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Act of Oblivion

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Act of Oblivion

By: Robert Harris
Narrated by: Tim McInnerny
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About this listen

Brought to you by Penguin.

'From what is it they flee?'

He took a while to reply. By the time he spoke the men had gone inside. He said quietly, 'They killed the King.'

1660, General Edward Whalley and Colonel William Goffe, father- and son-in-law, cross the Atlantic. They are on the run and wanted for the murder of Charles I. Under the provisions of the Act of Oblivion, they have been found guilty in absentia of high treason.

In London, Richard Nayler, secretary of the regicide committee of the Privy Council, is tasked with tracking down the fugitives. He'll stop at nothing until the two men are brought to justice. A reward of £100 hangs over their heads—for their capture, dead or alive.

Act of Oblivion is an epic journey across continents and a chase like no other.

©2022 Robert Harris (P)2022 Penguin Audio Crime Thrillers Historical Mystery Suspense Thriller & Suspense Crime Fiction Thriller
All stars
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Really enjoyed this book. Interesting to read it at the same time Charles III was ordained. Illustrated the absolute futility of religious doctrine.
Narration was excellent, don’t know how he did so many characters without it sounding trite.
Was a little disappointed in the ending, but that’s just a personal preference and a minor gripe.

History lesson woven into a story

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robert harris knows history. his novels require concentration. however the effort is rewarded with a feast of knowledge that transports the reader back to a time of amazing characters and dramatic events.

heavy going

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I love his work. Economy of language, narrative flow, even pace. Good reader too. Love it and recommend it.

Harris is one of the best

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I couldn't stop thinking about the 2 main protagonists.
Deeply flawed men, so human.
10/10

compelling

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Where do one’s sympathies lie? There is the question. Either with the hunted regicides with their bloody history of battles leading to the execution of Charles 1, or with the man sent to hunt two of them literally to the ends of the known earth, the man who lost his wife because of one of these men. It’s a tale of obsession, religious and personal which is researched with phenomenal care. Obsession leads to madness and the end of the book is unpredictable. An enjoyable, if frightening, glimpse into the English Civil war and beyond into the Restoration, I found it hard to stop listening!

Amazingly researched story of regicide and beyond

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A powerful story, beautifully told about momentous events in English history. Great book…and it would be a stunning film!

Excellent, evocative

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Robert Harris is one of my favourite authors who is a master of building atmosphere and has the uncanny ability to bring history to life.

Act of Oblivion is set at the beginning of the restoration period and deals successfully with the religious fervour and social division of the time. It also covers the early colonization of America. It is not an easy period of history to write about, but Harris successfully transports the reader to the 1660s and 1670s. He presents a balanced view of both the Royalist and Puritan causes.

The story faithfully follows history where it is known and presents a credible view of what might have happened where there are gaps in our knowledge. The ending is deeply satisfying.

The book may be a bit long for some, but I loved it. It was well written and a jewel for those who like their early modern history.

A worthy saga

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Fantastic book wonderfully written. Takes you to those times, brutal times, some of the gruesome descriptions made you wince.
History at it's best, a sprawling story that takes you too England, America and Holland. I hope they make this into a movie, it would make a fantastic movie. Will seek more books by this tremendous author.

Excellent Listen

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A first-rate historical page-turner, beautifully read by Tim McInnerny. I learned so much about this turbulent & bloody period of English history. Fascinating and exciting.

Riveting historical thriller.

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The work of a great storyteller and thorough research. A brilliant story woven through factual events. I loved it

Harris back at his best

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