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Titus Groan

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Titus Groan

By: Mervyn Peake
Narrated by: Saul Reichlin
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About this listen

Brought to you by Penguin.


Welcome to the world of Gormenghast, the classic fantasy series from the imagination of Mervyn Peake

As the first novel opens, Titus, heir to Lord Sepulchrave, has just been born: he stands to inherit the miles of rambling stone and mortar that stand for Gormenghast Castle. Inside, all events are predetermined by a complex ritual, lost in history, understood only by Sourdust, Lord of the Library. There are tears and strange laughter; fierce births and deaths beneath umbrageous ceilings; dreams and violence and disenchantment contained within a labyrinth of stone.

'A gorgeous volcanic eruption... A work of extraordinary imagination' New Yorker


©1968 The Estate of Mervyn Peake (P)2014 Random House Audiobooks

 Classics Dark Fantasy Epic Fantasy Historical World Literature

Critic Reviews

Mr Peake's first novel holds one with its glittering eye - It has a genuine plot in the strictest sense, and it persuades you to read on simply in order to know what will happen - its gallery of characters is wonderful
A gorgeous volcanic eruption... A work of extraordinary imagination
The Gormenghast Trilogy is one of the most important works of the imagination to come out of [this] age (Anthony Burgess)
All stars
Most relevant
I don't know how to rate this because Gormenghast is doing something completely different to most books. This was such a strange and unique reading experience. I can see why it's been influential to a certain set of writers, the descriptive prose and character work are excellent, kind of Dickensian. Honestly this played like a Tim Burton stop motion animation in my head.

what a weird slow ride

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I listened in awe at times to the characterisation in this performance by Saul Reichlin. Even the slow portions were enlivened. And the battle between Mr Flay and that wretch Abiatha Swelter. Dr Prune a creation brought to life.

I had remember so little, but loved the poetry of this creation and Peake's masterful insights into the mental life of his creations inner worlds'. It wasn't nostalgia but reawakening of the pleasure of fiction, real literature.

Such a gothic trip!

Revisited after 50years

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This narrator is so good I found listening to this even more enjoyable than reading the book. He made it so funny, and brought each character to life with a unique voice that fit perfectly. I kept falling into a trance listening to it - in a good way. Yes, it's slow, but that's part of its charm. Relax, and let the words paint images in your mind, layer upon layer until it's as thick as plasticine!

Amazing Character Voices

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Brilliant performance of an underrated classic. Peake ought to be mentioned in the same breath as Tolkien and Carroll.

Fantastic

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Mervyn Peake isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, but this story is marvelously told by Saul Reichlin who’s characterizations are a treat and match Peake’s wit very well. This story is well worth the investment of your time.

Excellent

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