Hugely enjoyable

Unique story. Characters briliantly observed. Mantel writing is compelling and witty. Unfalteringly enjoyable. Now to read/hear more Mantel

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An early and brilliant Mantel

An exploration of a Northern Catholic 1950’s community. Literary Fiction that is funny yet respectful of Christian Faith.

So good and such fun.

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2 people found this helpful

intriguing story

intriguing story, gothic and ghostly. You'll have to make your own mind if he's a devil or an angel. I have a feeling this book needs to be read twice so I will probably return to it.

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3 people found this helpful

Strangely compelling... A fascinating listen

Oh... It is so hard to discern who is who and what is what. A brilliant novel

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3 people found this helpful

Extremely intriguing and strange

but also funny, original, deeply everyday yet surreal. A witty look at Catholicism with intelligent insight, but without cheap laughs. Very well observed details of that era and the mores of the time, particularly the awfulness of poor schools and of small town gossiping. I really loved this and will listen again, (though not sure we are ever meant to know who ‘Fludd’ is however).

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Fludd

An engaging book that surprised me as it had been a 'chance' buy. The characters were rich and the story kept my attention so much that I listened within two days.
The narrator was good, and added depth to the characters however I was distracted quite a lot by his breathing and swallowing! Especially the breathing, to the point where I was so focused on whether he was struggling to breathe and read at the same time....maybe he was too close to the microphone I wondered, maybe he thought it added to the intimacy of the character's conversations or maybe he was asthmatic.... And then I tapped my phone back to find the spot I had started wondering this and my attention wandered.
Despite this the novel really was excellent and I would recommend to anyone who simply likes a good story, amusing at times with a bit of an edge to it. Think Father Ted with a bit of dark added!

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10 people found this helpful

An absolute gem, full of surprises

I’d read several times that the late great Hilary Mantel often wished people would read her earlier work pre-Cromwell and having read two of her earlier novels so far, I can see why. Fludd is such a find, hilarious and thoughtful and intellectually probing in a most accessible and delightful way, and quite and full of unexpected twists and turns. Just loved this and a fine job of narration too.

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3 people found this helpful

I love this story

I’ve read it more than once and listened twice. A quiet intelligent narrative that takes you beyond the constraints of normal life. If it ever existed. And yet the world painted is so real you can touch it. And you’re left changed by it. Plus, it’s funny and compassionate.

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1 person found this helpful

How the story line unfolded.

The male reader didn’t try to speak as a female, so much more enjoyable than listening to a man trying to talk like a woman. Loved the story but I always enjoy Hilary Mantel.

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Beautifully written

This book is a charming view on Catholic believes but I couldn't get to the bottom of who the characters were, especially Fluid, but maybe that is Mantel wanted: for you to make up your own mind??

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3 people found this helpful