A great performance by Sam West

This is a beautifully written book. Excellent descriptive passages and good characterisations. The story within a story works well. Sexuality is explicit and not for the easily offended. However the overall excellence is surely due to the masterly reading and performance by Sam West.

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A consummate talent

Wonderful book, perfectly narrated. I was so grateful for it's length, not wanting to let go. Can't help but feel that AH's (stunningly written) graphic and lengthy descriptions of sexual encounters have to be self indulgence; if so, he richly deserves this pleasure. (I am a female heterosexual, just for the record) I only wish that Samuel West had narrated H's other novels - for me the two are forever joined.

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2 people found this helpful

Beautiful writing . Pointless story unfinished

Disappointing tale that is left in mid air as if Hollinghurst just lost interest.
The ending will leave you aghast and wondering why you bothered.

Possibly a little excessive with the sex which
doesn't really add much to the plot but this was early "free" queer literature.

Although rather tedious in parts an interesting set of interwoven plots and deeply human reflections leaves you to believe something truly exciting or shocking is going to happen. Unfortunately, in a typical art over substance style, he takes you up the garden path and leaves you there, mid story, high and dry.

The characters especially the protagonist aren't at all likeable and are quite typical of a London set of middle and upper class, virtuous, judgmental, saccharin and rather sad old Queens, still found lurking around today in the queer clubs and gyms.

Shame, it could have been so much better.

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Exquisite

A perfect experience. Samuel West's narration is very Hollinghurstian. I love this intriguing, gripping, moving book and this brilliant performance. The sex bits are genius and so are all the little jokes.

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3 people found this helpful

Interesting story, often tender, always funny.

Interesting story, well written, often tender, always funny. Probably not recommended for non-gay listeners (but give it a go if you're at all curious). Colourful descriptions of sexual activity, all done in the best possible taste, of course. If you listen to it in public, make sure the volume of your player is low enough (or you will get some funny looks). Excitable listeners may wish to place a briefcase or jacket on their lap if listening to it on public transport.

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8 people found this helpful

Still superb after 20 years

A compelling and sexy novel which raises complex issues around clad, sexuality and race. Samuel West's narration is perfect and nothing short of stunning.

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3 people found this helpful

Carefully crafted tale of a bygone era

Alan Hollinghurst used words like a craftsman: each is chosen for just the right purpose. I had to use my dictionary while listening several times! Although the story is quite spicy and racy (not for those easily shocked by graphic descriptions of gay sex) it is so well written that you are drawn along effortlessly, even when the scene being described is so brutal and devoid of human connection that it repels as much as it excites. Sam West narrates brilliantly: how he manages the different voices with such consistency is amazing and a testament to the skill of true actors. There are - perhaps - few characters with whom one totally sympathises or identifies (James, the doctor was the nearest I could manage). Nevertheless, there is a kind of appalling honesty about Hollinghurst's writing: he presents a version of gay/male sexuality in all it tawdry directness. Recommended.

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2 people found this helpful

Overall good, but lacks direction

Not the best Hollinghurst, but enjoyable all the same. Very much a period captured book.

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first class read

so well written and was so pleased a friend recommended it to me. highly recommended

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A glimpse of gay history

A really addictive book. a clear insight into the period and the frisson that continually abounded. I found it quite moving.

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