• Trustee from the Toolroom

  • By: Nevil Shute
  • Narrated by: Frank Muller
  • Length: 8 hrs and 31 mins
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars (2,097 ratings)

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Trustee from the Toolroom  By  cover art

Trustee from the Toolroom

By: Nevil Shute
Narrated by: Frank Muller
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Publisher's summary

Keith Stewart, a retiring and ingenious engineer, could not have been happier in his little house in the shabby London suburb of Ealing. There he invented the mini-motor, the six-volt generator, and the tiny Congreve clock. Then a chain of events sweeps him into deep waters and leads him to his happiest discovery yet.

©1960 Heather Felicity Norway and Union Trustee Company of Australia, Ltd. (P)1988 Recorded Books, LLC

What listeners say about Trustee from the Toolroom

Average customer ratings
Overall
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars
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    1,376
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Performance
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Story
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  • 3 Stars
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  • Overall
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Delightful Story - well told and well read

What made the experience of listening to Trustee from the Toolroom the most enjoyable?

Excellent narration of an excellent story, and characters you cared about.

What other book might you compare Trustee from the Toolroom to and why?

The Good Earth by Pearl S Buck. While Trustee is not as BIG a story as the Good Earth, the characters and a basically simple story that is so well written that it captivates the listener just as much as any action thriller.

What about Frank Muller’s performance did you like?

Everything. Easy to understand, each character voice was distinct and easy to follow.
His voice was very pleasant to listen to.

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

No, it wasn't a story you were in a hurry to get to the end of. The scenery along the way was too enjoyable.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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Gem of a story.

I thoroughIy enjoyed this story. I bought this book because it was on sale for $5 or $6 before a long business trip. One of the best books I read in 2108. Great way to finish the year as it is 12/31/18 today.

All of the characters are well developed and the story pulls you in immediately.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Interesting story in spite of itself

Author takes mundane people in situations that aren't unreasonable and makes them interesting. and involving.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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A Seemingly Simple Man

What a delight to read a story about an honorable man who takes on responsibility with kindness and perseverance. Frank Muller is an exceptional reader.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

The reluctant but duty-bound adventurer

I was engrossed in reading this story for the span of two days. I loved the characters, Keith Stewart and Donnelley in particular. The talk does go technical, and I can't say I fully understood all that was described. But, the idea that a humble yet hardworking man has an adventure, was what captivated me. My late engineer father was recalled to my mind so many times, in the reading of this story. I recommend it for anyone who is technical, or at least wants to know what geeks were like in the 50s!

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Unexpected Charmer

Having read On the Beach years ago, I was uncertain about this Shute novel. I wasn't in the mood for serious and depressing. Turns out that this is a highly engaging, sweet and satisfying novel about an improbable quest made believable. I had trouble putting this one down between listens! The performance really brought it to life, too.

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best book ever

What made the experience of listening to Trustee from the Toolroom the most enjoyable?

This is one of the best books ever written. It was out of print for years and is the only book I have ever read that I actually wrote the publishing company and asked if they wouldn't release it again. Happily that has now happened. I have been passing my used copy to family and friends for years and everyone I have given it to has loved it. The audio is wonderfully done. Thank You!

Who was your favorite character and why?

It is Keith of course.

Which character – as performed by Frank Muller – was your favorite?

Keith and Jack

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I couldn't quit listening and immediately wanted my family to hear it.

Any additional comments?

I recommend most of Nevil Shute's books. If you enjoy this try The Pied Piper and A Town Like Alice. Then you will probably want all the rest of his books.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Even the technical details were interesting

A great story of likeable people doing life the way that would make one proud.

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Delightful!

Story: 5 stars

This story was just a delight! Neville Shute truly knew how to weave a tale!

I can’t tell you how many times I broke into a spontaneous smile or erupted into a small laugh during the course of the story!

Narration: 5 stars

Excellent accents all around! I heard some subtle differences in American accents, a number of different British accents, and a Scottish accent. Mr. Mullet rather briskly and matter-of-factly read the narrative parts, but the spoken lines were read with feeling. I thought it was a good choice in how to handle the narrative! I would listen to this voice actor again and look forward to it!

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Gave me a great feeling to read

gradebook loved it. They upset that this review is optional but then he tells me that a review with at least 20 words is required. What gives?

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