The Death of the Heart

By: Elizabeth Bowen

Narrated by: Pearl Hewitt

The Death of the Heart is perhaps Elizabeth Bowen's best-known book. As she deftly and delicately exposes the cruelty that lurks behind the polished surfaces of conventional society, Bowen reveals herself as a masterful novelist who combines a sense of humor with a devastating gift for divining human motivations.

In this piercing story of innocence betrayed set in the 30s, the orphaned Portia is stranded in the sophisticated and politely treacherous world of her wealthy half-brother's home in London. There she encounters the attractive, carefree cad Eddie. To him, Portia is at once child and woman, and her fears her gushing love. To her, Eddie is the only reason to be alive. But when Eddie follows Portia to a sea-side resort, the flash of a cigarette lighter in a darkened cinema illuminates a stunning romantic betrayal - and sets in motion one of the most moving and desperate flights of the heart in modern literature.

©1938, 1966 Elizabeth Bowen (P)2021 Tantor

Phenomenal

I am very picky at this book met all my requirements for a great listen. Highly recommended for those who enjoy intricate character study.

Beautifully Crafted Story

This novel examines the way delicate, sincere emotions are crushed by the weight of social convention and conformity. The setting is London in the late 1930s. It will take 21st century readers a little while to catch onto, but it's not too difficult. The characters use the technology of the day to communicate--the telephone and letters. A handwritten diary causes a good deal of embarrassment and anger, but is that so different from the distress caused by social media postings today?

Whose heart died in this novel? Was it just one heart? How and when can people live out the truth of their lives when society is ready to run right over them? Is it possible to live a satisfying life while putting the demands of society first and ignoring inner passion?

Readers who enjoy observing the complexities of ordinary life will find this novel especially satisfying.

Great book for audible

I have read this book a few times and was so glad to find it on audible. I first read it in the mid 1980s. The story could be upgraded for a modern series adaptation. I wish someone would do that. As time goes by i think the story is as timeless as Hamlet. I like the narrator. Her voice fits the mood and as an American i find her accent perfectly reasonable even though other British accents fatigue me.

The reader was soo good

The novel is a bit slow to develop and ends without a conclusion. The lady who was reading was phenomenal - finding a different voice for each character.

Superbly listenable classic

In the first few seconds I wasn’t sure I’d enjoy the narrator’s performance, but quickly this turned out to be the most listenable, for long stretches, book I’ve purchased so far on Audible.