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  • Live Flesh

  • By: Ruth Rendell
  • Narrated by: Ian Holm
  • Length: 9 hrs and 7 mins
  • 4.4 out of 5 stars (277 ratings)
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Live Flesh cover art

Live Flesh

By: Ruth Rendell
Narrated by: Ian Holm
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Summary

All his life, for almost as far back as he could remember, Victor had had a phobia. In prison, inevitably, he reflected on the grotesque way it had begun, about the panics and violent anger. He asked himself, too, why the child of happily married, middle-class parents should have needed to make motiveless and unreasoning attacks on women.

Holed up in that house with the girl, he had not meant to pull the trigger. It was panic. Panic, which came over him like a second skin, prickling him all over, crawling on him.... An attempted murder not only brings Victor Jenner face to face with himself, but also involves him in a strange and doomed triangular relationship.

©1986 Kingsmarkham Enterprises (P)2014 Audible, Inc.

What listeners say about Live Flesh

Average customer ratings
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Live Flesh

What made the experience of listening to Live Flesh the most enjoyable?

It was a pretty engrossing listen - interesting and dramatic. Rendell (as ever) brought the characters to life and the twisty plot really complemented the slightly drab suburban London background.

What other book might you compare Live Flesh to, and why?

Any thriller really - I note that Pedro Almodovar based his film, 'Live Flesh' on Rendell's book (although it was a pretty loose fit...) so it's clearly quality material.

What does Ian Holm bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you had only read the book?

I don't recall ever reading the book, but Ian Holm's performance was excellent - especially whilst portraying the main character, Victor.

If you made a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

There already is a film of this book!

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2 people found this helpful

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    1 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

A good book ruined by boring narrative.

I'm a fervent Ruth Rendell fan, having read all of her books several times. (I thoroughly enjoyed Inspector Wexford both in book form and Audible - Nigel Anthony is the best narrator ever, and makes a perfect Wexford.) Although not one of her very best, I enjoyed reading Live Flesh many years ago and decided to give it a go in Audible. I have to say it's a long drawn out struggle. Ian Holm's narration is tedious at best, his voice isn't by any stretch of the imagination distinguished or distinguishable, and drones on and on and on. I shall trudge my way through for a little longer in the hope that the story keeps me interested enough to finish it......but at this stage it seems unlikely.

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

More of a Barbara Vine?

An insight into the mind of a very disturbing character, at times pathetic, at times almost understandable, always lonely and full of desperation. Enjoyable isn’t really the word! The narration is excellent.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

One of Ruth Rendell’s best books

Such a great thrilling read, edge of your sit stuff. with perfect narration. Highly recommended to all Ruth Rendell fans.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Marvellous

Ruth Rendell never ceases to amaze me. I could hardly stop listening and Ian Holm is a wonderful narrator
Highly recommend this

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

The delusional criminal mind

Fascinatingly Ruth Rendell shows us the bitter workings of the mind of a murderer and rapist. It’s compelling. The characters are convincing and the dialogue brilliant. Grotesque but entertaining.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

A Dark mind going toxic in very real London

Recognisably Rendell but very different as well - we follow a fascinating damaged man on a dark journey. It’s so vivid and brilliantly read with a constant sense of foreboding. It’s funny at times and gruesome at others. Lots of unsettling moments and surprising turns. Really enjoyed it but not recommended if you are feeling low - as mental health issues feature negatively.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Excellent’b

Can never get enough of Ian Holm. An absolute pleasure to listen to. Great story too of course!

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Victor

This has a good storyline. A little gruesome at times. David must be a Saint to forgive Victor. The story has a twist at the end for Victor.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Brain teaser

As usual Ruth Rendall entails with deep physiological meanderings on the mind of the disturbed. A very well written tale.

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