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The Go-Between cover art

The Go-Between

By: L. P. Hartley
Narrated by: Sean Barrett
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Summary

"The past is a foreign country: they do things differently there."

Haunting, moving, evocative, The Go-Between is L. P. Hartley's heartbreaking novel about social constraints and childhood innocence.

During the long, hot summer of 1900, young Leo Colston is invited to stay for a month at a lordly, aristocratic manor in Norfolk. There he falls in love with his friend's older sister, who commissions him to ferry secret messages to the local farmer, her lover. His naiveté sustains their affair until ultimately leading to an event that will change their lives irrevocably.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your Library section along with the audio.

©1953 L.P. Hartley (P)2016 Naxos AudioBooks

What listeners say about The Go-Between

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Superb evocative reading

Sean Barret's quiet understated delivery is perfect for the emotionally damaged Leo Colston and the supporting cast of characters

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5 people found this helpful

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A book to be enjoyed time and again.

An enthralling many-faceted story of a young boy caught up in a passionate, clandestine love-affair: the year is 1900. His unsuspecting role as a go-between is vital to the mismatched lovers, who would be social outcasts if discovered. But as he slowly becomes aware of what is really going on and tries to extricate himself, events spin out of control and there is an unexpectedly dramatic outcome for all concerned. The ending is upbeat and well managed.

This book made Hartley famous. Wonderfully well written and constructed, it deserves close listening - each word counts. Feelings and emotions on every level are discussed in such a way that the reader feels them too: this is a sensitive author whose story is compelling, and beautifully read by Sean Barrett in this recording.

The film with Julie Christie playing the lead, is distressingly shallow and unremarkable. The book deserves better: it is monumental.

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4 people found this helpful

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Stunning

Having vaguely heard of this book for many years, but confused about why a story about a boy passing letters could be so lauded, I took the plunge and started listened. Even from the opening chapter it is incredibly engaging - the old Leo looking back on 1900 the way we may look back on 1950. It's a tale of the end of innocence and entry into adulthood. A boy encountering his masculine potentials through Ted and Hugh. Adults using children for their own ends. The themes are powerful - class, magic vs fact, ability to determine our own fate. A brilliant listen, superbly narrated.

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3 people found this helpful

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surprisingly enjoyable

Not my usual choice but enjoyed it didn't see the ending coming. A few laugh out loud moments and enjoyed the charming way of the young Leo.

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1 person found this helpful

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childhood perceptions

the story was read with excellence and sympathy, the gulf between adults and children made clear.

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The quality of the reading, sensitive and capturing character brilliantly.

Disliked nothing. So redolent throughout of the Edwardian period in England. Altogether a highly polished and successful publication.

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Revisiting a Much Loved Tale

Scrolling through titles read by my favourite narrator was so pleased to find a favourite book (and film). This perfect pairing lived up to all my expectations. Following the delights and disappointments, seeing and feeling the awkwardness, the fondness, and the terrible misunderstandings as the tension ramps up. A brilliant book and a faultless rendition. What a joy.

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A Lovely Story

A lovely story, beautifully written and narrated. The characters so real. We were sorry it had to end.

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Lovely story, but sad

Well written and the performance was wonderful as always. Sean Barrett was the perfect choice.

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  • Overall
    2 out of 5 stars
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Dull story, no empathy for the characters

Dull, kept thinking something interesting was going to happen. Only surprising event event was sad and happened to the only nice character. Waste of 10 hours.

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