Umbrella cover art

Umbrella

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Umbrella

By: Will Self
Narrated by: Mike Grady
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About this listen

Shortlisted for the Man Booker Prize 2012

Could modernity be an illness? Umbrella follows the story of Audrey Dearth, who fell victim to the encephalitis lethargic sleeping sickness epidemic at the end of the First World War and has been in a coma ever since. Arriving at the asylum she still lingers in, maverick psychiatrist Zack Busner becomes involved in an attempt to bring her back to life - with wholly unforeseen consequences.

©2012 Will Self (P)2012 W F Howes Ltd Contemporary Fiction Fiction Genre Fiction

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All stars
Most relevant  
I think this is a great story and could've made a wonderful book. unfortunately the writing style is extremely fragmented and disengaging. I didn't like it at all I thought so many times about stop reading/listening to the book. What a shame !
I guess a movie might save this good story at the end of the day

Great story but ...

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What would have made Umbrella better?

Don't know.

What will your next listen be?

Diana Gabaldon.

Any additional comments?

Attracted by story outline, narrator was fine but the story did not flow. Gave up after 5 hours. Maybe just not my style.

Very hard to follow. Gave up after 5 hours

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Any additional comments?

It rambles like mad man. No idea what the book's talking about. It's a book you will love or hate. I got a refund.

Weird and incomprehensible

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If ever a 'clever book' benefited from being read allowed it's Umbrella - the book is just released from the awful hard to get into tag it was given and becomes fantastic prose, a total joy - and as for the old psych bins, Will self totally and utterly nails it. Perfect.

Just Perfect

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Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

This is a great book - I have already recommended it to my Dad and a chap I met in a coffee shop the other day

What was one of the most memorable moments of Umbrella?

The private musings of the main character are my favourite aspects, you really feel like you are inside his head

Which scene did you most enjoy?

The scene when the Doctor goes to see Albert

Did you have an emotional reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Yes it is very poignant - I laughed out loud and was subdued by the ending

Any additional comments?

Will Self must be very pleased with the bloke who reads this book - he totally brings it to life - loved him - the voices were spot on

Fantastic

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Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

This book describes the lives of characters just as though they were umbrellas - they are passed around and not truly in control of their own destiny. For this reason, you identify with the characters and become truly interested in the outcome of their future.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Zachary the psychiatrist.

Have you listened to any of Mike Grady’s other performances? How does this one compare?

Mike Grady reads the book very fluently and understood the plot so that his innotation was correct.

If you made a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

Umbrella - life's not what you think it is.

Any additional comments?

If you enjoy Will Self's wordy plotlines, then this is a must.

Umbrella - an object you can easily lose

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