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The Third Policeman

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About this listen

Flann O'Brien's most popular and surrealistic novel concerns an imaginary, hellish village police force and a local murder.

Weird, satirical, and very funny, its popularity has suddenly increased with the mention of the novel in the TV series Lost.

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

©1967 Flann O'Brien (P)2012 Naxos AudioBooks Classics Dark Humour Fiction Genre Fiction Literary Fiction Literature & Fiction Satire Small Town & Rural Funny Comedy Witty Cycling Mind-bending Thought-Provoking Scary

Editor reviews

Why we think it's Essential: Jim Norton turns this wild post-modern romp into an accessible absurdist story that sounds as though it has been narrated by a studio full of talent. This modern classic can often make little sense when read, but Norton never misses a beat. While the story ranges from life to afterlife and everywhere in between, Norton keeps us grounded, entertained, and totally engrossed. You might've missed it in lit class, but don't let it roll by now. — Chris Doheny

Critic reviews

"If ever a book was brought to life by a reading, it is this presentation of O'Brien's posthumously published classic. Norton individually crafts voices and personalities for each character in such a way that a listener might imagine an entire cast of voice talent working overtime....[He] ties the ribbon on a perfect presentation of this absurd and chilling masterpiece." ( Publishers Weekly)
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What made the experience of listening to The Third Policeman the most enjoyable?

Wonderful language and beautifully pitched narration. Lovely use of odd descriptive terms

What did you like best about this story?

The use of language and the characters. Its not about the destination....its all about the journey

Have you listened to any of Jim Norton’s other performances? How does this one compare?

No

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

Like the lovechild of Father Ted and The Guard on acid

Any additional comments?

Flann O'Brien wrote extensively in an Irish version of English. The odd grammar reflects elements of Irish sentence structure that helps imbue the language with extra absurdity. Its a shame that the influence of the Irish language will be superceded by the cocacolanistion of Ireland (and the UK) by the dominant American media culture

A tricky man with a tricky pipe!

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I read this book years ago, always looking back on it fondly, so I thought I would refresh my memory of it with the Audible version ... I'm so glad I did. The surreal comedy is enhanced enormously by being rendered in the native Irish Brogue, brilliantly performed by Jim Norton (Father Ted's Bishop Brennan). That said it is the writing where the true comic genius lies. It's worth the entry fee just hear the police sergeant expound on his 'atomic theory' ... it is just a delicious sensation to read/listen to this highly amusing nonsense. The book is just chock-a-block full hilarious dialogue, situations and ideas ... an absolute treat from beginning to end. I can't recommend it highly enough.

A Comic Joy

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Loved it, love the language and humour used. Loved the characters and adventure. Was really gripped and sad when it ended!

Amazing absurdism!

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I have long loved the writings of Flann O'Brien, but the brilliance of the narration by Jim Norton brings it all to life. Wonderful voices for the Irish contingent, but also the WONDERFUL, mad, but strangely possible, writings of de Selby and the superb, dry, Victorian voices ascribed to him and his biographers. I just keep listening to it over again, and always find yet more, amusing, occasionally side-splitting, but always brilliant.....love it, love it, LOVE IT!

A Wonderful Tale

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A few parts of the book i found funny, entertaining, but much of it just tedious to get through, especially the 'footnotes' on DeBandier etc..
If id been reading the hardcopy i could have skipped this, but i listened on Audible thinking why am i even listening to this guff.

takes absurdity to and daftness to new level.

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