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The Truth

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The Truth

By: Michael Palin
Narrated by: Alex Jennings
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About this listen

Keith Mabbut is at a crossroads in his life. When he is offered the opportunity of a lifetime - to write the biography of the elusive Hamish Melville, a highly influential activist and humanitarian - he seizes the chance to write something meaningful. His search to find out the real story behind the legend takes Mabbut to the lush landscapes and environmental hotspots of India. The more he discovers about Melville, the more he admires him - and the more he connects with an idealist who wanted to make a difference. But is his quarry really who he claims to be? As Keith discovers, the truth can be whatever we make it...

In this wonderful, heart-warming novel, Michael Palin turns his considerable skills to fiction in the story of an ordinary man on an extraordinary adventure.

Narrator Alex Jennings is one of Britain's most revered actors and the winner of three Laurence Olivier Awards. His career has included numerous roles in film, TV and on stage, including his notable performance as Charles, Prince of Wales, in the film The Queen in 2006.

©2012 Michael Palin (P)2012 Orion Publishing Group Genre Fiction Literary Fiction Suspense Thriller & Suspense Fiction Heartfelt

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All stars
Most relevant
Excellent, lots of truths, really enjoyed the plot, the research, the story of the writer!

Lots of truths about life and people

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The only reason I did not give 'The Truth' five stars was due to the lack of humour, although there is humour here, it wasn't quite what I was expecting from Palin. Saying this is only really a minor criticism as the story is engaging, interesting and dramatic in places, as well as thought provoking. I grew to really like Keith (main character) and Melville in particular amongst the supporting characters. I would recommend this title highly, the narrator gets the tone and tempo of the book spot on and his accents are not bad either. A very enjoyable listen.

Gently engaging

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Such an interesting plot. I very much enjoyed the thought provoking theme of the destructive force of corporate consumerism which is cleverly woven into the storyline.

An enjoyable read based around a directionless protagonist whom I thought far too decent to have ever been a journalist!

Highly recommended

Thoroughly enjoyable

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People seem to be strangely polarised by Michael Palin.... This the first of his novels that I have read and on the whole it's pretty good. His wealth of experience as a writer shines through and gives life to his main protagonist, also a writer. Unfortunately there is one section of the book that irritates me; the mention of Karlsbad as one part of Yugoslavia but then in Czechoslovakia..... The two former states were not even close to each other! This aside, it is well written and thoroughly engaging.

The pedants' revolt

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Would you consider the audio edition of The Truth to be better than the print version?

I haven't read the print version, but would recommend it to a friend

Who was your favorite character and why?

I liked the main character Keith as he progressed as a character throughout the book.

What does Alex Jennings bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you had only read the book?

He brought the various characters to life

Did you have an emotional reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I cried at several points as the inherent exploitation of both people groups and key people within the story works it's way out.

What is the truth?

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