Customer Reviews
Most Helpful
2 out of 5 stars
By
V
on
03-30-15
disappointing
I love this story and this narrator. but the pairing I hated. I felt like Rupert Degassing just had completely the wrong tone of the book, trivialising the characters. There is a crumbling solemn grace and heft to the characters as well as their very pronounced eccentricities.
Maybe others will like it. but it's just not my Gormenghast.
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2 of 2 people found this review helpful
1 out of 5 stars
By
C. Paget
on
03-04-11
From the Ministry of Silly Voices
I love this novel, and indeed all the trilogy, so I was looking forward to a new reading. I was soon disappointed however. Within minutes, the silly voices and over acting began. Sadly I wasted a credit. The lesson learned? Check out the samples more thoroughly before buying. This reader should stick to his day job.
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4 of 5 people found this review helpful
Customer Reviews
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5 out of 5 stars
By
Amazon Customer
on
05-13-15
Expressive narration of a cult classic
An excellent abridged version which manages to keep the best of the story - the wealth of gothic detail comes through in places, as does much of the humour. The abridgement means the narrative moves at quite a pace, and if you are familiar with the novel, as I am, this version is fine for a light listen. It might also be a good way of introducing yourself to Peake's marvellous world. The original book is quite heavy going, with an overabundance of description, grotesque characters and names that out-Dickens the master. Dr Prunesquallor is my favourite, and the characters with their wild idiosyncracies are a particular pleasure. I first read this as a teenager, and became very absorbed in the first two novels, which I have read many times. If you like gothic tales, fantasy and strangeness this will appeal. If you decide to treat yourself to a printed edition of the book, make sure you get a copy with Peake's own illustrations- he was also a very talented artist.
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2 of 2 people found this review helpful
5 out of 5 stars
By
MR N E MURRELL
on
12-16-15
A Gothic Masterpiece!
Titus Groan is the first part of Mervyn Peake's Gormenghast trilogy. It's regarded as one of the finest fantasy series of all time, and rightly so. It is filled with delightfully grotesque characters, from the skeletal Mr. Flay to the Machiavellian Steerpike, to the blubbery monstrosity that is Mr. Swelter. The characters are fascinating, appalling and oddly human in equal measure. The quality of the writing is first rate. Peake's remarkably evocative prose brings the strange little kingdom of Gormenghast to life beautifully.
Special praise must also go to Rupert Degas, who gives a string of remarkable (and brilliantly voiced) performances which taps into the essence of each character.
This is one of the best audio-books I've ever read and I'd recommend it to anyone.
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1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful
5 out of 5 stars
By
Minde
on
09-27-16
Rupert Degas is amazing
Exceptional performance by Degas, to do so many voices so consistently and with such life!
This is the abridged version of the book, so it skips around the story a bit. Would have been a little clearer if there had been longer pauses between scenes, but otherwise a good composition.
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5 out of 5 stars
By
Mr
on
04-29-15
Excellent reader
Excellent story with an excellent reader who has provided a wide range of incredible character vocalisations. Dark but highly recommended.
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