• The Irresistible Inheritance of Wilberforce

  • By: Paul Torday
  • Narrated by: David Rintoul
  • Length: 9 hrs and 28 mins
  • Unabridged Audiobook
  • Release date: 02-05-08
  • Language: English
  • Publisher: Orion Publishing Group Limited
  • 4 out of 5 stars 3.9 (27 ratings)

Regular price: $33.38

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Publisher's Summary

Late one summer evening, Wilberforce - rich, young, work-obsessed and self-contained - makes an unexpected detour on the way home from the software company he owns and unwittingly takes the first step on a journey that will change his life. His uncharacteristically impulsive act leads him to the door of Caerlyon Hall, the domain of Francis Black, a place where wine, hospitality, and affection flow freely. Through Francis, the eccentric and enigmatic owner of Caerlyon, Wilberforce is initiated into a rich life he could never have imagined, becomes a willing pupil to Francis' master, and in the cellars of Caerlyon he nurtures a new-found passion for fine wine. But even the finest wine can leave a bitter aftertaste, and Wilberforce will learn that the undercroft holds some unpalatable secrets, and that passion comes at a price.
©2008 Paul Torday; (P)2008 Orion Publishing Group Ltd.
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Critic Reviews

"David Rintoul narrates this ingenious story in a wine-dark voice, rich in timbre, ranging from smoky oak to black currant, giving meaty tongue to poor Wilberforce's occasional befuddlement. His command of accents - sommelier French, Tyneside demotic, upper-class snootiness - is restrained and adept. Both novel and narration are outstanding." (Washington Post Book World)
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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful
5 out of 5 stars
By Colin on 02-11-08

Deeply moving

This is a beautifully realised and moving story. Wonderfully written and read, it held me gripped throughout. I was not familiar with Paul Torday and having experienced 'Wilberforce' am now being amused by "Salmon Fishing in the Yemen".
The story of the Wilberforce (and you do get to find out his first name) tells of the slide into madness and the deceit of addiction. Paul Torday writes with command and confidence and his descriptive prose at times is mesmerising. Highly recommended.

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8 of 8 people found this review helpful

5 out of 5 stars
By Sarah on 11-06-10

Very, very good.

I bought this on a whim, having never heard of the book or the author before - I just like David Rintoul as a narrator. It turned out to be a fantastic story - lots of twists and turns, an interesting approach to 'revealing' both elements of the story and the character of the protagonist, good writing, and good reading. (I don't want to spoil it for you by saying much about the plot.) My only quibble, and it's a small one, is that I would have liked a little more closure at the end - I was left thinking, "Okay, but what happened NEXT?" But overall highly recommended.

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5 of 5 people found this review helpful

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful
4 out of 5 stars
By Sararara on 10-22-16

Nothing quite like it

A challenging read as you're stuck in the mixed-up head of a very unsympathetic protagonist. We actively join Wilberforce as he descends the slippery slope and it's a fascinating glimpse into an addictive mindset.

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