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  • The Beach

  • By: Alex Garland
  • Narrated by: Alfie Allen
  • Length: 10 hrs and 59 mins
  • 4.6 out of 5 stars (174 ratings)

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The Beach

By: Alex Garland
Narrated by: Alfie Allen
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Publisher's Summary

The classic story of paradise found - and lost.

Richard lands in East Asia in search of an earthly utopia. In Thailand he is given a map promising an unknown island, a secluded beach - and a new way of life.

What Richard finds when he gets there is breathtaking: more extraordinary, more frightening than his wildest dreams. But how long can paradise survive here on Earth? And what lengths will Richard go to in order to save it?

©1996 Alex Garland (P)2016 Penguin Audio

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What listeners say about The Beach

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

The narrator really makes this amazing

All the voices and accents he does really bring this book to life. Strongly recommended!!

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2 people found this helpful

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Alfie Allen is Reek from game of thrones

If your wondering if Alfie Allen can pull off a convincing performance, he can. Doesn't disappoint for a moment.
Alex Garland, I'm sure, would be happy.

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5 stars.

one of the few books lately that has grabbed and held my attention since I started till I finished. really a lot less like the movie than I was expecting which was welcomed and refreshing. The depth of writing was also far greater than I was expecting. it actually felt like the perfect candidate for a late high school or university literary essay. Narration by Alfie Allen was superb and he nails all the accents except that of Jesses but I still give him credit for trying.

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1 person found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Hard to put down!

Narration was fantastic, good character development and storyline kept one interested. Enjoyed the audio book, much more exciting than reading.

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Massively Impressed

Where does The Beach rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

This book really shocked me. I can't normally reread books or read books that have been made into a film but this was great. It's so different to the book and leaves you reeling at the end.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Jed.
I felt like he was quietly the sane, caring character.

What about Alfie Allen’s performance did you like?

I love Alfie's accent and accents. I would listen to more of his books.

Any additional comments?

It was fascinating to listen to such a gradual progression to insanity. I would recommend this to anyone.
Great travelling book too.

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Didn’t want it to end!

I have always loved the movie but this is far, far better. Beautifully read and written. Some major plot differences between the book and the movie but it works much better. I really didn’t want it to end, will read again soon

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Great voice to listen too!

Was a pleasure to listen to too, enjoyed very much! Was sweeped along and enjoyed to the end. Thanks

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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For travellers, for readers, for listeners

I’ve read The Beach before, but this time chose to listen. Can I just say that Alfie Allen’s narration brought a whole new element to the story. His accents and characterisations were masterful, hitting so many different regions of the world. Really brought this book to life!

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

A great performance for a hooking story

I couldn’t stop listening to this book. The way Alfie changes voices for all the different characters and their accents elevates it to another level. A lengthy story that manages to keeps you interested throughout!

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Enthralling story with great narration

A fantastic book from Alex Garland, and I thought Alfie Allen's performance was excellent. Definitely recommended.

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