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Past Caring

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Past Caring

By: Robert Goddard
Narrated by: Paul Shelley
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About this listen

 Why should distinguished Edwardian Cabinet minister Edwin Straford resign at the height of his career? Why does the woman he loves so suddenly reject him? Why, 70 years later, should people go to such lengths to prevent the truth coming out?©2008 Robert Goddard (P)2014 Audible, Inc. Crime Fiction Historical Mystery Suspense Thriller & Suspense Fiction Crime Exciting

Critic reviews

"Written in clear, resonant prose, Goddard's first novel, nominated for the Booker prize, is a poised telling of a complex tale....In one sense a historical thriller, and in another a romantic novel of a love affair gone disastrously wrong, this is, in any case, a wonderful read." ( Publishers Weekly)
"Psychological drama and intricate plot will entice readers." ( Library Journal)
All stars
Most relevant
Plot wise, this is a 5 star mystery...not a thriller per se, more of a gradual burner, which builds in sophistication, complexity and urgency. Goddard always plays fair - the characters stay in character, and the inevitable coincidences are believable. The ending is very satisfying and well brought together.
The main characters of Edwin Stafford and his love Elizabeth are beautifully drawn. As an aside, I was able to answer last week's University Challenge's question on who was Prime Minister after Campbell-Bannerman (Asquith)....this came as a bit of a shock to my co-viewers who have me down as a history dunce (and not without reason).

The reason for the 4* rather than a 5* review is because some of the supporting characters are simplistically either good or evil, and are not developed in any level of sophistication, sympathy or understanding - there are too many
'blazing eyes' from various personalities either in passion or in anger. Apart from these lapses, it's a good read.

By the way, it is beautifully narrated by Paul Shelley.

An erudite mystery

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I have only recently discovered books by Robert Goddard. So many twists and turns, so brilliantly mastered. I am newly widowed and his stories have held me spellbound and helped me through a difficult period in my life.Thank you

A master storyteller

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If you could sum up Past Caring in three words, what would they be?

intricate, gripping and believable

What was one of the most memorable moments of Past Caring?

the very believable and brief involvement of W Churchill in the story

Which character – as performed by Paul Shelley – was your favourite?

the intricate way in which all the characters were woven into the story combined to great effect

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Strafford coming to terms with his rejection by all those he held dear

Any additional comments?

One of Goddards earlier books and one of his very best.

Gripping

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Overall this is a good yarn and is very well read.
But it is somewhat convoluted and stretches credulity at times.
There’s enough action to keep you listening although I confess that when it got to the last couple of hours I’d somewhat lost interest in any of the protagonists.
The sex scene at the beach made me cringe and was so out of keeping with the rest of the book you wonder if that bit had been ghosted!
But If you want a good long yarn then this is worth a go.

Plenty of twists and turns

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The original script was refreshing an uplifting book of good against evil and the human frailties of life

Original compelling a thoroughly good listen

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