The Diary of a Nobody

By: George Grossmith, Weedon Grossmith

Narrated by: Martin Jarvis

The Diary of Nobody (1892) created a cultural icon, an English archetype. Anxious, accident-prone, occasionally waspish, Charles Pooter has come to epitomize English suburban life. His diary chronicles encounters with difficult tradesmen, the delights of home improvements, small parties, minor embarrassments, and problems with his troublesome son. The suburban world he inhabits is hilariously and painfully familiar in its small-mindedness and its essential decency.

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Mildly amusing

Mildly amusing. Nothing more. Just funny enough to keep me listening to it. Should have moved on sooner.

absolutely loved it

this is the second time I've listened to this book. I am sure I will listen again. It is a wonderful story if you like humorous British fiction. Absolutely fantastic.

A Classic Commentary

Beautifully performed portrait of London suburban life 130 years ago. Lovable narrator and short, punchy comedic turns. Sweet.

The Original "Sad Sack"

What a roller coaster ride following the mundane life of Victorian clerk Charles Pooter - two setbacks for every break he catches, though that's often his own fault, given his petty, narrow outlook.
Jarvis' narration effectively highlights Pooter's pomposity, and general cluelessness.

English classic performed very well.

Where does The Diary of a Nobody rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Diary of a Nobody is in a class of its own and I do not rank my books. It is amusing and true to its original form, which I first read in the traditional way 30 years ago.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Diary of a Nobody?

The most memorable moment in Diary of a Nobody is when Pooter paints the bath red and gets into all kinds of subsequent trouble.
I also liked it when Willie changed his name to Lupin, consequently shocking his father.

Have you listened to any of Martin Jarvis’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

Never listened to Martin Jarvis before, but he does this book 'perfectly' in my opinion.

If you could rename The Diary of a Nobody, what would you call it?

It is impossible to rename this book. The name is perfect.

Any additional comments?

I recommend anyone who has not read or listened to this book to get it; curl up on the sofa on a wet and miserable day, with lots of snacks and a nice fire, and get some free laughter therapy.
This book belongs in the heart of 'everyman' (and woman).