Alan Murdie

Advantages: the depth of the character, believable and each unique
Disadvantages: None i can think of

...Although the characters are finctional,grounded no doubt on Alan's past experience and chance meetings,They are colourful, bright and full of life. Each of the monologues are unique to the next, Bennett creates a world of his own allowing the reader to see through the eyes of his characters and gain an insight into their, more often than not, tragic lives. The alcoholic Vicar's wife, the lady with the dead husband, financially ruined yet continues, All the characters have tragedies, whether this is intentional on Alan Bennett's part or sheer coincedence, when you read this book, the colouful language, the minute discription, attention to detail.allows this book to touch your heart, allows you to identify with the characters and to become inveloped in the world that Alan Bennett created. A marvellous piece of literature... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: discriptive,tragic, humourous and charming
Disadvantages: none

...One of the most disturbuing parts of Alan Bennetts life is read aloud by him. When assaulted in Italy,Alan, then realises how many of his birthdays have been spend either ill or in hospital. He relects on the tragedy of his life in a way that is totally unsurpassed and unique to him. Bennetts, way with words, his unique sense of humour and ability to turn darkness to light , makes this a fantastic audio book. Allows the listener a privilaged insight into his private life, his thoughts and his feelings. This is a wonderful story, you feel honoured to be allowed to know so much about his life, and read from his own lips, makes his story all the more poignant. This is part 4 own his diaries and can be heard alone, but having heard and read all of his diary collection, it is a fitting sequel and would be well purchased alongside... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: Equus is brilliant- youll want more...
Disadvantages: Youll never look at yourself in the same way again

...Equus - Peter Shaffer Teenager Alan Strang foghut over by a religious mother and an atheist father, finally finds himself release in horses. Then something drives him to bling them with a spike. Why? While treating the boy psyciatrist Dysart discovers his own life is paradoxically under his watchful eye and this savage but passionate play tries to pinpoint the modern human spiritual quest - and does it with amazing style and fluidity. This penetrating and profound insight into the human mind and the way in which we, as a race, are influenced by all that is around us, elucidates to us that we clearly are weaker than what we think we are. The play centres around two main charecters, Alan Strang and Martin Dysart. Dr Dysart dominates the play by his very presence throughout and by the control of his narration and over his patient Alan. He... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful