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Men at Arms

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Men at Arms

By: Evelyn Waugh
Narrated by: Christian Rodska
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About this listen

Guy Crouchback, determined to get into the war, takes a commission in the Royal Corps of Halberdiers. His spirits high, he sees all the trimmings but none of the action. And his first campaign, an abortive affair on the West African coastline, ends with an escapade which seriously blots his Halberdier copybook.

Men at Arms is the first book in Waugh’s brilliant trilogy, Sword of Honour, which chronicles the fortunes of Guy Crouchback.

©1952 Evelyn Waugh (P)2015 Hachette Audio Classics Fiction Genre Fiction War & Military War

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All stars
Most relevant  
Why do I like novels by writers I wouldn’t have liked as people? Is it because I first read them in my teens 50 years ago? Christian Rodska reads the story very well, brings characters to new life in all their absurdity, and brings out the episodes of understated cruel humour. It must have been a challenge to utter some words that I have not heard for at least 40 years or used for over 50, as an ignorant child.

An old favourite well narrated

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The first time I heard the sword of honour trilogy it was a heavily pared down version as a classic serial on bbc radio. (When the classic serial meant they were going to broadcast classics, alas never to be repeated for some reason).
This prompted me to read the books.
Now I have it on audio, this is a tale that can be listened to over and over and always find something new, something you missed the last time.
Brilliant.

First of this classic trilogy

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Who am I to question the great Evelyn Waugh’s style, but I did struggle with some of the to-ing and fro-ing of the different characters and references to elsewhere within the book to make sense of the story.

Still, I’m hooked well enough to seek out the next instalment!

I certainly enjoyed the narrator’s characterisations which helped to keep at least some track of events.

It also helped remind me of how the British class system remains such a force then and now, along with the infiltration of religious allegiances which even crossed those boundaries.

Of its time, maybe, but does make one laugh, old chap!

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Perfect reading of a Classic humorous book. And there are two more of the trilogy to which one looks forward.
Simply the best!

Spiffin'!

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If you could sum up Men at Arms in three words, what would they be?

Class, loyalty, misunderstandings.

Have you listened to any of Christian Rodska’s other performances? How does this one compare?

No, but I remember him from radio & T.V. He sounded completely authentic with all the many & varied accents without losing any of the drama or meaning. Really impressive!

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No, I wanted to perpetuate it.

Any additional comments?

No.

Wonderful performance of a wonderful book

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Book 1 of 3. A real find and a pleasure from start to finish. Beautifully written with memorable characters. The narrator is superb

A pleasure

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Part of the Sword of Honour trilogy, based on some of Waugh's experiences during the Second World War. Superb storytelling with the cynical humour of an old soldier. I'm glad there's a happy ending for some.

Waugh at his best

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Excellently read and with clever use of accents to differentiate the characters in this classic tale of the English class system

A classic of war

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Came to this after some light relief after C J Sansom's 'Tombland'. Found the listen and the novel accessible and enjoyable. Much of the dialogue calls out for dramatisation. No help is offered on the various army ranks, but this is not significant. The reading performance by Christian Rodska is more than acceptable though I found his characterisation of Apthorpe without the presence the character so often tries to impress upon all and sundry. Many laugh-out-loud moments. Pleased to have listened/read the book and the two sequels are next to enjoy. (Note; The readings are from the separate novels not the revised single volume version 'Sword of Honour'.)

A Very Satisfying First of Three

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Obviously a story very much of its time and place - but Waugh is a brilliant writer and his observations are often too close to the truth for comfort! Fantastic performance by the reader, who seems to become a cast of actors.

Very good reader

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