Paradise Postponed cover art

Paradise Postponed

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Paradise Postponed

By: John Mortimer
Narrated by: Paul Shelley
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About this listen

When Simeon Simcox, a socialist clergyman, leaves his entire fortune not to his family but to the ruthless, social-climbing Tory MP Leslie Titmuss, the Rector's two sons react in very different ways. Henry, novelist and former 'angry young man' turned grumpy old reactionary, decides to fight the will and prove their father was insane. Younger brother Fred, a mild-mannered country doctor, takes a different approach, quietly digging in Simeon's past, only to uncover an entirely unexpected explanation for the legacy. An exquisitely drawn saga of ancient rivalries and class struggles, featuring a glorious cast of characters, Paradise Postponed is a delicious portrait of English country life by a master satirist. Read by Paul Shelley.

©2012 John Mortimer (P)2014 Audible, Inc. Classics Family Life Fiction Genre Fiction Literary Fiction Political

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All stars
Most relevant  
In all ways this book takes a middle course and, as a necessary consequence, is neither especially good or distinctly bad.

Set in middle England, its account of life in one of the shires spans the period from the mid-50s to Thatcher’s 80s. With conflict in one family following the death of a high profile C-of-E cleric at its centre, it jogs along in a companionable way without hitting any great heights.

An unexceptional but moderately intelligent train journey option.

A middling novel

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story jumped once or twice but overall an easy listen, a nice change from the vile

a nice easy listen

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This is a wonderfully observed and written story about social classes in the period after the Second World War. There is humour and beautifully crafted characters. The story is not straight forward and holds the reader to the end. What is there not to like.

The quality of the writing and story line.

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I enjoyed this book but it was a bit drawn out. I found myself getting a lost in parts and my concentration waned on occasions due to so many different characters, We were kept guessing right to the end regarding the outcome of the will but it did leave me a bit confused as to where the rector's money actually went,

Good story

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After some lazy years of unchallenging crime thrillers and general pap, I returned to John Mortimer (and others of that vintage) and realised what an absolute joy and treasure his writing is. So satisfying and absorbing - wonderful 'un-dumbed-down' language and references which are such a refreshing change from cliche and formulaic prose engendered by 'writing' courses and undoubted pressure from publishers to be thoroughly bland even though sprinkled with sensationalism.
Loved this and will listen again many times - thank you too for the inestimable talents of Paul Shelley as a truly great narrator.

intelligent captivating humane

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I loved this book and felt I was on the sidelines listening and learning all about the family who were in a way sharing my family’s experiences. My many thanks to both the author and the excellent narrator Paul Shelley.

Excellent

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Delightful story beautifully narrated. One of those wonderful discoveries that I know I will return to again and again

Wonderful

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Absolutely loved the telling of this gentle, sweetly funny, well- told story. Will be looking for more of the same.......

Brilliant

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Well-written with empathy and compassion - and enough of a mystery to keep the reader guessing.

Enjoyable

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Not the most remarkable book or a cliff hanging thriller but a gentle story set in past times from the 50s to the 80s. I re-read it every few years and it was a pleasure, this time, to hear it with audible. Some likeable and not so likeable characters, humour, atmosphere - some of it tinged with nostalgia. It won't appeal to everyone but it's always been one of my favourite books.

An old friend

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