The Lost Weekend

By: Charles Jackson

Narrated by: Donald Corren

Reprint of a modern classic originally published in 1944 by Farrar & Rinehart, Inc. A classic tale of one man's struggle with alcoholism, this revolutionary novel remains Charles Jackson's best-known book - a daring autobiographical work that paved the way for contemporary addiction literature.

It is 1936, and on the East Side of Manhattan, a would-be writer named Don Birnam decides to have a drink. And then another, and then another, until he's in the midst of what becomes a five-day binge.

The Lost Weekend moves with unstoppable speed, propelled by a heartbreaking but unflinching truth. It catapulted Charles Jackson to fame, and endures as an acute study of the ravages of alcoholism, as well as an unforgettable parable of the condition of the modern man.

©1944, 1971 Charles R. Jackson, Rhoda Jackson (P)2014 Recorded Books

True story of the hopeless alcoholic and the lengths they’ll go to to get a drink.

Powerful and sad. True story of an end stage alcoholic. Unfortunately this author died of suicide after struggling with sobriety.

What a terrific audiobook!

If you could sum up The Lost Weekend in three words, what would they be?

Realistic, frightening, and compassionate.

What other book might you compare The Lost Weekend to and why?

No comparisons come to mind. If The Days of Wine and Roses was available as an audiobook maybe that would provide a pale comparison. I consider this to be the greatest work ever written about an alcoholic.

What does Donald Corren bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

He nails it! He is the protagonist of the story. Flawlessly narrated.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes, but too long and too intense for one sitting.

Any additional comments?

I was so excited when I saw this book finally available as an audiobook and for once it did not disappoint in the least. It surpassed my expectations and I will listen again soon. Thanks to Audible for an impeccable production of this masterpiece. I enjoyed every minute of it.

Long

It drug on in many places. It was a bit rambling on childhood memories and dreams. Would have enjoyed a lot more present time happenings, wasnt as exciting as it could have been but true to alcoholism.

Psychological thriller

Was cringeworthy to follow the exploits of the main character who is an alcoholic. I found myself very wrapped up in the story . The narrator is very very good. Great performance : dynamic , engaging , and did various voices well

Truer than true Alcoholism is timeless.

Weirdly even in an earlier era this author gets it so right. Time culture and experience transcends. He must have personal experience.