A Far Cry from Kensington cover art

A Far Cry from Kensington

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A Far Cry from Kensington

By: Muriel Spark
Narrated by: Juliet Stevenson
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About this listen

The narrator is one Mrs. Hawkins. She writes from Italy, a far cry from Kensington indeed, taking us back to her threadbare years in postwar London. As a young, rather fat war-widow she spent her days working for a crazy, almost bankrupt publisher; and her nights offering advice from her boarding-house in South Kensington. In both locations, our heroine soon uncovered difficulties: shady literary dealings; anonymous letters, blackmail, and even suicide. Whilst Mrs. Hawkins innocently, confidently put about setting things right, she could little imagine the ensuing mayhem and consequences. Now many decades older, thinner, and pleased with her situation in Italy, Mrs. Hawkins reflects on all those dark happenings, recounting how her own life changed forever.

Narrated by Juliet Stevenson, A Far Cry from Kensington shows Muriel Spark at the mature height of her powers. Rediscover this classic on the 100th anniversary of Muriel Spark's birth.

©1988 Muriel Spark (P)2013 Canongate Books Ltd Classics Feel-Good Funny

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All stars
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This book was a surprise and a joy to listen to. This story was interesting, thought-provoking and very clever. It was enhanced by very good narration; I enjoyed it very much

An Unexpected Pleasure

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Juliet Stevenson brought this intelligent novel a!ive. I Enjoyed it from start to finish.

Wonderful book!

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I've been unlucky with my Audible choices recently but this has absolutely restored my faith. It's a great audiobook on every level - easy to listen to but still a subtle and nuanced story. Juliet Stevenson is, of course, a wonderful narrator. I just wish it had been a great deal longer!

An absolute joy

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Loved every minute of it and a first rate narrator. Just sorry it’s finished and I shall definitely read more of her books.

Wonderful story

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Excellent writing read by the best voice. The perfect storm of performance and prose.
The story has stood the test of time very well.

Just wonderful

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What the hell just happened? - you may think at the end. It does not matter so much. The pleasure is mostly in Spark’s idiosyncratic narrative voice, full of surprising turns and dry observations with the occasional devastating image.

Spark flies

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I loved this book, all the characters and the brilliant narration by Juliet Stevenson. It was quite hilarious in parts, a bit like a female version of lucky Jim. I love Muriel Spark’s writing I’m going to read all of her books now. I shall remember Mrs Hawkins’ pearls of wisdom for years to come!

Made me smile from start to finish

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Beautifully read by Juliet Stephenson. The story is a tad quaint for the 21st century but the lyrical writing of Spark continues to hold the audience. Perfect for a Sunday afternoon with tea and scones.

Charming

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Really great production of this classic novel which kept me thoroughly entertained during the long dark commute.

Class act

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First Muriel Spark book I have tried and took me a little while to settle in. Light, funny, clever. Fun characters well described. Brilliantly read

Good fun

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