Vipers' Tangle

By: Francois Mauriac

Narrated by: Geoffrey Howard

Length: 5 hrs and 42 mins

Publisher's summary

In this remarkable novel, Mauriac brings his extraordinary talent for probing the inmost core of the human character to what is arguably the most exciting theme in the world: the battle for the human soul. In all of literature there can be few more appalling studies of a soul devoured by pride and avarice, corroded by hatred.

Louis, a wretchedly unhappy multi-millionaire, all but personifies evil. Toward the end of his life, seeking to uncover the cause of his unhappiness, he commits to paper his whole bitter story: his indulgent but affection-starved childhood; his first love; the trivial misunderstanding that festered until it poisoned their entire married life and the lives of their children; the old miser's struggle to disinherit his family; and finally, the powerful climax, with divine grace vying to the very end to pierce the evil encrusting Louis' soul.

Public Domain (P)1996 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Critic reviews

"A modern masterpiece." ( St. Louis Star-Times)
"Mauriac develops a character from the inside out....The listener is able to move into Louis's mind, to feel and understand his motivation." ( Library Journal)

Excellent

Recommended to me by a friend and I could not stop listening. Beautifully read. Highly recommend.

Most Intriguing

A most intriguing take on marital & family conflicts, on how personal & yet impersonal family life is, in its revelation & realism. It is cozy & mean in almost equal measure.

A pleasant surprise of a book

A profound tale of redemption that I enjoyed immensely and would absolutely recommend to others.

Life changing book

Loved it. A study into ressentment and redemption of someone whi is dying. Beautifully written and thought provoking.

Engrossing!

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

This is an entangling, fascinating story--unpredictable and moving.

What does Geoffrey Howard bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Howard is great! Clear diction; nice pauses and just the right amount of emotion.

Masterpiece

Just listened to this book for the 3rd time. Each time is as new. Mauriac writes so beautifully about the human condition when there is no love and no forgiveness. Narrator is excellent.
The lesson is a hard one but so necessary.

Superb

Geoffrey Howard he also does audio books under the name Ralph Cosham) does a superb job of narrating this book. He is able to communicate emotion without being overly sentimental. I would also recommend his reading of Beau Geste.

The book is excellent. It sounds unappealing, I must admit - almost the entire work consists of the reminiscences of a spiteful rich lawyer who knows he will soon be dead. However it is quite fascinating to see how his life developed and why he has ended up so miserable despite being so successful. It is a wonderful warning to not spend one's short life wrapped up in petty resentments and jealousies.

Excellent

This is an excellent performance of a masterpiece. I could not stop until it was finished. Then immediately wanted to start it over.

A multilayered meaningful story

This novel engrossed me from the first sentence and never let loose its hold. In diary form from the perspective of a wealthy and bitter old man in receding health, who he rails against his wife and children, consumed by his intention to keep them from his fortune after his death. It is multi-layered, addressing the aim of living a happy life, the difference of good and evil, love and hate, forgiveness and selfishness, It also addresses the theme of Christian salvation and its ability to change the receptive who is hard of heart. The audible performance was well done and adds to the appreciation of the protagonist.

Suspenseful Character Study

Any additional comments?

"Viper's Tangle" is an "prison escape" story of sorts--only in this case the prison is the human heart. Louis, the dying anti-hero of the piece, is cut off from love by a lifetime of disappointment and resentment. Can he find his way to freedom before it's too late? The plot keeps you guessing, and the narrator's understated delivery never gets in the way of the action.