How It All Began

By: Penelope Lively

Narrated by: Katherine Kellgren

Length: 7 hrs and 38 mins

Publisher's summary

A vibrant new novel from Penelope Lively - a wry, wise story about the surprising ways lives intersect.

When Charlotte Rainsford, a retired schoolteacher, is accosted by a petty thief on a London street, the consequences ripple across the lives of acquaintances and strangers alike. A marriage unravels after an illicit love affair is revealed through an errant cell phone message; a posh yet financially strapped interior designer meets a business partner who might prove too good to be true; an old-guard historian tries to recapture his youthful vigor with an ill-conceived idea for a TV miniseries; and a middle-aged central European immigrant learns to speak English and reinvents his life with the assistance of some new friends.

Through a richly conceived and colorful cast of characters, Penelope Lively explores the powerful role of chance in people's lives and deftly illustrates how our paths can be altered irrevocably by someone we will never even meet. Brought to life in her hallmark graceful prose and full of keen insights into human nature, How It All Began is an engaging, contemporary tale that is sure to strike a chord with her legion of loyal fans as well as new readers. A writer of rare wisdom, elegance, and humor, Lively is a consummate storyteller whose gifts are on full display in this masterful work.

©2012 Penelope Lively (P)2011 Audible, Inc.

Critic reviews

“Katherine Kellgren is an agile, appealing narrator who navigates the many characters with ease. Whether voicing a native Londoner or an English-language learner from the Continent, Kellgren exudes effusive and consistent energy…This is a well-paced, fun recording of an entertaining novel.” ( AudioFile)

Lovely Interconnected Stories

A humorous, well paced story that flows along well as we see how the characters' lives are changed by the mugging of Charlotte. In some ways, this reminds me a bit of Wodehouse in structure; some of the characters are funny at times, but also very human. A very entertaining read and although I found the narrator's voice harsh at first, I came to really enjoy and appreciate her reading after awhile. I especially like her voicing of Anton. Lively is one of my favorite authors and this is definitely one of her best books.

Delightful listen!

Any additional comments?

Funny, sweet, excellent performance by Katherine Kellgren. Overall very enjoyable, relaxing and absorbing. Loved multiple story lines. Highly recommended.

A wonderful cast of characters

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes. The storyline and charcaters are complex yet familiar

Have you listened to any of Katherine Kellgren’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

Not heard Katherine Kellgren before, but she gives life to the multiple characters.

Clever and charming, never boring!

This book is based on the premise that a chance accident or other blow from the Universe (in this case, a mugging) has ripples that flow outward from the incident in an every-widening circle. It's an interesting idea, well presented in the form of a story with a wide cast of characters. I enjoyed the deft way this accomplished British author wove the overlapping stories into this narrative. ENJOY!

Very British, very amsuing

What an interesting way to tell stories which all took place mostly by happenstance. I think Lively could become a favorite for me, especially with the same Katherine Kellgren as narrator. She did an excellent job of delineating the various characters voices. If you enjoy quirky British characters and humor, you'll enjoy this.

Perfectly lovely book

First the narrator, while taking a bit to get use to, was absolutely fantastic. She nailed the characters, the pace was spot on, and she was able to keep you in step with the emotionally changes in the book. The story itself was surprisingly unexpected. Great story, I began to love the people involved and hope it came out all right for everyone. Highly recommend this gem of a story.

didn't finish because I couldn't stand the reader

I think I will read the book. I loved the story, wanted to finish it, but just could not take the reader. Every line sounded like a newscast or an announcement

highly recommended!

Any additional comments?

This was full of both humor and insight. Wonderful characters, great plot, great fun. The book is rathah British in its outlook but still quite relevant for American listeners and readers. Katherine Kellgren does a fabulous job with all the character voices.

Light British fare

Light and easy reading, a thoughtful book about intersecting lives in London, with a bit of romance, a bit of humor, and some likable characters.

Warning: the narrator is a bit loud and shrill.

charming tale

If you could sum up How It All Began in three words, what would they be?

Stories occur because of seemingly random events that change people's lives. The characters were interesting, likable, recognizable.

What other book might you compare How It All Began to and why?

Can't think of one.

Which scene was your favorite?

I like the story of the daughter, her relationship with her husband and the man she tutored in English.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No.