A middling novel

In all ways this book takes a middle course and, as a necessary consequence, is neither especially good or distinctly bad.

Set in middle England, its account of life in one of the shires spans the period from the mid-50s to Thatcher’s 80s. With conflict in one family following the death of a high profile C-of-E cleric at its centre, it jogs along in a companionable way without hitting any great heights.

An unexceptional but moderately intelligent train journey option.

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a nice easy listen

story jumped once or twice but overall an easy listen, a nice change from the vile

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Good story

I enjoyed this book but it was a bit drawn out. I found myself getting a lost in parts and my concentration waned on occasions due to so many different characters, We were kept guessing right to the end regarding the outcome of the will but it did leave me a bit confused as to where the rector's money actually went,

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Wonderful

Delightful story beautifully narrated. One of those wonderful discoveries that I know I will return to again and again

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2 people found this helpful

Brilliant

Absolutely loved the telling of this gentle, sweetly funny, well- told story. Will be looking for more of the same.......

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intelligent captivating humane

After some lazy years of unchallenging crime thrillers and general pap, I returned to John Mortimer (and others of that vintage) and realised what an absolute joy and treasure his writing is. So satisfying and absorbing - wonderful 'un-dumbed-down' language and references which are such a refreshing change from cliche and formulaic prose engendered by 'writing' courses and undoubted pressure from publishers to be thoroughly bland even though sprinkled with sensationalism.
Loved this and will listen again many times - thank you too for the inestimable talents of Paul Shelley as a truly great narrator.

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6 people found this helpful

Excellent

I loved this book and felt I was on the sidelines listening and learning all about the family who were in a way sharing my family’s experiences. My many thanks to both the author and the excellent narrator Paul Shelley.

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Enjoyable

Well-written with empathy and compassion - and enough of a mystery to keep the reader guessing.

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5 people found this helpful

Amazing narration !

The quality of Paradise postponed, I never doubted,John Mortimer’s wit and dexterity with the english language, pure joy, so much so I did not expect more ... but... the exquisite narration of PAUL SHELLEY is
Quite beyond my praise, his ability to separate narrator and character, his exceptional singing voice, so natural and sweet, ( a brief but unexpected pleasure )altogether a wonderful performance , dare I say, it actually improved my experience of this book, I shall now seek out
More of his narrations.

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4 people found this helpful

Masterly.

A long but enthralling listen. Very interesting to see how the characters, with all their flaws, develop in their less than perfect world, and to follow the consequences of their decisions. Paul Shelley takes the listener into their world without dominating the text with his own over dramatic emphases as do some narrators. Even his outbursts of song are a joy to listen to and perfectly credible.

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