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A Fraction of the Whole

By: Steve Toltz
Narrated by: Colin McPhillamy, Craig Baldwin
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Summary

Martin Dean spent his entire life analyzing absolutely everything - from the benefits of suicide to the virtues of strip clubs - and passing on his self-taught knowledge to his son, Jasper. But now that his father's dead, Jasper can fully reflect on the man who raised him in intellectual captivity, and the irony is this: theirs was a great adventure.

From his prison cell, Jasper Dean tells the unlikely story of his scheming father Martin, his crazy Uncle Terry and how the three of them upset - mostly unintentionally - an entire continent. Incorporating death, parenting (good and bad kinds), one labyrinth, first love, a handbook for criminals, a scheme to make everyone rich and an explosive suggestion box, Steve Toltz's A Fraction of the Whole is a hilarious, heartbreaking story of families and how to survive them.

©2008 Steve Holtz (P)2008 Recorded Books LLC
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What listeners say about A Fraction of the Whole

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A great great book

Some of the passages in AFotW are searingly good and in fact as good as anything you’ll ever read/hear. Funny and poignant as hell, Steve, I salute you. You’re in my top 10 people dead or alive that I’d like to have a beer with.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Truly Original

This is the most original story I have listened to in years. It is packed with enough ideas and concepts to fill half a dozen books,. which is possibly it's only weakness. It is long and as the tale twists through time lines and narrators occasionally I was just thinking, get on with it. But it is worth it. Laugh out loud moments and philosophical comments on modern times attack you from all angles. So much so that I have bought a hard copy.
Not for the faint of heart. But if you are willing to put in the effort you will be rewarded.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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An instant favourite

This novel is an absolute masterpiece. Filled with witticisms and everyday philosophy it challenges the reader to serious reflection on thing of all sizes and depths while navigating the odd, tormented and fantastic lives of the Deans. Enticing and rewarding, makes you yearn for more, even after its already rather lengthy 24hours or audio.

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1 person found this helpful

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The great Australian novel, a treasure-trove

I’ve read/heard this three times now. It’s gonna become my bible at this rate.

Profound, funny as f, poignant, wry.

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Highly recommended

I never write reviews but I have to say it was such a pleasure listening to this book - twists and turns and an adventure that keeps on going - thoroughly enjoyed. I went between reading and listening and the only annoying thing is the book has no chapter numbers so it’s harder to do this here.

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what a story

excellent story telling. characters are intriguing. enjoyed the string of pieces also the narrative changes

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Wow - what an adventure

An incredible story full of mad ideas, crazy characters and outrageous adventures. Bursting with laughs too.

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The best book I've had the pleasure of exploring

it is impossible to sum up this book in a review but if you take on this incredible journey, you will not be disappointed. I have read 100s of books and I can comfortably say this has made me think the most.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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really enjoyed it

really good listen... did go on a bit too long but cant really complain as its a lovely listen.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

Best book I've listened to by far

If you're a man, this book will teach you about yourself. If you're a woman, this book will teach you about men.

It's about the relationship between a father and a son. It's about the relationship between a brother and a brother. It's about love, it's about disappointment and it's about a dysfunctional family that will make anyone else's seem normal by comparison. And it's about life.

This is a must listen.

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3 people found this helpful