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  • Titus Groan

  • The Gormenghast Trilogy, Book 1
  • By: Mervyn Peake
  • Narrated by: Rupert Degas
  • Length: 5 hrs and 8 mins
  • 4.1 out of 5 stars (17 ratings)

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Titus Groan cover art

Titus Groan

By: Mervyn Peake
Narrated by: Rupert Degas
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Editorial reviews

Enter the world of Gormenghast - a vast, meandering city reminiscent of London or Byzantium. New to U.S. audiences, Peake's trilogy, aired on BBC Television in 2000, created a cult following in the UK. Rupert Degas acts out all the parts of this gothic novel with extreme characterizations, based on the BBC show, contrasted with lengthy spates of narrative. On the day Titus, 77th Earl of Gormenghast, is born, a young upstart named Steerpike escapes his hereditary kitchen job to change his life and fortunes. Steerpike encounters many characters, who get bold treatment from narrator Degas. The thick accents and dialogue take some getting used to, especially in the early scenes. Nonetheless, Gormenghast fans will love Degas's performance.

Publisher's Summary

Deep in the labyrinthine corridors of Gormenghast Castle, a child is born. Titus, 77th Earl of Groan, is heir to arcane and all-embracing rituals that determine the activities of everyone from Lord Sepulchrave, his father, to the vast cook, Swelter, and the irrepressible Dr Prunesquallor. But not the steely and devious Steerpike, who will lie, cheat and even murder to get on.

One of the greatest feats of sustained imaginative writing, the world of Gormenghast Castle is brilliantly realised in this darkly fantastic novel. It's rich description and vivid characters make it one of the most enduringly popular works of the 20th century.

©1973 Mervyn Peake (P)2011 Naxos AudioBooks

What listeners say about Titus Groan

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    1 out of 5 stars

Why does anyone like this book?

After persevering based on others reviews, I kept hoping for a single character I cared about, but no. By the end I had no interest in continuing with the series. There are too many fantastic books out there!

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

Rupert Degas is God !

Rupert Degas voice characters are wonderful . I think I’ll have to listen again as in parts I found it hard to follow . As I am always looking for another ‘Name of the Wind’ that may be a harsh benchmark and review.
Well worth it !

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

Bit meh

Rupert Degas is superb and made the story more palatable. Story is just ok. Writing is just ok.

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

Gormenghast

Great reading performance by Rupert and I love the author's imaginative story. I could recommend.

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

Rupert Degas is amazing

Exceptional performance by Degas, to do so many voices so consistently and with such life!
This is the abridged version of the book, so it skips around the story a bit. Would have been a little clearer if there had been longer pauses between scenes, but otherwise a good composition.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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  • Mr
  • 29-04-2015

Excellent reader

Excellent story with an excellent reader who has provided a wide range of incredible character vocalisations. Dark but highly recommended.

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