“It’s a muddle, thought Monica. A muddle and I can’t get it straight. I wish I knew what I should do. I wish I even knew what I want to do…I want to go on in the life that has somehow or other found me and claimed me. And I want so terribly to be happy. Oh god, don’t let me slip under the surface of all the heavy-hearted dullness that seems to claim so many people.”
A Mixture of Frailties is so much more than the story of Monica Gall’s life in London and her education as a singer. It is an account of her education as a human being, and the result is an absorbing novel, comic in the true sense, vivid and frequently moving.
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"Aside from being a brilliantly good read and a believable window into the world of professional classical music, Mixture of Frailties marks a turn in Davies' style, from the readable charm of his early books to the increasing darkness and power of his later novels."
— Brendan (5 out of 5 stars)
“It is impudent, amused and amusing, and sterling entertainment.”
— New York Times“Davies is equally familiar with the world of the Canadian provinces and with that of musical London, and portrays both with rich humor and sympathetic understanding.”
— Chicago Tribune“Third in a trilogy, yet independently satisfying, this presentation encourages listeners to seek more of Davies’ beguiling prose.”
— AudioFile“The musicianship is very knowledgeable and the fingerwork light.”
— Kirkus Reviews" A bit longer than the first two but every bit as enjoyable. The humor and character development are strong in this book. "
— Jason, 12/5/2013" Just re-read this one-- a favorite of mine in the "raised by fundies: processing/recovering" genre I like so well. "
— Jenny, 6/15/2013" Re-reading the Salterton trilogy. Clean prose, swiftly drawn characters, surprising plot. A very good read. "
— Linera, 4/26/2013" This book makes me want to pursue music as something to enjoy like a wonderful meal. It also makes me want to go to Great Britain and especially Wales. :) "
— Sheri-lee, 4/21/2013" A great ending to the Salterton trilogy. God story line, well written with a bit of humor and a few jabs at Canadians. I really enjoy Davies. He is a very under appreciated author. I highly recommend this trilogy. "
— Joe, 3/26/2013" Thick, Jane-Austenesque writing, but charming and funny when you get into it. Not a book for everyone, but definitely worth reading for the humour and vocabulary ;-). "
— Kendall, 6/21/2012" Awesome, quirky, deep, witty, poignant, and wry....he is a master....love those Canadians? "
— Natalie, 4/29/2012" Enjoyed this one. Longer review to come. "
— Ibis3, 3/2/2011" This was so good!! "
— Erhamilton4, 12/6/2010" I didn't even know this was part of a trilogy. It's a fine stand-alone read. "
— Mad_Maudie, 7/10/2010" Canada's best author! "
— Kat, 9/28/2009Robertson Davies (1913–1995) was an internationally acclaimed author, actor, publisher, and, finally, professor at the University of Toronto. The author of twelve novels and several volumes of essays and plays, he was the first Canadian to be inducted into the American Academy of Arts and Letters.
Frederick Davidson (1932–2005), also known as David Case, was one of the most prolific readers in the audiobook industry, recording more than eight hundred audiobooks in his lifetime, including over two hundred for Blackstone Audio. Born in London, he trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art and performed for many years in radio plays for the British Broadcasting Company before coming to America in 1976. He received AudioFile’s Golden Voice Award and numerous Earphones Awards and was nominated for a Grammy for his readings.