Woodcutters

De: Thomas Bernhard, David McLintock - translator

Narrado por: Matthew Lloyd Davies

Fiercely observed, often hilarious, and "reminiscent of Ibsen and Strindberg" (The New York Times Book Review), this exquisitely controversial novel was initially banned in its author's homeland.

A searing portrayal of Vienna's bourgeoisie, it begins with the arrival of an unnamed writer at an 'artistic dinner' hosted by a composer and his society wife-a couple he once admired and has come to loathe. The guest of honor, a distinguished actor from the Burgtheater, is late. As the other guests wait impatiently, they are seen through the critical eye of the writer, who narrates a silent but frenzied tirade against these former friends, most of whom have been brought together by Joana, a woman they buried earlier that day. Reflections on Joana's life and suicide are mixed with these denunciations until the famous actor arrives, bringing an explosive end to the evening that even the writer could not have seen coming.

©1984 Thomas Bernhard (P)2024 Tantor

great voice.

I've always wanted an audio book.Of this author because of his long, streaming narrative style. Like Sebald or other modernists, the pitiless style lends itself to a performance. i hope more Bernhard and Musil and Sebald follow!

Literary fiction with a spectacular narrator

This first-person account of a literary dinner and all of the memories it evokes is brought masterfully to life by the narrator. Bernhard frequently uses repetitions to create a kind of subjective intensity and the narrator handles these (and everything else) in a compelling and natural manner.

Dense yet Wonderful Exploration of Art

what did I like?
I found the narrator to be very helpful And Slowly found the repetition To be Almost Mesmerizing, wonderful use of craft!

Prime Dishes

"If you're grumpy and you love it, read Bernhard!" Textual and vocal narrations exquisitely performed.