Fluke

By: James Herbert

Narrated by: Damian Lynch

Length: 6 hrs and 40 mins

Publisher's Summary

A likely tail. He was a stringy mongrel, wandering the streets of the city, driven by a ravenous hunger and hunting a quarry he could not define. But he was something more. Somewhere in the depths of his consciousness was memory clawing its way to the surface, tormenting him, refusing to let him rest. The memory of what he once had been.

James Herbert was one of Britain's greatest popular novelists and our #1 best-selling writer of chiller fiction. Widely imitated and hugely influential, he wrote 23 novels which have collectively sold over 54 million copies worldwide and been translated into 34 languages.

Born in London in the forties, James Herbert was art director of an advertising agency before turning to writing fiction in 1975. His first novel, The Rats, was an instant best-seller and is now recognised as a classic of popular contemporary fiction. Herbert went on to publish a new top ten best-seller every year until 1988. He wrote six more bestselling novels in the 1990s and three more since: Once, Nobody True and The Secret of Crickley Hall. Herbert died in March 2013 at the age of 69.

©1978 James Herbert (P)2013 Audible Ltd

Not Horror, but by all means very good.

Take a journey as a dog... or a frog... or any animal that is drawn from the lottery of reincarnation.

This is an interesting idea to write a story about and James Herbert succeeds in telling it well.

The narrator, Damian Lynch has a halting way of speaking that I found distracting. So I turned the audio to 1.25 speed and that helped me get into the story immensely.

A charming story with a great narrator

A charming story with a great narrator. My dog, Jeffie, made me listen to it twice more. Which really wasn't a problem since it's such a delightful story.

A dog's life

I have always loved this book having read it about five times and this narration brings it to life. James Herbert has imagined a dog's life very well and the plot almost becomes irrelevant. Whether you listen in one go or in short bursts makes no difference as it is very easy to follow. Congratulations to Damian Lynch for his subtle characterisation.

Awesome.

Fabulous book I read this back in the early 80s and remember it fondly. I had never heard of Edenbridge but now live here nothing to do with the book started working here in 1997 and have been here ever since. Just listen to it again and it's still as great as the first time it's not horror but it shows that Mr Herbert could turn his hand to all sorts of writing. Such a shame he's gone R. I. P. Mr Herbert or have you just moved on.. 🤔

bleak yet touching

it's an interesting book. quite alot darker than that family made film version. but James herbert isn't really known for his kid friendly books. not really sure why Hollywood had to make it quiet so corny. enjoyable. touching and bleak.

Fluke is no fluke.

I read this book about 35 years ago and to listen to it on Audiobooks, was a massive delight. A lifelong fan of Herbert, this is quite a departure from his usual blood and gore tales. Infact it's quite a charming story of a dog who was once a man and his journey of discovery. If your a true Herbert fan, this will be in your back catalogue and although probably not his best book, certainly deserves investigation. I guess you could say it goes from 'gnaws to paws' and who knows, perhaps this is really what happens! Definitely worth a punt. Thank you James.

Odd book

After listening to The Fog and the Rats trilogy I became hooked on James Herbert. This book however, was completely different to what I’d previously listened to. I felt I waited for the first 3/4 of the book for it to start. It might have just been me but I thought it would go more into why the guy was a dog earlier in the book rather than his latest scavenging for food and going from owner to owner.... it does have some good twists at the end though.

Fluke

This is the tenth time for me and Fluke. Reading or listening it is a thought provoking great story.

Reincarnation made exciting

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

Given its' short length and how well received it was, yes, because the mystery in the book allowed for a great twist at the end.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Fluke?

The badger incident when the plot was funnily revealed.

What about Damian Lynch’s performance did you like?

The fact that he managed to read it in the background without affecting the story in a bad way.

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

No particular emotional reaction to this book, however, I was somewhat pleased that the book managed to translate well from the 1995 film.

Not what you might hope for

Would you try another book written by James Herbert or narrated by Damian Lynch?

I love James Herbert but this story is so far from his normal genre.

Has Fluke put you off other books in this genre?

Not really.

What three words best describe Damian Lynch’s performance?

Very good. Clear and concise as usual.

Was Fluke worth the listening time?

I don't think so. Not what you'd expect from James Herbert.

Any additional comments?

Worth avoiding!

My favourite book

What made the experience of listening to Fluke the most enjoyable?

I enjoyed the reading.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Fluke because he so very well presents the viewpoint of a human and a dog.

Which character – as performed by Damian Lynch – was your favourite?

Rumbo.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Rumbo's death.

Any additional comments?

A very good reading by Damian Lynch