bonus points than those further down the list (e.g., #100). Our algorithm ensures that higher placements are rewarded more generously, reflecting the achievement of a top rank on any given list.

This scoring system ensures that each book's ranking reflects both its presence on multiple lists and its positions within those lists, providing a comprehensive measure of its acclaim and popularity.

Total Points: 155

This book was first published in 2024

2 Lists