Karla’s Choice – Nick Harkaway
In his foreword Harkaway freely acknowledges the immense challenge he faces in picking up his father, John Le Carré’s, characters and style. I’m glad that he tried because he totally rises to the challenge in a completely satisfying and authentic new addition to George Smiley’s career.
Le Carré was one of the finest writers of our time, so it really is no mean feat that the book feels like a natural addition to the world of Smiley, Karla and the Circus. Very much recommended, but best enjoyed with a decent number of other books in the series under your belt.
Speaking Truth to Power – Martin Stanley
A short book that could be summarised as “it’s really hard, and often there is little you can do to get the powerful to listen to advice” – though it is leavened with good advice on how to try your best to build your credibility and relationships to improve your chances. Definitely worth keeping close to hand if you work in public service.
When The Dust Settles – Lucy Easthope
I was beginning to doubt whether I could continue with this book given the harrowing opening chapter exploring how teams recover disaster victims in the toughest of circumstances. I’m glad I stuck with the book, despite many gruesome sections, Easthope leavens them with humour and huge heart. Her insights into how communities and public services can better prepare for, and respond to disasters is immensely powerful and important.
Failed State – Sam Freedman
There has been a batch of books and articles in a similar vein recently, including Ian Dunt’s excellent “How Westminster Works… and Why it Doesn’t” and Rory Stewart’s memoir (see my previous notes). Essentially they argue that there is something broken in how our political and government institutions behave. Sam Freedman, a former education special adviser to Michael Gove, provides a robust and convincing addition to this theme.
Overall his argument is that government is overloaded by trying to do too much centrally in Whitehall, whilst outsourcing things which could never work as contracts, all of which gums up the civil service, Ministers and Parliament. The Executive have become overly powerful without sufficient checks and balances, and the current media ecosystem incentivises poor behaviours which exacerbate the other problems.
In essence Freedman argues that power should be dispersed, proper policy-making should be the focus (rather than chasing the media) and institutions should be strengthened to improve scrutiny. It is a compelling argument.
Jason Kitcat 