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The Good Companions

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The Good Companions

By: J.B. Priestley
Narrated by: Rodney Bewes
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Summary

Published in 1929 and J.B. Priestley's first major international success, The Good Companions follows an unlikely trio seeking to escape their humdrum lives. Recounted in picaresque style Yorkshireman Jess Oakroyd leaves his job and family to seek work 'down South'. On the road he meets wealthy spinster Elizabeth Trant, and along with unfulfilled music teacher Inigo Jollifant, joins the flagging concert troupe Miss Trant has decided to fund. The 'Dinky Dogs' become 'The Good Companions', travelling around the shires of England together, discovering adventure, new optimism and opportunities.

Rodney Bewes is an English television actor and writer famed for his role in The Likely Lads.

 Classics Funny
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Critic reviews

"As cheerfully escapist for today's listeners as it was for readers when it first came out in 1929."
"Priestley was a grand writer...we should still listen to him, before time runs out...I am extremely pleased an effort is being made to re-kindle interest in this great writer."
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Delightful story, full of warmth and humour. Bewes’ narration took a little getting used to, but once I’d settled into the rhythm of I thought it worked really well. Highly recommended!

What a pleasant surprise…

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I enjoyed this book from start to finish. The reading was so good that it was like listening to a play, the reader had so many fascinating voices. Not just voices but wonderful expressions of so many emotions.it was a light read but with lots of depth and beautifully expressed ..I enjoyed it in audible form, but might have found it a trifle too long as a read, I can't be sure. It was a book group choice and I am glad it was chosen as almost certainly I would not have chosen it purely through wrong thinking that it might be too old fashioned !

The good comp anions

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I enjoyed the relaxed medium and innocent story. It is a book of its time.

good enough but not exceptional. pleasant enough.

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Beautifully read Priestly novel of a group of Concert Party players.
A must-listen performance by the late Rodney Bewes.

Classic!

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Thoroughly enjoyed this original tale and thought the narrator did a great job of the accents.

A treat

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