Excellent book. Foreign language quotations in reading a problem.

Really great biography, however, there are several passages in languages other than English which are not translated. Obviously a problem if you are not fluent in French, Latin, German and Italian. With respect to the reader, who does a good job, his pronunciation of French is not great so even if you do speak those languages you might not understand. Doesn’t spoil overall enjoyment of the book though.

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2 people found this helpful

Brilliant Biography, slightly odd reading.

What was one of the most memorable moments of James Joyce?

Joyce meeting Proust and both complaining about their health.

What do you think the narrator could have done better?

He has no legato, so he .......puts in .....strange........pauses. Some strangled French and Italian to boot.

Any additional comments?

Despite the slightly odd reading (which is perfectly acceptable) this remains a truly remarkable biography. Every page is fascinating and the advantage over Gordon Bowker's fine effort (also recommended) is the analysis of the works and the sheer breadth of the research and scholarship. A monumental achievement.

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2 people found this helpful

This was such a great book excellent

I loved this book beautifully told I feel sad now I've finished it Wonderful Amazing

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Mesmerising book, partially adequate reading

The book being a true page turner (well, assuming you are interested in Joyce work and life) the listening would have been a great joy too, were it only not for the utterly inadequate renderings of the numerous quotations in French, German and Italian. This fatal stab on Joyce key languages of expression is only partially compensated by the very sonorous and melodic voice with what seems a mild Irish accent that is very fitting for Joyce's quotations in English

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Ellman breaths life into JJ

great to know more about She the penman. A true genius and life brilliantly told and narrated.

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Excellent

Great book and perfect narration. Very long but did not seem so. Engaging throughout.

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very strange performance

This is the best biography of Joyce by a country mile. Amazingly researched and beautifully written. However, the performance by the actor John Keating is utterly bizarre. He has an odd stuttering style, which pauses at inexplicable moments. Every paragraph is read in the same way. His voice starts off high and then drops in tone every time, with little pauses between the words. It is excruciating to listen to and I barely got through the book because of the way it is read. You will know from the audio sample if it is for you. But I still enjoyed it despite the best efforts of the actor.

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