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Brazzaville Beach

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Brazzaville Beach

By: William Boyd
Narrated by: Pippa Bennett-Warner
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Summary

Brought to you by Penguin.

WINNER OF THE JAMES TAIT BLACK MEMORIAL PRIZE

On Brazzaville Beach, on the edge of Africa, Hope Clearwater ponders the strange circumstances that led her to leave her husband John, and his mathematical obsessions, in England and venture to Africa to help world-renowned scientist Eugene Mallabar with his studies of wild chimps.

But the more Hope studies Mallabar, the more she comes to believe that something isn't right. That behind Mallabar, and his obsessive work, there lies another, more sinister truth: one that might also help explain Hope's reasons for leaving England . . .

'A brilliant storyteller . . . a book which stretches, tantalizes and delights' Financial Times

'A most extraordinary parable about mankind. Quite unlike anything else I have read' Sunday Express

'Brilliant, daring. A gripping and compulsive story' Herald

'Hilarious and edgy' Sunday Times

© William Boyd 1990 (P) Penguin Audio 2020

 Genre Fiction Literary Fiction Psychological Fiction Suspense Africa
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All stars
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Excellent book, thoughtful and insightful, touching on a wide variety of subjects supported by great narration.

My book of the year

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I loved this work. Two separate stories, expertly woven together. Absolutely fascinating, irresistible. A must listen!

Wonderful story-telling, impeccably read

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Insightful novel memorable a great reminder of our similarities with other great apes especially the chimpanzee

Great narration

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Worth a listen, I liked the story but it doesn't touch 'ordinary thunder storms'.

The narrator brings this book to life.

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William Boyd tells a captivating story set in 2 timelines - Hope Clearwaters marriage and complications with her husband set in England and in the later timeline she is studying chimpanzees in Africa and having difficulties with the research director . The latter part of Boyds novel takes a major detour into civil war . It’s well written from a writer who is impressive in style, knowledge and who is known as a great story teller. The narration is excellent and makes this a great audiobook . I’ve not given away any spoilers , but don’t be put off by chimpanzee research - it’s actually made quite interesting and is another story in itself. Some readers see it as a book on many levels - not just storytelling ( it’s certainly makes one think about mankind ) Its also apparently very loosely based on Jane Goodall an English primatologist who researched Chimps. Sometimes audiobooks can be let down by their narrator; not this time though.

Great story impressively written and very well narrated .

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