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A Rogue's Life

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A Rogue's Life

By: Wilkie Collins
Narrated by: Bernard Mayes
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About this listen

 This delightful tale of thwarted ambition and forbidden love follows the adventures and fortunes of an endearing young rogue, Frank Softly. Originally serialized in Household Words in 1859, Rogue is one of Collins's most richly comic creations.

Propelled into society by his ever-hopeful father, Frank is introduced to a variety of professions in order to make his fortune. Not industrious by nature, however, Frank finds working life a challenge, and by his 25th birthday, he has failed medicine, portrait-painting, caricaturing, and even forgery. Disenchanted with life, he despairs of ever finding something to commit to — until he meets Alicia Dulcifer and her inexplicably wealthy father.

Proffering his own take on picaresque storytelling — and with many a grain of truth for 20-somethings today — this is Wilkie Collins at his entertaining best.

(P)2000 Blackstone Audio Inc Classics Romance Funny Fiction

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I bought this book over 4 years ago and didn't finish it and decided to try it again. this time I finished it.
it was alright, not as good as the woman in white or even the two destinies.
it was slow to start and only stepped up the pace when the rogue fell in love and became involved in a crime..

not one of the best.

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Read The Moonstone many years ago and tried this. I loved it. His ability to spin a yarn which is convoluted he accomplishes with clarity and elegant language. Would recommend to serious readers of literature.

Wilkie Collins The Rogue’s Life

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I do enjoy Wilkie Collins but the narrator for this book is truly awful. Just couldn’t finish the book.

Narration abysmal

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Would have preferred a more dynamic presentation... Didnt really do it for me but I got to the end.....

Moderately interesting.

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An interesting tale of a character who is a misfit despite his family's rigorous efforts to reform him. Seemingly destined to fail Frank tirelessly endures the various trials his own shortcomings tend to lead him to. However his shortcomings will conversely also bring richness and fulfillment to his life if by means of a road less traveled. The narrators tone is perfect for all characters but maybe especially for that of the protagonist.

perfect pitch narration for a great story

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A Rogue's Life is a very enjoyable story, enhanced by an excellent narrator; thoroughly recommended.

A Rogue's Life

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I love Wilkie Collins but could not finish this. It’s not his best book but with this narrator it’s hard to judge.
Narration is so slow and weary I worried the narrator might expire . It sounded more normal and engagingly paced at speed 1.1 or even 1.2 -without being rushed .
There are such enjoyable passages in here but it’s hard to keep going.

Slow version of rollicking tale

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Superbly written - a little known classic - not to be missed for the sheer enjoyment of the language

Superbly written

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Amazing how the Rogue got out of so many difficulties! Gripping until the end.

Very clever and entertaining

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I usually really enjoy anything by Wilkie Collins but this is my least favourite. The beginning was slow and a little tedious.

Slow to get going

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