A bridged version?

I love this book, and enjoyed the performance, but having read the book several times I realised part way through that this is a shortened version of the text. I didn't spot that anywhere on the listing. To edit this book is to remove the opulent and delicious descriptive prose it is loved for. Disappointing.

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A good start to a classic series of novels

The opening book in the series sets the scene at Gormenghast and tells the tale of mundanity fascinating only to the officials in charge and us the readers.

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A Gothic Masterpiece!

Titus Groan is the first part of Mervyn Peake's Gormenghast trilogy. It's regarded as one of the finest fantasy series of all time, and rightly so. It is filled with delightfully grotesque characters, from the skeletal Mr. Flay to the Machiavellian Steerpike, to the blubbery monstrosity that is Mr. Swelter. The characters are fascinating, appalling and oddly human in equal measure. The quality of the writing is first rate. Peake's remarkably evocative prose brings the strange little kingdom of Gormenghast to life beautifully.

Special praise must also go to Rupert Degas, who gives a string of remarkable (and brilliantly voiced) performances which taps into the essence of each character.

This is one of the best audio-books I've ever read and I'd recommend it to anyone.

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3 people found this helpful

Expressive narration of a cult classic

An excellent abridged version which manages to keep the best of the story - the wealth of gothic detail comes through in places, as does much of the humour. The abridgement means the narrative moves at quite a pace, and if you are familiar with the novel, as I am, this version is fine for a light listen. It might also be a good way of introducing yourself to Peake's marvellous world. The original book is quite heavy going, with an overabundance of description, grotesque characters and names that out-Dickens the master. Dr Prunesquallor is my favourite, and the characters with their wild idiosyncracies are a particular pleasure. I first read this as a teenager, and became very absorbed in the first two novels, which I have read many times. If you like gothic tales, fantasy and strangeness this will appeal. If you decide to treat yourself to a printed edition of the book, make sure you get a copy with Peake's own illustrations- he was also a very talented artist.

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8 people found this helpful

The voices of the narrators are so convincing.

This is a gem of a book and the narration is brilliant. Mervyn Peake is a master at descriptive prose.

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1 person found this helpful

really enjoyable

I really enjoyed this book and the narration was very entertaining. I plan to listen to the next in the series.

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wow

I will never look at an owl in the same way again. great voice acting and a really good intro into the series. the writing is breathtaking.

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Very interesting

Whilst it took a bit of getting into, I very much enjoyed the story and the performance grew on me.

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It's abridged! Noooooo!

I love this book, and I've read it a few times before, but I was still excited to see it was read the the ever wonderful Rupert Degas, who is probably my favourite narrator. Unfortunately it's very abridged. My fault for not reading that before hand, but I've had to knock a star off the story, just because I got through it so quickly. didn't even last a full day at work.

Still a magnificent performance of some of the most magical prose. Any chance of a full length one though? Would love to hear Rupert read it. while you're at it could you do Wheel of Time too. thanks!

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very very abridged. don't bother

didn't realise this was abridged until I was a way through it and can't return it. why abdrige a book whose story depends on the tiny details and meandering plot. however narrator is fantastic the voices are believable and distinctive.

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1 person found this helpful