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  • The Improvised Life of Polycarp Jarvis

  • Classic Canning, Book 4
  • By: Victor Canning
  • Narrated by: John Higgins
  • Length: 12 hrs and 17 mins
  • 4.0 out of 5 stars (5 ratings)

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The Improvised Life of Polycarp Jarvis cover art

The Improvised Life of Polycarp Jarvis

By: Victor Canning
Narrated by: John Higgins
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Summary

An exuberant, life-affirming novel of taking your chances.

After a spur-of-the-moment day out with his boss’s daughter in celebration of his 21st birthday, Polycarp Jarvis decides to quit his Bristol-based junior government worker job. Newly emboldened, he embarks on an erratic, engaging, and not always strictly legal course through life. Going from bus driver for the Red Dragon Motor Company to co-owner of a flying company, to seller of quack medicines, and eventually to media tycoon, Polycarp makes much of his luck along the way. Through ups and downs, his exuberance and charm carry him through. But, what kind of person will he be by the end?

This gentle coming-of-age story was hugely popular on first publication in the 1930s and retains a timeless appeal today.
Public Domain (P)2021 Duckworth Books Ltd.
Classics
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Profile Image for Amelia

Great fun

Another great story by Victor Canning, expertly narrated by John Higgins. A fun listen and a tale peopled by essentially likeable characters, even though they are flawed. Highly recommended!

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