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Sweet Caress
- Narrated by: Juliet Stevenson
- Length: 15 hrs and 22 mins
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Sweet Caress
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Summary
Brought to you by Penguin.
Amory's first memory is of her father doing a handstand. She has memories of him returning on leave during the First World War. But his absences, both actual and emotional, are what she chiefly remembers. It is her photographer, uncle Greville, who supplies the emotional bond she needs, and, when he gives her a camera and some rudimentary lessons in photography, unleashes a passion that will irrevocably shape her future.
A spell at boarding school ends abruptly and Amory begins an apprenticeship with Greville in London, living in his flat in Kensington, earning two pounds a week photographing socialites for fashionable magazines. But Amory is hungry for more, and her search for life, love and artistic expression will take her to the demi monde of Berlin of the late 1920s, to New York of the 1930s, to the Blackshirt riots in London and to France in the Second World War, where she becomes one of the first women war photographers. Her desire for experience will lead Amory to further wars, to lovers, husbands and children as she continues to pursue her dreams and battle her demons.
In this enthralling story of a life fully lived, William Boyd has created a sweeping panorama of some of the most defining moments of modern history, told through the camera lens of one unforgettable woman, Amory Clay. It is his greatest achievement to date.
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What listeners say about Sweet Caress
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Amazon Customer
- 07-06-22
A great listen.
Excellent narration, as ever, from Juliet Stevenson and a great story as well..Make the most of the good times in life and endure the others.
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story3 out of 5 stars
- Ged
- 29-12-23
Fascinating life story, beautifully narrated
This story of the life of (fictional) Amory Clay is a detailed and comprehensive account of a photographer dealing with the events of the time, and of her own life. Ponderous at times, it is nonetheless beautifully told by the narrator, Julie Stevenson.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- JOHN
- 25-05-23
Superb
Any Human Heart is one of my all-time favourite novels; Sweet Caress is just as good, if not better. This is storytelling of the first rank and it is brilliantly narrated by Juliet Stevenson. Outstanding.
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story3 out of 5 stars
- Pinkers
- 22-02-24
A wonderful journal
Almost as good as Any Human Heart, another great fictitious diary. Juliet Stevenson simply brilliant. A great performer. Nobody comes close.
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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Performance3 out of 5 stars
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Story4 out of 5 stars
- LK
- 28-02-22
not as good as I'd hoped
I read this following reading restless, and while enjoyable, neither the story nor the performance lived up to Restless.
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story4 out of 5 stars
- Alun C.
- 14-01-24
Classic William Boyd (or what I’ve read/listened to so far.
A story of a life, a compelling and moving narrative, full of thoughtfulness and compassion for being human.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- mr
- 06-12-22
Cracking book
Boyd creates a wonderful enigmatic character. This is a cracking book. You feel for her.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- WomanoftheWorld
- 03-06-23
brilliant book, brilliantly narrated
Boyd is such a marvel narrating from a woman’s POV. Great story grasping the key existential issues throughout a life spanning three-quarters of the 20th Century and two wars.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Story4 out of 5 stars
- G. Shute
- 15-10-23
Compulsive listening
Loved this reading by Juliet Stevenson. Characters and story quite believable, except for Amory’s stint in Vietnam. Juliet Stevenson’s reading and portrayal of characters kept one listening even through the less believable parts of the plot.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Bhanacharaid
- 09-08-21
Exquisite characterisation, beautiful imagery
There was a point, about 1/3 in, when I realised I was waiting for the main event of the story to happen. Then, the power of the novel became clear: like all our lives, Amory's story is made up of a series of events and characters and together they create the narrative that's the story of a life. An exceptional life: somewhat like Forrest Gump, she's been there to witness - or live with the consequences - of key events and social realities in the 20th. Century, However, the depth and powerful descriptions of Amory's emotions and reflections are simply beautiful - and by the last chapter I realised that I was holding my breath, completely absorbed in the words I was hearing, ready to follow Amory wherever she went.
I miss her. I'll come back to this book and meet her again - and I'll recommend it as an exceptional read to anyone who is searching for a really good book.
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1 person found this helpful