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bibliocesca's review against another edition
4.0
Probably more of a 4.5 because it was just slightly repetitive at times but nonetheless fantastic and thoroughly enjoyable. Very clever and very touching and often humorous, and even the similarities which were slightly disappointing sometimes were in fact a nice thing which connected some of the characters despite their different lives, personalities and circumstances. I suppose that was the point, to bring about some kind of sense of unity among humans as a whole.
Anyway, shh, Francesca, let's leave the analysing until the lessons.
Anyway, shh, Francesca, let's leave the analysing until the lessons.
norabui's review against another edition
challenging
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
charlieb's review against another edition
4.0
A bit depressing at times but also very funny, in an incredibly dark kind of way.
So very darkly humorous. These short stories were originally written as monologues for the BBC. I had them as an audiobook where they were adapted for radio. With some fabulous actors, the likes of Julie Walters, Thora Herd and Bennett himself bringing life to the words. Overall I found them a little depressing especially when you listen to more than one at a sitting.
So very darkly humorous. These short stories were originally written as monologues for the BBC. I had them as an audiobook where they were adapted for radio. With some fabulous actors, the likes of Julie Walters, Thora Herd and Bennett himself bringing life to the words. Overall I found them a little depressing especially when you listen to more than one at a sitting.
thecrayonmuncher's review
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
informative
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
melissa_jane's review
5.0
I first read Talking Heads as part of A Level English Lit. I still love Alan Bennett, and I still love these monologues. They're clever, and sad, and funny all at once.
lnatal's review
3.0
From BBC radio 4:
Alan Bennett's much-loved collection of monologues, giving us a glimpse in to the lives of six ordinary British people.
1 - Talking about Talking Heads
2 - A Chip in the Sugar read by Alan Bennett
Life for Graham and his elderly mother has settled into a comfortable pattern when a face from the past appears to threaten his peace of mind.
3 - A Lady of Letters read by Patricia Routledge
Irene thinks 'corresponding' is every citizen's right in a free society, but she gets her first taste of real freedom in the most unlikely place.
4 - Bed Among the Lentils read by Anna Massey
Susan doesn't feel she has any of the talents needed to be a vicar's wife and finds herself seeking comfort elsewhere.
5 - Her Big Chance read by Julie Walters
Lesley is an actress who works hard at her craft but needs a career leg-up. Will a chance encounter at a party provide just that?
6 - Soldiering On read by Stephanie Cole
Muriel is determined not to let her recent widowhood get her down, but the fallout is far more serious than she could ever have expected.
7 - A Cream Cracker Under the Settee read by Thora Hird
Doris has fallen off the buffet and, while sitting in the dark waiting for help, she looks back on a life dedicated to fighting dirt.
https://archive.org/details/TalkingHeadsByAlanBennett/0+-+Talking+About+Talking+Heads.mp3
Alan Bennett's much-loved collection of monologues, giving us a glimpse in to the lives of six ordinary British people.
1 - Talking about Talking Heads
2 - A Chip in the Sugar read by Alan Bennett
Life for Graham and his elderly mother has settled into a comfortable pattern when a face from the past appears to threaten his peace of mind.
3 - A Lady of Letters read by Patricia Routledge
Irene thinks 'corresponding' is every citizen's right in a free society, but she gets her first taste of real freedom in the most unlikely place.
4 - Bed Among the Lentils read by Anna Massey
Susan doesn't feel she has any of the talents needed to be a vicar's wife and finds herself seeking comfort elsewhere.
5 - Her Big Chance read by Julie Walters
Lesley is an actress who works hard at her craft but needs a career leg-up. Will a chance encounter at a party provide just that?
6 - Soldiering On read by Stephanie Cole
Muriel is determined not to let her recent widowhood get her down, but the fallout is far more serious than she could ever have expected.
7 - A Cream Cracker Under the Settee read by Thora Hird
Doris has fallen off the buffet and, while sitting in the dark waiting for help, she looks back on a life dedicated to fighting dirt.
https://archive.org/details/TalkingHeadsByAlanBennett/0+-+Talking+About+Talking+Heads.mp3
charlieb's review against another edition
4.0
A bit depressing at times but also very funny, in an incredibly dark kind of way.
So very darkly humorous. These short stories were originally written as monologues for the BBC. I had them as an audiobook where they were adapted for radio. With some fabulous actors, the likes of Julie Walters, Thora Herd and Bennett himself bringing life to the words. Overall I found them a little depressing especially when you listen to more than one at a sitting.
So very darkly humorous. These short stories were originally written as monologues for the BBC. I had them as an audiobook where they were adapted for radio. With some fabulous actors, the likes of Julie Walters, Thora Herd and Bennett himself bringing life to the words. Overall I found them a little depressing especially when you listen to more than one at a sitting.
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