Any Human Heart cover art

Any Human Heart

A BBC Two Between the Covers pick

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Any Human Heart

By: William Boyd
Narrated by: Darren Boyd
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About this listen

Brought to you by Penguin.

Every life is both ordinary and extraordinary, and Logan Mountstuart's - stretching across the twentieth century - is a rich tapestry of both. As a writer who finds inspiration with Hemingway in Paris and Virginia Woolf in London, as a spy recruited by Ian Fleming and betrayed in the war, and as an art-dealer in '60s New York, Logan mixes with the men and women who shape his times. But as a son, friend, lover and husband, he makes the same mistakes we all do in our search for happiness. Here, then, is the story of a life lived to the full - and a journey deep into a very human heart.

Superb, wonderful, enjoyable' Guardian

'Full of delights' The Times

'A work of astonishing ventriloquistic virtuosity... brilliant' Sunday Telegraph

'Wise, profound and moving' William Sutcliffe, Independent on Sunday

'A terrific journey through the 20th century. Thoroughly entertaining and enjoyable' Guardian

'Astounding. One of Boyd's greatest achievements... A pleasure' Mail on Sunday

'Generous, witty, sneakily profound' Evening Standard

'The pleasures are endless... Supremely entertaining' Washington Post

'A fabulous book all about life. I think of Any Human Heart often - the sign of a truly great book' Fi Glover, New Statesman

© William Boyd 2002 (P) Penguin Audio 2020

20th Century Genre Fiction Historical Fiction Literary Fiction Psychological Fiction Heartfelt Tear-jerking Thought-Provoking Feel-Good War Espionage

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All stars
Most relevant
I loved this book, but initially found the narrator a little distant hence the four stars. By the end I really felt that he had fully engaged with the story and by then I would have given him a full thumbs up! But this is actually how the book goes... it just takes time to get going and this comes across in the narration but be patient you will come to absolutely love LMS and live every moment with him. Another excellent book from this author.

This book made me cry...

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This book has everything, it’s funny, exciting and so moving. I loved listening to each different phase of his life, not only telling stories of the last century but also how perspectives and feelings change in each phase of life. I was even waking up in the night to listen. Just wonderful!

Wonderful

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The whole book takes the form of a lifelong journal, and it's engrossing.

The narration is perfectly judged.

All in all, as captivating as ever from our greatest modern author.

Something a little different - but wonderful

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Just don’t know that to say, for me ,fantasy wouldn’t do it justice. What the fuck do I listen to now. Been living on gruel but tasted cake .

Any human heart

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I really enjoyed the story and the performance. Logan is lovely, a bastard, an amazing friend and an interesting man to follow throughout his 80+ years.

I’m sad this book is over

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