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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)1988 Canongate Books Ltd Classics Funny Feel-Good
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Fantastic book, one of Spark’s best. Wonderfully narrated by Juliet Stevenson as the brilliant Mrs Hawkins.

One of Spark’s Best

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It vividly recalls those good/bad old days just after the war. It’s a rollicking good story too, with a wicked twist to end up with.

Vintage Muriel Spark

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I was intrigued to download this after hearing the author recommended on a books podcast. When I realised the narrator was Juliet Stevenson I wasted no time in purchasing this as I have previously been extremely impressed with her work. (The Paying Guests is a triumph). The book was evocative of a repressed post war period; a shabby London before the excitement of the 1960s. A slight but beautifully written story brought to life by the incomparable Juliet.

Another brilliant narration by Ms Stevenson

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I was captivated by this book from beginning to end. The only previous Muriel Spark I’ve read is Girls of Slender Means which I liked but this was even better. She creates atmosphere so well, her writing is evocative and so intricately descriptive but done in such a succinct way. The plot is ‘quiet’ and is a story of everyday life but at the same time extraordinary everyday life. Her protagonist is interesting and likeable. It is the story of carefully drawn, disparate characters who come alive with their intimate, familiar but surprising thoughts and feelings. Even when bad things are happening I feel as if I’d like to be part of those lives just for a little while! This is possibly helped along by Juliet Stevenson’s brilliant narration. Definitely one I’ll listen to again.

Wonderful

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Best of the Muriel Spark books I’ve read. Always something a bit odd about her stories but thus one balances a gently humorous style with quite a gritty story - very good writer.

Very good Muriel Sparkread

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