News by Levels · Level 3 · Student worksheet

Harkaway Extends a Fictional Legacy Through a New Smiley Novel

In this lesson: Distinguish a historical fictional setting from factual reporting.

Name: __________________________ Date: __________________

Read the story

The Taper Man returns to John le Carré's fictional world through a novel by his son, Nick Harkaway. Its Smiley story is set in 1965 America.

Already published in Britain this week, the US hardcover is scheduled for November 17, according to Penguin Random House.

A historical setting does not make this a contemporary account of real espionage; it remains a novel.

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. Which description best fits the book?

   1. A contemporary report of an actual spy mission
   2. A newly discovered document from 1965
   3. A novel with a historical setting

2. What does “already” contrast with in the publication paragraph?

   1. British publication versus the scheduled US hardcover
   2. The American hardcover and a later British release
   3. The story’s 1965 setting and its fictional events

Your turn

How would you describe the book without confusing its two timelines?

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Read online: https://newsbylevels.com/news/nick-harkaway-taper-man-publication-november-2026/level-3/