Seriously underrated writer!

Dirk writes beautifully and his delivery is faultless. His beautiful "cut glass" English accent and the warm tones of his fluent French are a joy to hear. The book focusses upon his 20 plus years living an idyllic life in the south of France, his disdain for fame and its trappings and the touching illness and eventual death of his long term companion. I found the book to be transporting, funny and very moving. My only slight criticism is the way the book tends to jump about a bit, but I enjoyed every second of it and I wasn't ready for it the book to end.

16 people found this helpful

Sweetly Nostalgic

This is the last of (I think) seven volumes of autobiography, written by the late Dirk Bogarde and this edition, narrated by the author, is a sweetly nostalgic account of his years in Provence at Le Pigonnier, where he lived with his partner (or euphemistically named 'manager') Tony Forewood, before illness and infirmity forced their return to England.
Bogarde's presence as an actor was always commanding and his beautiful voice makes this a very enjoyable and satisfying listen. His writing is precise and atmospheric and the descriptions of the Provencal countryside and the characters who live there are delightful. The deep love he felt for 'Tote' is made delicately but deeply obvious and the account of the death of his partner from cancer is handled with great sensitivity. I was totally captivated by this book and will listen to it many times with pleasure. I'm only sorry that DB only seems to have made one recording, but I do recommend you read the other volumes in print. They chronicle an extraordinary life, a distinguished acting career and a gentler time with outstanding literary talent and astonishing artistry.

14 people found this helpful

Superb

This is probably the best audio book that I have ever listened to. It is very funny in some parts, and incredibly sad in others, if you like Provence it is a must have. Bogarde takes the listener right into the hills behind Cannes, you can almost feel the heat! He paints a picture of the region that will stay with you forever. I won't spoil the experience by telling you more, but I strongly recommend it.

8 people found this helpful

Buy this book!

If you buy any of Dirk Bogarde's books, it has to be the one! Easily the best audio book I've listened to. So poignant. Sad, joyful,loving, occasionally funny and definitely moving. Written and read by the author so every subtle nuance is captured by the actors voice.His character studios are brilliant. He brings the hills and characters of Provence and the streets of london lovingly to life. Treat yourself.

6 people found this helpful

Sublime

I've read every book by Dirk Bogarde, and have a few of the original edited cassette tapes of him reading, but hearing this unedited version of arguably his best memoir is an absolute pleasure. Highly recommended

3 people found this helpful

Fabulous...

Charming and touching yet completely without schmaltz... an elegant, at times painful, struggle through middle age and beyond is elevated to magnificence through Mr Bogarde's beautiful writing and exceptional narration.

2 people found this helpful

The most enchanted story ❤️

Beautifully read by his mesmerising voice, a short walk from Harrods reveals the latter years of Dirk Bogarde and his positive attitude towards the ups and downs of life. Loved it.

Splendid

Beautifully spoken, A talented Man of many qualities sadly didn’t do ‘An Orderly Man’
You wouldn’t be reading this if you mm

Okay

Listened to this at night and I found his voice took a bit of getting use to. Found Dirk sometimes over described things but overall enjoyed it. Bought as a BOGOF

Wonderful.

This book contains some of the most evocative prose I have ever read.
I wept at the memories that it invoked.