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Different Class

By: Joanne Harris
Narrated by: Steven Pacey, Ewan Goddard
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Summary

After 30 years at St Oswald's Grammar in North Yorkshire, Latin master Roy Straitley has seen all kinds of boys come and go. Each class has its clowns, its rebels, its underdogs, its 'Brodie' boys who, whilst of course he doesn't have favourites, hold a special place in an old teacher's heart.

But every so often there's a boy who doesn't fit the mould. A troublemaker. A boy with hidden shadows inside. With insolvency and academic failure looming, a new broom has arrived at the venerable school, bringing PowerPoint, sharp suits and even sixth-form girls to the dusty corridors. But while Straitley does his sardonic best to resist this march to the future, a shadow from his past is stirring. A boy who even 20 years on haunts his teacher's dreams. A boy capable of bad things.

©2016 Frogspawn Ltd. (P)2016 Random House Audiobooks
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What listeners say about Different Class

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

Un-putdownable!

Kept me guessing all the way through. Got that feeling of loss when I finished it that speaks to just how good it was. The author and the excellent narrator are a marriage made in heaven!'

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

wonderful.especially if you been a boarder

full of intrigue showiing the coruption and unfairness of those in power and how it corrupts the lives of the innocent
loved every minute of it.
nothing more to say except I will listen to it again


















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

Good

very enjoyable although I was working at the same time as listening and occasionally lost the thread. Good narrators. enjoyable listen

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

Loved it!

Great book from Joanne Harris with another wonderful performance from Steven Pacey as Roy Straitley. Another twist but I won't spoil that here 😉

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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

Nearly as good as Gentlemen and Players

The narration of this book was very good and the story was nearly as good as Gentlemen & Players, of which it is the sequel.

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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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    5 out of 5 stars

Very enjoyable

I like Joanne Harris’ writing. Part of a trilogy about private grammar school St Oswalds, it can be read as a stand alone. The plot has similarities with Gentlemen and Players, but this did not detract. I also liked the fact you didn’t get re told the other story that can sometimes happens in series, as there was no need. Good plot, keeps you wondering, well written and constructed. I will be reading the next one shortly.

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

A better class of book

Would you listen to Different Class again? Why?

If this had been a paper book instead of an audiobook, I would have flicked back to check - "Did he really say that?"...."But I thought....". Joanne Harris has set traps for the reader. Things are never quite what they seem. Details that seemed trivial in early chapters, assume a different proportions as the story progresses. I would be happy to hear the whole book again if only to understand the plot better.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Different Class?

It would give away the plot to say too much but this is not just a 'whodunnit' but also 'a who was it done to?' There is a moment when the character of one of the two narrators is revealed as being somewhat different to that which we have taken for granted. A masterstroke!

What about Steven Pacey and Ewan Goddard ’s performance did you like?

It is beautifully read. Steven Pacey has all the gravitas needed for his role. We may not agree with his rather conservative views but we know that we can trust him. Ewan Goddard's character is quite the opposite = a nasty piece of work - but convincing nonetheless.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

At least until overcome by the need to sleep but I did my absolute best!

Any additional comments?

A better class of read! It's the third book in a trilogy and, although each book is complete in itself, is best read in order.

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

A Good Twist

Really enjoying this author and am off to get the next in the series - that’s a good sign!

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

Another good read/listen from Joanne Harris

Would you listen to Different Class again? Why?

Probably in a while. It would be interesting to go back to the beginning already knowing what you learn at the end.

What other book might you compare Different Class to, and why?

Blue Eyes & Gentlemen & Players both have the same atmosphere and rely on things not being what they seem, or that keep you guessing

Which character – as performed by Steven Pacey and Ewan Goddard – was your favourite?

I didn't like either of the characters but the performances of Pacey and Goddard were excellent.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No, but large chunks.

Any additional comments?

I did get rather fed up with the 'prodding finger' in Straitley's chest!

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3 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

Different class

Very good, sad it has ended. Joanne Harris is so talented. Looking out for other stories.

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