Vintage Goddard: full of gripping twists and turns

I’ve listened to or read virtually all of Robert Goddard’s many books, including the present book at least 25 years ago listening on numerous cassette tapes (thank goodness for digital downloads!), but had forgotten the story and so could enjoy again this utterly gripping tale with many twist and turns as historian Martin Radford delves into the mystery of the fall from grace in 1910 of Edwin Straffort, a cabinet minister in Asquith’s government. A fall compounded by the inexplicable and sudden rejection by his fiancée. It’s a compelling story that I couldn’t stop listening to eager to find out what would happen next in this mix of historical fact mixed with imaginative fiction.

Goddard not only creates engrossing stories but also writes well and is very well-served in this recording by the Paul Shelley’s exemplary narration that brought characters alive with distinctive voices.

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4 people found this helpful

Magnificent

A wonderful tale. Written in the 1980’s but with a present day set in 1977, much of the story is set much earlier in the 20th century as we meet Edwin Strafford, an Edwardian politician by way of his memoirs written in his retirement. Why was he suddenly rejected by nearly everyone who loved and respected him? We follow History graduate Martin Radford’s efforts to find out as he also tries to emerge from a cloudy past. The twists and turns keep you hooked and the narrator is excellent. Without giving anything away, there is a lady in this story. At first a young lady, then a very old lady in the present day. I found her character to be magnificent. Read this story, or listen to it. Preferably do both. I hope everyone enjoys it as much as I did.

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2 people found this helpful

I could not stop listening!

I really could not stop listening to this book and found myself sat in the carpark running late for a meeting as I was so enthralled!
It has everything, believable characters, engrossing plot, detailed and life-like descriptions of scenery and surrounds, and fabulous narration - ear candy if there ever was such a thing!
I find myself at a loss now its come to an end - in mourning at the loss if a dear friend, I shall miss you Edwin Strafford sorely as much as if I'd known you....

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1 person found this helpful

Great yarn

Great story a little bit long winded but worth a
Listen would have been better shorter but still hard to put down

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hugely interesting and entertaining

keeps you guessing right to the end. I liked the narrator. a story that was very different to the norm. something that is difficult to find these days.

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Absorbing

I found this book so absorbing that I listened to most of it during a cool, wet day and wasn't disappointed. My one quibble (as I have mentioned in other reviews) is that Paul Shelley, while almost getting the Afrikaans South African accent, failed in the simple pronunciation of 'veld' as 'feld'.... Please note that when using Afrikaans words now commonly used in English, a 'v' is still pronounced as an 'f' and a 'w' as a 'v'. etc. Not difficult really!

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Spectacular !!!

More twist than spaghetti junction, a must for armchair detectives. I found myself constantly changing my mind as regard to motive, opportunity and fore guessing where the story would take me, needless to say that I was wrong on all counts. My first Goddard,and certainly not my last.

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2 people found this helpful

Even better the second time

Goddard at his very best. Multiple stories intertwined with subtlety. Read very well with excellent characterisation.

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1 person found this helpful

superb story telling gets better as it goes

you will never guess how this book ends. wonderful reading of a stunning tale thanks .

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Past Caring by Robert Goddard

Excellent in every way. Slightly slow building up the story, but once established held attention with many surprising developments. Politics, intrigue, deceit, betrayal and love lasting a lifetime woven together in the search for truth. Many twists along the way. Narration perfect for the story. Seemed to go quickly and was disappointed when it ended.
Thank you.

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