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The Swimming Pool Library

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The Swimming Pool Library

By: Alan Hollinghurst
Narrated by: Samuel West
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About this listen

 This novel centres on the friendship of William Beckwith, a young gay aristocrat who leads a life of privilege and promiscuity, and the elderly Lord Nantwich, who is searching for someone to write his biography.©2006 Alan Hollinghurst (P)2014 Audible, Inc. Fiction Genre Fiction Historical Historical Fiction Literary Fiction Literature & Fiction Heartfelt

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Critic reviews

"West has a lot of fun with the waspishly clever dialogue, and, provided you ensure it's not overheard by listeners of delicate sensibilities, this is terrific to listen to." (Karen Robertson, The Sunday Times)
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Wonderful book, perfectly narrated. I was so grateful for it's length, not wanting to let go. Can't help but feel that AH's (stunningly written) graphic and lengthy descriptions of sexual encounters have to be self indulgence; if so, he richly deserves this pleasure. (I am a female heterosexual, just for the record) I only wish that Samuel West had narrated H's other novels - for me the two are forever joined.

A consummate talent

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Disappointing tale that is left in mid air as if Hollinghurst just lost interest.
The ending will leave you aghast and wondering why you bothered.

Possibly a little excessive with the sex which
doesn't really add much to the plot but this was early "free" queer literature.

Although rather tedious in parts an interesting set of interwoven plots and deeply human reflections leaves you to believe something truly exciting or shocking is going to happen. Unfortunately, in a typical art over substance style, he takes you up the garden path and leaves you there, mid story, high and dry.

The characters especially the protagonist aren't at all likeable and are quite typical of a London set of middle and upper class, virtuous, judgmental, saccharin and rather sad old Queens, still found lurking around today in the queer clubs and gyms.

Shame, it could have been so much better.

Beautiful writing . Pointless story unfinished

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This is a beautifully written book. Excellent descriptive passages and good characterisations. The story within a story works well. Sexuality is explicit and not for the easily offended. However the overall excellence is surely due to the masterly reading and performance by Sam West.

A great performance by Sam West

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A perfect experience. Samuel West's narration is very Hollinghurstian. I love this intriguing, gripping, moving book and this brilliant performance. The sex bits are genius and so are all the little jokes.

Exquisite

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Really enjoyed listening to this book. The characters are interesting and believable, especially Will who I think most people will be able to liken to a friend of their own. Think I have a good incite into what the gay scene was a few decades ago in middle class London. Felt a little cheated with a sudden ending, really wanted more. Other than that a really great 12 hours listening to this great story.

Funny and Warming

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I first read this I think around twenty years ago, so coming back to it; I’d forgotten quite a bit of it. A very clever story within a story, spanning generations of the lives of gay men, with love, sex and the criminalisation of homosexuality with quite clever plot twists. It’s no holds barred is quite refreshing; so much discourse of homosexuality sanitises by removing the sex; which is the cause of homophobia so rather pointless to my mind. I would recommend this and Hollinghurst in general.

Quite wonderful

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Loved it, very evocative of the time, some vestiges of which I experienced myself in the late 90's. Bravo

Delicious Language

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Interesting story, well written, often tender, always funny. Probably not recommended for non-gay listeners (but give it a go if you're at all curious). Colourful descriptions of sexual activity, all done in the best possible taste, of course. If you listen to it in public, make sure the volume of your player is low enough (or you will get some funny looks). Excitable listeners may wish to place a briefcase or jacket on their lap if listening to it on public transport.

Interesting story, often tender, always funny.

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A compelling and sexy novel which raises complex issues around clad, sexuality and race. Samuel West's narration is perfect and nothing short of stunning.

Still superb after 20 years

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Alan Hollinghurst used words like a craftsman: each is chosen for just the right purpose. I had to use my dictionary while listening several times! Although the story is quite spicy and racy (not for those easily shocked by graphic descriptions of gay sex) it is so well written that you are drawn along effortlessly, even when the scene being described is so brutal and devoid of human connection that it repels as much as it excites. Sam West narrates brilliantly: how he manages the different voices with such consistency is amazing and a testament to the skill of true actors. There are - perhaps - few characters with whom one totally sympathises or identifies (James, the doctor was the nearest I could manage). Nevertheless, there is a kind of appalling honesty about Hollinghurst's writing: he presents a version of gay/male sexuality in all it tawdry directness. Recommended.

Carefully crafted tale of a bygone era

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