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Vile Bodies

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Vile Bodies

By: Evelyn Waugh
Narrated by: Robert Hardy
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About this listen

A satiric novel by Evelyn Waugh, published in 1930.

Set in England between the wars, the novel examines the frenetic but empty lives of the Bright Young Things, young people who indulge in constant party-going, heavy drinking, and promiscuous sex. At the novel's end, the realities of the world intrude, with Adam Fenwick-Symes, the protagonist, serving on a battlefield at the onset of another world war.

©1930 Evelyn Waugh (P)2015 Hachette Audio
Classics Satire Comedy War Funny Witty
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What listeners say about Vile Bodies

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Mad, sad and funny

Great performance from Robert Hardy. Story is a bit choppy but some very funny and poignant bits.

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Files Bodies: A good tale of the upper classes

A good tale but in my opinion spoiled by Robert Harry's narration which was far too extravagant and over the top (as usual)

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Exceptional narration

I would say this is probably the best narration I’ve listened to. The late, great Robert Hardy is tremendous in making what are, on the whole, dislikable characters likeable. Would highly recommend!

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Wonderful narration

Really enjoyed this. The narration was spot on for the time and feel of the story.

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5 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Improves towards the end

The second half is better than the first. More a series of amusing vignettes than a story. Not as good as Scoop or Decline and Fall.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

Iconic Voice brought daft story to reality

My favourite Waugh book is Brideshead which always has a reality that his other books never seem to attain and I thought that when I read Vile Bodies years ago. Robert hardy's reading of this was a joy though and just made complete sense of the whole story and I suppose with it the author's satirising of the time. It made me sad that the great voice of Robert Hardy is no longer around as it was a real joy listening to his narration and worth buying this audible production for that alone.

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3 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Outrageously witty

Vile Bodies is a madly brilliant and hilarious novel - the narration is a tour de force, and beyond all praise.

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2 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Performance

Fantastic reading ! Most enjoyable. The story is brilliant but it was all the most supported by the performance

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Excellent narration

Talented narration made the book worth listening to. What skill. All books should have this quality of narration from talented actors/authors.

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2 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

A Minor Masterpice

It is over 50 years since I first read this brilliant novel. Maybe I was far too young when I first read it, to appreciate the dry wit and hidden humour. Now, I rank it as one of Waugh’s minor masterpieces. A unique book in Waugh’s worldview, and he was so young when he wrote it. Robert Hardy’s reading of it cannot not be faulted, it is masterly and sublime. Only the concluding chapter disappoints, but do not be put off by this comment, this is a truly great book.

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