Outstanding in every way

I've listened to over 70 audiobooks and this is by far one of the best. Performance, and story, the writing, the rich, rich characters. Listened to it again. Even better the second time. So good

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32 people found this helpful

Coming of age- at 74.

I loved this book, we join Barrington at the tender age of 74 - struggling with his sexuality and Antiguan roots; Barry is finally coming to an impasse in his life, the feels like a coming of age novel, despite his advanced years. Barry’s voice is strong and lyrical- sweeping you along with the narrative, his wife Carmel’s tale runs concurrently and delivers poetic prose taking us from the 1950’s to 2014.
Barry’s relationship with Morris- a calm dignified man who provides succour to Barry’s bombastic personality- is the most enduring and the tender moments between the two elder men was deeply touching.

This tale is extremely moving, it is rich with emotion, beautifully narrated by James Cooke- I couldn’t put this down.
Highly recommended.

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1 person found this helpful

North London

I enjoy reading the book so much that I listened to it twice, I grew up in North London and knew every area described in the book, it was like I was there with them enjoying lovely Stoke Newington, enjoyable reading, exciting and funny. I will read it again as I do not want to forget it . A brilliant read.

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Best listen yet

Fabulous narration of a beautifully crafted book. So witty and well-observed. Absolutely loved it! Do yourself a favour and listen to it.

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1 person found this helpful

Caribbean Joy

This story flowed with an easy pace and warmth through a life's journey. The characters are sympathetically portrayed and soon became my friends - I miss them now I've finished the book. The narrator is first class bringing impish Caribbean joy throughout. This was my first Evaristo book, but definitely not the last.

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Brilliant!

This is the best-narrated book I’ve listened to, James Goode’s interpretation is genius. And Bernadine Evaristo has written such great characters for him to portray - who wouldn’t fall for flawed, wonderful, irritating Barrington? The book is brilliantly funny, sad, subtle, and so humane and understanding of all its characters’ talents, faults and desires that I ended up loving them all. Instead of pushing issues, she writes gripping personal stories and in doing so helps us see the world in a slightly new way. Highly recommended.

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Wow enlightening

This story was both enjoyable and heartbreaking. So many years having to hide your true self. Wonderfully written and James Goode’s narration was actually 6* but could only give 5! Thoroughly entertained and educated. Thank you.

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Great book. Excellently read.

Really enjoyed the story and how it was read, transporting me alongside the characters. Fantastic!

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Excellent story

For anyone who has just discovered Bernadine Evaristo through her Booker win you need to move to this ASAP. It is funny and moving and you will love the main character, his failings, and triumphs, his family and his friends, A wonderful, human story.

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Amazing

Not only a fantastic story but it has the best narration I have ever heard of an audiobook

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