This Thing of Darkness cover art

This Thing of Darkness

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This Thing of Darkness

By: Harry Thompson
Narrated by: Colin Morgan
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About this listen

Colin Morgan narrates the action-packed and gripping novel of Charles Darwin's voyage on the Beagle - longlisted for the Man Booker Prize.

In 1831 Charles Darwin set off in HMS Beagle under the command of Captain Robert Fitzroy on a voyage that would change the world. This is the story of a deep friendship between two men and the twin obsessions that tear them apart, leading one to triumph and the other to disaster.

©2005 Harry Thompson (P)2005 Headline Publishing Group Ltd
Biographical Fiction Genre Fiction Sea Adventures Fiction Biography Adventure

Critic Reviews

"A master storyteller." (Sunday Times)

"An outstandingly good first novel. A[n]...action-adventure combined with subtle intellectual arguments. The meticulous research enriches this fascinating tale." (Sunday Telegraph)

All stars
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He has bought every word to life. Has brought the story to life. Harry Thompson’s use of imagery and command of storytelling is matched by the lyrical voice of Colin Morgan.

Lyrical characterisation of Colin Morgan is Superb

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I read this book and loved it. Listening to it again after a few years reminded me how great a book it is. The connectedness between fiction and non fiction is hard to distinguish but this didn't matter, I think the author is a genius and I'm so thankful for their work which has helped me explore this unknown figure from history who deserves far greater respect than afforded him.

I wonder what he would think of his life captured this way, or that we review his story?

Will always be a favourite

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In the spirit of reconciliation, Audible acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.