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The Restoration of Otto Laird
- Narrated by: Sean Barrett
- Length: 9 hrs and 36 mins
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Publisher's summary
Otto Laird is outraged . . .The peaceful, if slightly bemused, existence of this elderly, retired architect is rudely interrupted when he learns that his most significant and revolutionary building, Marlowe House, a 1960s tower block council estate in south London is to be demolished.
Determined to do everything in his power to save the building, Otto returns to London for the first time in 25 years. As he explores his past, ponders his present and considers the future - for himself and his building - Otto embarks on a most remarkable journey, one that will change everything he ever thought he knew about himself and those closest to him.
Funny, moving and heart-warming, this is a novel featuring one of the most endearing protagonists you will ever meet, whose story will stay with you long after you hear the final page.
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- Paula
- 01-09-15
Wonderful Melancholy, 20th Century History, More
Otto Laird is a retired architect with many achievements and just as many regrets in his life. This story is of him, about him, told by him which allows the listener to witness significant events and people in his life just as he did.
If you liked "A Man Called Ove," or other well-told stories about older men finding meaning in their life's work, you will like this one too. The story presents much melancholy, a touch of 20th century world history, and most importantly, vignettes of relationships broken and healed.
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- sara
- 03-16-15
An architect's novel
Effortlessly incorporates the psychology behind British postwar modernism into a very simple human tale- never come across that before.
Preferred the first half as it had a more architectural and historical narrative but the ending is in no way disappointing.
Enjoy Sean Barratt's narration although I had occasional (unpleasant) flashbacks to The Prague Cemetery.
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