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Fraud

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Fraud

By: Anita Brookner
Narrated by: Anna Massey
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Summary

When Anna Durrant is reported missing, her friends seem unconcerned at her disappearance. After all, her life has been one of concealment.

For years Anna submitted to the protective dependence of her mother, and even after Amy Durrant’s death she simply conformed to the expectations of others.

Increasingly, Anna feels herself trapped by these expectations. Only by drawing on extraordinary strength and determination can Anna break away and enjoy her freedom, finally taking charge of her own destiny.

©1992 Anita Brookner (P)2014 Audible, Inc. Crime Fiction Mystery Fiction Crime
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The female characters and their relationships with each other are so well observed, particularly the mother/daughter dynamics. The gentle portrayal of their changing lives, read so well by Anna Massey, was extremely enjoyable.

Exceptional observation of female characters

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really enjoyed all of it and think this was very much down to the superb reading of it by narrator

I loved the use of language.

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What did you like most about Fraud?

What a long time to reach a conclusion but once arrived at the end was hopeful. One of Brookner's themes is, women must, if to be happy, find out who they really are. This is very evident in Fraud.
Men in this story are fraudulent towards women, wanting them for entertainment, for succour and, of course, for sex and money.
Some women like Anna, the protagonist, is not prepared to accept these demands and her life seems pointless, empty and sad.
However, she eventually finds her own way, though the journey is difficult and cheerless to hear.
In the hands of a lesser writer, this would be a cheerless tale. But Brookner spins a delicate and heart tugging narrative that entrapped this listener almost completely.

Who was your favorite character and why?

The doctor was appealing: fictional doctors often are. He was a cut above the usual healer of romantic fiction for doing the wrong things, where emotional entanglements were concerned because he did not have sufficient strength of character to see his decisions for what they were until it was too late.
Anna was elusive, puzzling but ultimately strong and clear in my imagination. A fine heroine indeed.

What about Anna Massey’s performance did you like?

Everything. Ever single word she speaks, sparkles. She inhabits the narrative and gives voice to each character in a way which is quite unique.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Almost. I heard it over three sittings rather than one because, at a length of seven hours, one sitting would be impractical. Also it was nice to save the hours spent listening as an evening treat.

Hope springs eternal

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Well narrated and a well crafted novel. The main drawback for me was that there was not a single character that I found relatable. Each person was at best unlikeable, at worst really unpleasant. For me this eclipsed the quality of the writing and I was glad to finish the book.

Beautiful writing as expected from Anita Brookner

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A truly absorbing read. Well rounded, believable characters Any Anita Brookner fan knows how enjoyable her books are and this does not disappoint. Sad, haunting and uplifting. As is usual with Brookner her endings always leave one feeling satisfied. Added bonus wonderful narration by Anna Massey.

Riveting

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