Giving Up the Ghost cover art

Giving Up the Ghost

A Memoir

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Giving Up the Ghost

By: Hilary Mantel
Narrated by: Jane Wymark
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About this listen

Opening with "A Second Home", in which Mantel describes the death of her stepfather, Giving Up the Ghost is a wry, shocking, and beautifully written memoir of childhood, ghosts (real and metaphorical), illness, and family. Finally, at the memoir's conclusion, Mantel explains how a series of medical misunderstandings and neglect left her childless, and how the ghosts of the unborn have come to haunt her life as a writer.

©2003 Hilary Mantel (P)2012 W F Howes Ltd Art & Literature Authors Memoir Haunted Emotionally Gripping Inspiring Heartfelt Thought-Provoking Ghost

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All stars
Most relevant  
But once again spoiled by poor narration - so disappointing . While I was reading the actual book Icould hear HiloMa

Brilliant writing as usual from Hilary Mantel.

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What did you like most about Giving Up the Ghost?

The author's fiercely loud and beautiful use of words. They fight brilliantly with and for a hard life.

What did you like best about this story?

It is a prismatic, not " true" version of a life in depth..but of enormous value in breaking the ice in the ocean surrounding one's own life.

Who might you have cast as narrator instead of Jane Wymark?

Sorry, but it is over acted..a terrible no, no in a memoir of significance. The person who read Mantel's short stories was more realistic in her approach.

Any additional comments?

Listen to this and enjoy.

Acerbic but nice

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I read this with a deep sense of sadness but in awe of her strength. I am terribly sad for the literary world to lose such an honest writer.

Poignant and excellent as ever

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I really loved this! Very moving and beautifully written. Wonderful narration. One of the best I’ve listened to this year.

One of my best listens this year!

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Hilary Mantel has to be one of the best, if not the best British author alive today.

Sharp, funny, kind and cutting. All the perceptive she applies to her novels is here.

I love Hilary Mantel

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extraordinary recounting of Mantel's childhood. She skilfully tells all and keeps hidden. Proud but modest an absolute must read.

brave and inspiring like the author

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This is a brilliant memoir from Hilary Mantel. On a personal note I can relate to her struggles very closely and there is much hope within the pages too. What an interesting and fascinating life. The narration is superb and I will definitely re-listen.

Brilliant and moving !

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The trials, triumphs and tribulations of a childhood and early adulthood expertly expressed. I enjoyed every detail

Excellent enjoyed every moment

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A beautifully realised memoir which leaves me with wonder - at such a mind and personality, and also sadness and exasperation at what befell the author - someone with intelligence and candour - at the hands of medical professionals likely because of her being a woman, and their inability to listen.
Years ago I thought I could write. Not now because I no longer longer remember words, but reading Hilary Mantel, I wonder why I ever thought I could.

Brilliantly rendered

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I chose this as I love Hilary Mantel's Wolf Hall books (some of my favourite books) but didn't know anything about the author. This memoir is incredibly honest and moving but often quite humorous so made me feel a mixture of different emotions. It must have taken a lot of courage to write it.

My only very slight criticism is the omission of anything about the author's relationship with her parents as an adult and her husband felt like crucial elements of the account were missing.

Wow. A Startlingly Honest Memoir

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