Old Filth

This beautifully written, elliptically told story is matched by a narrator of great skill and discretion -- rather like Filth himself, a lawyer who became rich by disappearing into his work, whose colleagues, finding him unknowable, assume there's nothing to know. There is, it turns out, a lot to know about Edward Feathers, all of it dramatic, human-scaled and utterly satisfying. Gardam tells his story with delicacy, wit and empathy for both Filth and the reader. (Filth experiences a torturous childhood, a topic I personally find almost unendurable in a book. Gardam covers it intelligently, without sensation or prurience). Especially wonderful are the secondary characters, drawn with almost Dickensian verve and particularity. ALL the characters are surprising and sharply drawn.

I had put this one off as everywhere I turned folks raved about the book. Finally, I decided to see for myself what all the hype was about. I was a truly cynical listener as the story started; now I want to rave about it, too! The characters, setting, plotting ... it all works beautifully. Terrific narration made the experience even better.

I appreciate the reviews that others have given this, and I believe Graeme Malcom did a great job narrating. I understand the notion of spare but elegant and deep writing, the interplay between past and present, and the propriety of convention in masking drama of the past. But, I kept having to repeat sections to get their sense and to catch the drama...and while it was usually there, it seemed to be of a lower interest voltage than I was hoping for - certainly some intriguing elements, but overall, I could not find Old Filth to be especially more sympathetic than I would find anyone who lived a complex life. I stopped listening about two hours before the end. But I know that others, almost certainly of more astute sensibilities than I possess, have reason to enjoy this read/listen. It just did not work so well for me.

Old Filth has been reviewed by writers more accomplished than I, but I have to say that the book touched me deeply. There are few modern novelists who are capable of laying a sympathetic foundation for revelations characters make in later life. I appreciated the patient way Jane Gardam lays out this story of resilience in Edward Feathers, the protagonist, and in minor characters, too. Although I am a modern-ish woman, I could identify with the abandonment experienced by Eddie Feathers (as a Raj child) and the confused understandings associated with his own needs for love. The fact that the character explores the impact that abandonment has had on his life and then works in very late life to reconnect with others is an important lesson. We are never too old to reflect on our past and then work to repair our errors. Any of us who have made a childhood pact can understand the burden the demand for secrecy can have, especially if one feels honor bound to uphold the pact throughout a life time. What amazed me is that betrayal Edward Feathers experienced did not keep him from caring for others or staying true to those who helped him. This is a wonderful character study, rich with description and with just enough plot to hold the listener's interest. The reading is wonderful, as well -- not overly done.

I just finished this-- listened 2 times which is unusual for me but I needed to listen a second time for some of the nuances I missed first time around. This is the story of a distinguished lawyer and judge told back and forth thru time. Old Filth--'failed in London, try Hong Kong', is a Raj Orphan. Dark but in a dry, British, 'stiff upper lip' sort of way. The narrator is perfect for the job. This book would be a great book club selection-- lots to discuss. I just downloaded 'The Man in the Wooden Hat' which is his wife's story.

I loved this story and narration. Why haven't I read all of this author's books? I will now - I promise. Wonderful characters, settings, descriptions....all of it! I'd even listen again, which is very very rare for me.

The narrator had just the right tone and inflection for this rather tongue-in-cheek yet poignant story...even has a surprise at the end! Highly recommend.

Graeme Malcom narrates beautifully. Thoroughly enjoyable novel and I highly recommend to follow up with “The Man in the Wooden Hat”.
My only negative comment about Audible books is that you cannot read along as the narrator speaks.

I loved this book. The plight of children being send away time and time again is heartbreaking and told in such a voice of normalcy that it makes one who is not English wonder just how far the English upper lip can stretch.
Filth is a pure example of a child sent away to fend for himself at 5 years of age, and his actions, because of this are true to form. His search for love and belonging is so well written that you can feel the dispare every time he fails. Definitely worth the read

This isn't an exciting book. It's the story of an old judge looking back on his life, and it isn't that fabulous a life. But the writing is lovely, and the character development strong and insightful. The narrator is terrific, portraying the judge in a thoughtful and considered voice. No big thriller moments, here, but the narrator and the prose make it worth listening to. I will certainly be reading the author's other books, and I will listen to any book narrated by Malcom!