superb

A wonderful tale although very sad it's so well written. Michael Kitchen is superb reader.

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MY WORKING CLASS PREJADICE.

In a British colony in West Africa, Henry Scobie is a pious and righteous man of modest means enlisted with securing borders. But when he’s passed over for a promotion as commissioner of police, the humiliation hits hardest for his wife, Louise. Already oppressed by the appalling climate, frustrated in a loveless marriage, and belittled by the wives of more privileged officers, Louise wants out. Feeling responsible for her unhappiness, Henry decides against his better judgment to accept a loan from a black marketeer to secure Louise’s passage. It’s just a single indiscretion, yet for Henry it precipitates a rapid fall from grace as one moral compromise after another leads him into a web of blackmail, adultery, and murder. And for a devout man like Henry, there may be nothing left but damnation.
It was difficult to get past the pluminess of the accents on display, Kitchen's performance is good, as you would expect from such a talented actor, but those turn of phrases. I know this is a very superficial criticism of a truly profound book, but there you are. However, when I finally grew up and listened deeply I was touched by the turmoil of the main character and it helped to explain a lot about the catholic faith and what it can mean to someone in doubt. I do recommend the book and the next time I listen I will be a lot more open minded.

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2 people found this helpful

Beautifully written

Very well read and an engaging story. Why did Scobie, the main protagonist, get entangled with such limited women? An enjoyable listen.

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Great audiobook but not for depression sufferers!

Where does The Heart of the Matter rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

As an audiobook, it's top notch. Graham Greene doesn't disappoint with his quality storytelling which is why it gets 5 stars all the way - despite my final comment.

What does Michael Kitchen bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you had only read the book?

Excellent narrator who brings the whole atmosphere of the topics right before your eyes.

Any additional comments?

The story line is definitely not for anyone who suffers from depression, because this will put you close to the edge - take it as a warning. If you want a good story and are not depressed, I would imagine it would have been a different experience, but I had to stop listening as soon as I saw where the story was headed.

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5 people found this helpful

Engrossing, transcends the era

First, I sped up the narration to 1.2x, it was really boring at 1x speed. At 1.2x the narration was very good.

I visited Sierra Leone 20 years ago. Then the diamond dealers were Lebanese, not Syrian.

It’s a stiff upper lip tale of someone who can’t stand it anymore in the end. A man tries to be decent and conformist, is put under pressure and cracks in both directions, towards love and also against conformity and can’t see a way out.

Very well told story. Reminded me of Nevil Shute in the simple but impactful storytelling.

Occasional words offensive to the modern ear, with attitudes par for the course for the time. Do you want to know what it was like then or not?

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Just brilliant

A brilliant book brilliantly read. I read all Graham Greene's work 30 years ago and felt it was time to revisit. I wasn't sure if I would like Michael Kitchen's reading as I have got to know him so well through his TV work, but he was absolutely superb. I became completely absorbed and, through his skilful reading, I enjoyed the book even more than I did the first time around.

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25 people found this helpful

A beautifully read masterpiece

This was a consummate listening experience that showed the genius of Greene’s writing and characterisation.

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A deeply wonderful book

I loved this book more than any I have ever read .. I desperately wanted it to never end

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An extremely good reading of a perfect novel

Wonderfully read this is such a spare, dark, poetic book. Greene at his eloquent best. Highly recommended!

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An outstanding book superbly read.

This is one of Graham Green's finest books and Michael Kitchen's narration is flawless.

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5 people found this helpful