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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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What listeners say about A Far Cry from Kensington

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    4 out of 5 stars

Nice easy listen

I was interested in this book because this is the author of The Prime of Miss Jean Brody. I'll definitely try to find more of her books. She keeps s story moving so well and totally pulled me in. Juliette Stevenson is excellent. This is the second book I've listened to that she narrated and I think she's probably the best I've heard so far.

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a gem

thank you. enjoyed every word. great accents from JS and characters from MS.thank you, more please

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A fantastic if rather disconcerting story

This is a wonderful listen, flawlessly read by Juliet Stevenson. The narrator revisits her time in a rooming house in Kensington in the 1960s - a vanished world lovingly evoked - with a sharp eye for the idiosyncrasies and strangenesses of her fellow tenants. So far, so cosy perhaps. But the central storyline - of animosity that turns into a sinister vendetta with tragic consequences for one of the tenants - is anything but cosy. A curious, haunting story where good and evil rub shoulders. I enjoyed it. And it is strange.

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Really enjoyed it

I thoroughly enjoyed this audio book.
I liked the main strong female character, and how she interacted with others.
Also the reader had a lovely warm, rich voice.

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8 people found this helpful

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One of Spark’s Best

Fantastic book, one of Spark’s best. Wonderfully narrated by Juliet Stevenson as the brilliant Mrs Hawkins.

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Great narration; interesting story

A good story; slightly disappointing ending. I felt the main character was a little smug. But good entertainment nevertheless!

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An Unexpected Pleasure

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

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8 people found this helpful

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Wonderful book!

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

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1 person found this helpful

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An absolute joy

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!

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Wonderful story

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

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