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Molloy

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Molloy

By: Samuel Beckett
Narrated by: Sean Barrett, Dermot Crowley
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About this listen

Written initially in French, later translated by the author into English, Molloy is the first book in Dublin-born Samuel Beckett's trilogy. It was published shortly after WWII and marked a new, mature writing style, which was to dominate the remainder of his working life. Molloy is less a novel than a set of two monologues narrated by Molloy and his pursuer, Moran.

In the first section, while consumed with the search of his mother, Molloy lost everything. Moran takes over in the second half, describing his hunt for Molloy. Within this simple outline, spoken in the first person, is a remarkable story, raising the questions of being and aloneness that marks so much of Beckett's work, but is richly comic as well. Beautifully written, it is one of the masterpieces of Irish literature.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your My Library section along with the audio.

©2003 NAXOS AudioBooks Ltd. (P)2003 NAXOS AudioBooks Ltd. Anthologies & Short Stories Classics Fiction Genre Fiction Literary Fiction Short Stories Scary

Critic reviews

"These two skilled actors hold the book together remarkably well....In audio this work takes on the full richness of comedy, probably as Beckett, preeminently a dramatist, intended." ( AudioFile)
All stars
Most relevant
Riveting story of pursued and pursuer in the Twentieth Century.

A truly great novel indeed.

Unromantic Quests

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What made the experience of listening to Molloy the most enjoyable?

I feel beckett's work lends itself more to being heard with the ears than being read with the eyes. Both Narrators were incredibly expressive, which must have been difficult, since Beckett doesn't give much to work with by way of characterising. So much is left to the listeners interpretation.

Who was your favorite character and why?

That this question is here shows that this little review sheet was not made especially for this book. However without spoiling anything I will say Moran from the second half of the book. It's a much more difficult part to read, and the story becomes rather interesting at that point.

Which scene did you most enjoy?

the part of the book where molloy agonises over the problem of too many 'sucking stones'. There's beckett for you right there. massive amounts of time spent on a tedious problem that should be a non-event - ie the problem of having too many stones against too few pockets. It made me laugh and despair all at once.

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

Honestly, I wouldn't. this wouldn't lend itself to film.

Any additional comments?

I will be honest. Samuel Beckett's work is dificult going, but these wonderful audio versions make it just that little bit easier. It's well worth the effort if you're willing to stick with it though for Beckett's commentary on the human condition.

Well done Naxos!

Hard Going, But Worth It

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This was my first Beckett novel. Truly spectacular with many deep and psychological themes. Would recommend this to anyone and everyone.

Both the narrators a great, causing this novel to be even more gripping

Gripping with confusion and madness

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Molloy is told in two parts that counterpoint one another. Both performances are excellent. Beckett’s absurdist drama employs impeccably wrought language, in abstruse flourishes, that bring clear into focus the fundamental. Grisly and hilarious.

Enigmatic, brilliant, funny

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This soul-probing two-hander, Molloy, first-half, Moran second-half, will remain within you forever. Scarcely a pared-back word is out of place. The tonal shift in the telling of the two character's internal struggles and 'motivations' is masterly. We warm to Molloy's simple, unadorned, socratic take on life. Moran is a more complex, darkly intellectually, individual. Beckett seems to have plundered the human condition to present to us our imperfect selves. Its not always a pretty sight. Despite all this there's much humour to be found within, dark and rye for the most part. Molloy's "sucking stones" passage is a metaphor on something or other I'm sure, but really, it's just plain hysterical, like a well timed comedy routine. Highly recommend.

Powerful narration of a daring, troubling novel

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