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The Course of Love

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The Course of Love

By: Alain de Botton
Narrated by: Julian Rhind-Tutt
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About this listen

Penguin presents, the unabridged, downloadable audiobook edition of The Course of Love by Alain de Botton, read by Julian Rhind-Tutt.

Twenty years after his best-selling debut, Essays in Love, internationally acclaimed author Alain de Botton returns to fiction with a brilliant new novel about modern relationships.

What does it mean to live happily ever after?

At dinner parties and over coffee, Rabih and Kirsten's friends always ask them the same question: how did you meet? The answer comes easily - it's a happy story, one they both love to tell. But there is a second part to this story, the answer to a question their friends never ask: what happened next?

Rabih and Kirsten find each other, fall in love, get married. Society tells us this is the end of the story. In fact it is only the beginning. From the first thrill of lust to the joys and fears of real commitment to the deep problems that surface slowly over two shared lifetimes, this is the story of a marriage. It is the story of modern relationships and how to survive them.

Playful, wise and profoundly moving, The Course of Love is a delightful return to the novel by Alain de Botton, 20 years after his debut, Essays in Love.

©2016 Alain de Botton (P)2016 Penguin Audio Contemporary Contemporary Romance Dark Humour Fiction Genre Fiction Literary Fiction Literature & Fiction Romance Romantic Comedy Women's Fiction Comedy
All stars
Most relevant  
It may not be the only way to look at love, but it certainly is a valuable one. Very wise and quite ambitious in its scope, not to mention enjoyable, witty, elegantly expressed and not without some genuine suspense.

Modern love primer

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I can't say enough how great this book is, as it provides a through mature look at what's in our hearts. Love.

A must for the study of love

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the story was great and had little bits of insight along the way that didn't take away from the beauty of what was being read to you.

LOVED IT,

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Easy to listen and follow. Narrator did a good job across all characters.
I was curious to hear this book after listening to an interview with the author where his concept and perception/philosophy of how moments and our actions in our relationships will change, distort or potentially blow up love/relationships
There are lots; male or female, will be able to take away from this book cleverly disguised as a fictional story were you can’t help but like and relate to the main characters daily grind with work/love/kids/marriage.

Easy to listen

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Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Thought provoking and echoes real life. Well put together and overall a good experience. I felt a sense of hopelessness at the end, but maybe that's just me.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Course of Love?

Rabih's spiral after Kirsten mentions she has lunch with another man.

What about Julian Rhind-Tutt’s performance did you like?

Well-rounded.

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

Yes, absolutely.

Any additional comments?

Overall a great listen, definitely recommend anyone in a long term relationship or looking to settle down.

After listening to this I was upset for two days

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Can't get enough of Alain and his teachings. Would love if he narrated this story but Julian still does a good job. A lot happens in this story and the commentary around all of the events is genius; explaining the background of why each person in the couple feels the way they do. Highly recommend!

Genius

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This book is essential wisdom for life and love.

The compelling performance makes it even more memorable.

Just recalling some insight: According to the author, our choice of whom we marry (and whether marry) is not truly a choice to maximise happiness (by finding the perfect compliment) but rather a choice of which kind of suffering and imperfection we will have to endure (but which may ultimately enrich our life story) ... to whom we will love and not simply be loved ...

Best book I've read in years

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Great insight and stoic angle on love. Must read for all married couples and anyone looking for love

Another perspective shifter from Alain

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Absolutely amazing. Cannot recommend more! Has really opened my eyes to what a true marriage really consists of. Will help a lot of people to feel much better when chasing the ideal of perfection.

A must read for everyone

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Part novel, Part self help book | This title taught me alot about relationships & myself

A Delight

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