News by Levels · Level 1 · Student worksheet

George Smiley Returns in a New Spy Novel

In this lesson: Identify the author and separate setting from publication.

Name: __________________________ Date: __________________

Read the story

Nick Harkaway has written The Taper Man, a new spy novel featuring George Smiley. Harkaway is John le Carré's son.

The book appeared in Britain this week. Its US hardcover release is listed for November 17.

The story takes Smiley to America in 1965. That is the fictional setting, not the book's publication year.

Source: Penguin and Penguin Random House, 2026-11-05. https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/475384/the-taper-man-by-harkaway-nick/9781405986342

Read and practise

1. Who wrote The Taper Man?

   1. John le Carré
   2. Nick Harkaway
   3. George Smiley

2. What does 1965 describe?

   1. The US release date
   2. The author’s birth year
   3. The fictional story’s setting

Your turn

What is different about 1965 and November 17 in this story?

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Read online: https://newsbylevels.com/news/nick-harkaway-taper-man-publication-november-2026/level-1/