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All That Man Is

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All That Man Is

By: David Szalay
Narrated by: Huw Parmenter, Mark Meadows, Sean Barrett
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Nine men: each of them at a different stage of life, away from home, and striving – in the suburbs of Prague, in a cheap Cypriot hotel – understanding just what it means to be alive, here and now. Tracing an arc from the spring of youth to the winter of old age, All That Man Is brings these separate lives together to show us men as they are – ludicrous and inarticulate, shocking and despicable; vital, pitiable, hilarious, and full of heartfelt longing.©2016 David Szalay (P)2016 W.F. Howes Ltd Fiction Genre Fiction Literary Fiction Heartfelt Emotionally Gripping Witty
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Rather depressing and unusual stories ... Killing did say the human race has ab ugly face and it needs to be told maybe. The final story is the best...one can just imagine those old age feelings that so many people will eventually have. Sad but with a touch of humane kindness also shining through.

Mr Barretts charisma a d voice

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This is a mapping out of the stages of life, illustrated by 9 (?) parts focusing on different men of different ages. We start off with the young and careless, travelling and sexually motivated men and end up with the lonely and ill oll man who spends his time in the hospital.
I enjoyed many of the stories, found them well written and not to be faulted. Much is shrewdly observed, well put and, for this middle-aged man, fascinating as reflection and mirror.
Yet, my biggest problem with this is that it seems to focus only on the negative side. These are all anti-heroes, devoid of morals, meaning in their life and without purpose. For me it's missing some of the better parts that man is. The men here only seem happy when achieving sexual conquests or business success - even if this is hurting others.
In that the novel paints a bad picture of men and a bleak, depressing outlook, despite some fabulous writing and characterisation. It's easy to point out flaws but much harder to show how to be a better man. One or two more inspiring stories might have made a difference for me.
Having said all that, the novel definitely engaged me throughout and stayed with me for days after.

Only half what man is

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9 short stories, beautifully mundane yet provoking and intense. The three narrators provide their own distinct interpretations of the characters and stories. Would certainly recommend.

A wonderful listen

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A most excellent listen that I am.profpundly glad I listened to and will listen to again. Sad, disturbing insightful and original look at the changing face of manhood through the various stages of life. I am moved by it.

Compelling and sad

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I struggle with short stories and always feel disappointed when they end as I want depth! But somehow these stories about different men aren't really separate. It's more like looking at a series of paintings. It's very good. I find the change of narrators a little distracting.

Good in a different way

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