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Into the Arena cover art

Into the Arena

By: Alexander Fiske-Harrison
Narrated by: Paul Thornley
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Summary

Shortlisted for the William Hill Sports Book of the Year Award 2011.

In this remarkable and controversial book, Alexander Fiske-Harrison follows the tracks of a whole bullfighting year in Spain. He trains and takes part in the sport himself. He gives us memorable portraits of bull-fighters and bulls, of owners, trainers and fans - of a whole country. Fiske-Harrison offers a fully rounded and involving portrait of an art as performed for centuries and of the arguments that dog it today.

©2011 Alexander Fiske-Harrison (P)2011 Audible Ltd

Critic reviews

"An engrossing introduction to Spain's 'great feast of art and danger'." (Sunday Times, London)
"An engrossing introduction to bullfighting." (Financial Times)

What listeners say about Into the Arena

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Food for thought

Describes the history of the bull fight and all of those involved. Read in a manner that is easy to listen to you are given a thorough history of the subject. Comparisons are made between the killing of an animal for art/culture and the more accepted killing of animals for food. I am not a fan of bull fighting buy of Spanish culture and as a result found the subject intriguing. I was not disappointed and listened to the whole book in 3 days.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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Insightful from a knowledgeable person.

If you could sum up Into the Arena in three words, what would they be?

A book that tries to give an insight into the role and the reason why bullfighting is such an integral part of Spanish history and traditions

How would you have changed the story to make it more enjoyable?

Disappointed the author didn't narrate the book himself, it took away from the value of the message he was trying to get across. Was this book just an extended blog and passed straight to the narrator.

What three words best describe Paul Thornley’s voice?

Slow, Prevaricate, exprobate

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No

Any additional comments?

Some very interesting parts some drawn out parts, worth reading if you have an interest in bullfighting.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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A decent read for those who enjoy this subject

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes because I believe it gives an insight into a world little known outside Spain. A good attempt with obviously a great deal of research into the history of bullfighting.

What was your reaction to the ending? (No spoilers please!)

I thought the end was a little predictable but quite enjoyable none the less.

Did you have an emotional reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

No emotional reaction for me but understand it could effect some people who have no or little experience of this tradition.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

Unique view into a secret "art"

Everyone have an opinion about bullfighting. This book brings the reader on an an journey into the secret, mythical world of the arena. I like approach and honesty of the contents. The language is good and I like the philosophical seasonings.

I think this book will suit a broad audience.

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