Spoiled by narration . . .

Spoiled by the ludicrous chatty narration - which had to be played at
.75 speed to be bearable . . .

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Wonderful narrator Great Plot

I often discard audiobooks because I do not like the narrator. This one is so good that I can’t imagine reading this absorbing book

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Amazing voice, amazing narrator

Although convenient and enjoyable, I usually feel that I lose something by listening to a book rather than reading the text. Words and sentences, probably, I just don't focus the same way. There are only two books I've read so far that I think you just need to experience as audio books. The Nix read by Ari Fliakos and this one. Michael Maloney is simply outstanding. Faulks' Engleby has one of the strongest voices I've ever read, and Maloney brings every nuance to life. Engleby's story is rather grim, but told with wisdom and humour. I laughed out load several times. And my can Faulks put a sentence together!

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Fantastic book

Loved this novel. My partner chose it having read and enjoyed several of Faulk’s books before and we were not disappointed. Intriguing and unexpected storyline that quickly draws you in. You feel you really get to know the protagonist which adds to the virtual page-turning as you reach the last quarter of the book. The narrator, Michael Maloney is excellent, the best narrator we have found of any Audible book. Heartily recommend.

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Beautifully written, superb narration

Just finished this book for the second time (in five years). Great story with spot on narration.

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Writing at it's very best

What did you like most about Engleby?

His genius and his humour

Who was your favorite character and why?

So many of the characters were appealing although Engleby was the star. Quick witted and clever, brought superbly to life by Michael Maloney.

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

Everything. His superb interpretation of Engleby's style of speaking is really quite amazing and he continues this with all the other characters in the book. It was as if the story had actually been written by himself, such was his understanding of the individual personalities involved.

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

Jen's diary extracts.

Any additional comments?

This is a wonderful example of just how good the audio format can be. The whole story is brought to life in a clearly believable narrative. If you liked Donna Tart's "Secret History" then you'll really love this one. So cleverly written that it will crush all your hopes of becoming an author as you'll just never write anything this good, ever.

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Excellent

It's books like this that make Audible so wonderful. Fantastic writing taken to a whole new level by the exceptional narration. Even when the storyline gets a little 'slow' the reading continues to captivate. Loved it.

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Disappointing new book from Sebastian Faulks

I usually admire author Sebastian Faulks, who is a literary hero, especially for his lyrical and beautiful prose so I was definitely disappointed with the plot of this story. No doubt, it is well written, but the protagonist is so odious that I wanted to stop listening to this. He is a pretentious, arrogant snob, and as you'll hear, he also has a fair few demons. And I understand why he has been written as such because you'll hate him even more in the end. But it's borderline between having to listen to the end and just wanting it to stop. So I'm not completely convinced.

There is an element of exploring mental illness and what makes a psychopath, but it is covered up by the self-serving first person narrative. Very cringe-worthy indeed.

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A masterpiece!

This is a compelling mesmerising book read by a wonderful narrator
Michael Maloney.
Sebastian Faulks is a literary giant.

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Fascinating and brilliantly read

Gripping, amusing, insightful and fast-paced story of life for a loner. Wonderful ly expressive narration.

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