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Nutshell

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Nutshell

By: Ian McEwan
Narrated by: Rory Kinnear
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About this listen

Nutshell is a classic story of murder and deceit, told by a narrator with a perspective and voice unlike any in recent literature. A bravura performance, it is the finest recent work from a true master.

To be bound in a nutshell, see the world in two inches of ivory, in a grain of sand. Why not, when all of literature, all of art, of human endeavour, is just a speck in the universe of possible things?

©2016 Ian McEwan (P)2016 Random House Audiobooks Family Life Genre Fiction Literary Fiction Psychological Fiction Witty Funny
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Nothing like what I was expecting but a real delight. Masterly written and read. Highly recommended.

Thoroughly enjoyable

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Thoroughly enjoyed following this story as it unraveled, from an entirely different perspective - fantastic

Great perspective

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A master author at work , such eloquence and wit. Unique perspective on the effects of alcohol on the unborn

Totally enthralling and witty

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Really enjoyed the writer - fantastically eloquently and densely put prose about many aspects of life with a light storyline and a twist to boot. Philosophical snippets as a story. Very enjoyable.

Ian mcewan is a revelation

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I resisted this title for ages, not initially attracted by the prospect of foetus as narrator -- but what a masterpiece it is!

Cleverly constructed and beautifully written -- all the more enjoyable for being read by Rory Kinnear.

Brilliant!

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This book was very cleverly written and wonderfully read with nuanced dry Brit humour throughout. Recommended.

Witty from the womb

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The story's narrator is an unborn baby... I initially wondered how this would work - but it's engaging and generally excellent. There are brilliant flashes of humour, even though it's against a backdrop of a quietly unfolding thriller. Ian McEwen is at his finest.

Excellent story from an unusual perspective!

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Ian McEwan back at his very best. Couldn't put it down. Very quirky and no idea which way it was going to go. Also got the ending right which hasn't always been the case. Also enjoyed the performance all round. Have already recommended this book, even though just finished.

Very enjoyable Ian McEwan

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Would you say that listening to this book was time well-spent? Why or why not?

I listened to the audiobook version of this book. The narrator was the only reason I 'read' the whole book. A cast of unlikeable and un-relatable characters. The fetus has the persona of a pretentious middle-aged professor who's intellect is unbelievable considering the likelihood of fetal alcohol syndrome. As a midwife I couldn't help but squirm at the birth scene (a caul cannot be shrugged off) - women's first labours generally take hours not minutes. Interesting concept though... I guess.

What does Rory Kinnear bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you had only read the book?

Rory is a fantastic narrator and saved the story

Could you see Nutshell being made into a movie or a TV series? Who would the stars be?

I hope not

In a nutshell...

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If I could give this book 6/5 stars, I would. One of the best books I've ever read (or rather, heard). I have had to stop myself from going back for a 4th listen. One of those books you grieve for when it's finished. There is so much in it--every sentence is so elegant, rich, beautifully crafted and full of meaning. And the narrator (Rory Kinnear) is marvellous.

A masterpiece -- brilliant, witty, profound and moving.

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