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Killing Time

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Killing Time

By: Alan Bennett
Narrated by: Alan Bennett
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About this listen

We have a choir and on special occasions a glass of dry sherry. It's less of a home and more of a club and very much a community.

Presided over by the lofty Mrs McBryde, Hill Topp House is a superior council home for the elderly. Among the unforgettable cast of staff and residents there's Mr Peckover the deluded archaeologist, Phyllis the knitter, Mr Cresswell the ex-cruise ship hairdresser, the enterprising Mrs Foss and Mr Jimson the chiropodist. Covid is the cause of fatalities and the source of darkly comic confusion, but it's also the key to liberation. As staff are hospitalised, protocol breaks down. Miss Rathbone reveals a lifelong secret, and the surviving residents seize their moment, arthritis allowing, to scamper freely in the warmth of the summer sun.

'Violet? She'll be having a little lie-down,' said Mrs McBryde. 'She likes to give her pacemaker a rest. I'll rout her out.'

©2024 Alan Bennett (P)2024 Faber & Faber Literature & Fiction Funny Witty

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All stars
Most relevant
I really enjoyed this story. Given the subject matter this story would have been miserable, but Alan Bennett has a unique style that is always entertaining.

Another great listen from Alan Bennett

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I’m sure the story has either been released before or else has been used a part of the previous work by Alan Bennett. His voice is still nice and listened to. It’s not as clear as before, Mind he in his 90s so what do you expect? As astute and depressed as much of his recent work.

Bennet past his prime

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For all lovers of his genius - you will not be disappointed by Killing Time, Bennett’s examination of Life in a care home and Covid.

Classic Bennett

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This is typical Bennett, laugh out loud, thought provoking, sad and thoroughly unique. Only he can get away with choosing the subject matter!

Laughing in places you shouldn’t be laughing

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I'm never going to dislike anything by Alan Bennett and I know that so I listened to this ASAP. very short, under two hours, but two of the happiest hours I've passed recently. Anything written by Alan and read by him is a joy, though it's sad to hear the age in his voice now as it's a reminder that he is not immortal, thankfully his body of work will live on. A diverse and fun cast of elderly characters, wry humour and the usual Bennett satire left me wanting more and in love with him all over again.

Always happy for new Alan Bennett

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