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Life Mask Audiobook
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(3.00) - 962 listener ratings
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Publisher Description
In a time of approaching war and terrorism, spectacular wealth and financial disasters, the private world of three famous Londoners becomes a public scandal. Lord Derby - unhappily married and the richest as well as the ugliest man in the House of Lords - is the relentless suitor of England's reigning queen of comedy, Eliza Farren. His chief rival is the aristocratic widow Anne Damer, a sculptor who, as the rumor has it, loves women. Set in parliament, on stage, the racetrack as well as the intimate salons of the Beau Monde, the bestselling author of SLAMMERKIN evocatively brings to life a world where everyone wears a mask and where erotic liaisons prove as dangerous as political ones.
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"It reads very much like a biography. It's not necessarily exciting but I love this period in history and it really does deal with a lot of the issues of the day from real people's imagined perspective. I think it might be a hard read for someone unfamiliar with the politics and people of the era "
— Elizabeth (4 out of 5 stars)
Life Mask Listener Reviews
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" I love love love Emma Donoghue and this book was excellent. I love historical fiction and historical fiction with a queer plot is even better. I also love a good long book. "
— Caitlin, 2/20/2014 -
" Didn't like this - didn't finish it "
— Christine, 2/6/2014 -
" A great period read with some wonderful fleshing-out of historical characters skillfully intertwined with fictional ones to create a satisfying story. I want my copy back so I can re-read it. "
— Katherine, 2/4/2014 -
" I'm giving up on this one 50 pages in -- I love everything else I've read by Emma Donoghue, but this one is boring me to tears. Excruciatingly detailed theater rehearsal and performance scenes, joined by a focus on late 18th century English politics -- just not my cup of tea. Don't get me wrong, I'm a huge fan of classic English literature and much historical fiction, but I feel absolutely no interest in these characters or their milieu. This is no page turner, that's for sure. "
— Shasta, 1/30/2014 -
" Very enjoyable novel of life in the London aristocracy in the late 18th century. "
— Anya, 1/6/2014 -
" This book stunk up the joint. I was so disappointed after reading Slammerkin compared to this. It is awful -- don't bother. "
— Kathy, 12/31/2013 -
" I LOVED this book about love, manners, and politics in 18th century England, in the shadow of the French Revolution...and of the Patriot Act. I know she has had a lot of popular success since Room, but I think this one may have been neglected. "
— Lucy, 12/29/2013 -
" This is a very well researched and immersive story of all the less admirable human characteristics, and the eventual restoration of sanity. "
— Carla, 11/21/2013 -
" I love this book! Great historical detail, characters you can care about, makes you feel like you are there. After I read it I got to see the statue of Thalia in the National Portrait Gallery in London and just couldn't get over seeing Anne's and Eliza's names on the placard. "
— Karen, 11/2/2013 -
" While interesting historically the book is 200 pages too long! I was disappointed with the writing style ... She took forever to tell us anything and I almost gave up! "
— Margaret, 9/15/2013 -
" I persevered but it was pretty tough slogging ! "
— Corrie, 6/9/2013 -
" I HATE THIS BOOK. Bogged down by a slow-paced narrative and the weight of too many excruciatingly well-researched historical details. "
— Xin, 1/26/2013 -
" I skipped 250 pages in the middle of this book and was still able to discuss it with my book group. It's lovely, deeply nuanced historical fiction, but there were WAY too many names for me to keep track of. "
— Faith, 9/11/2012 -
" Hated it! Thinnest plot & just plain dull. "
— hoganfe, 9/7/2012 -
" My second attempt to read this book, and still unable to get engaged in the story. I really loved slammerkin and was disappointed with this story. "
— Michelle, 8/31/2012 -
" An excellent, gripping read. Donoghue really got into the characters and brought their lives to life. Highly recommended. "
— Martina, 6/15/2012 -
" Very detailed - almost too detailed. Could have used a more extensive edit before going to print. Interesting to know that it's based on real historical figures and that actual written documents helped guide the story. "
— Becky, 6/12/2012 -
" engrossing story of 10 years in the life of The World -- superb characters and insight into a way of life "
— Ann, 5/4/2011 -
" Very detailed - almost too detailed. Could have used a more extensive edit before going to print. Interesting to know that it's based on real historical figures and that actual written documents helped guide the story. "
— Becky, 1/25/2011 -
" I picked up this book because I loved a different book by Emma Donoghue. It took me a long time to get into to it but once I was, I was hooked. The historical fiction was a fascinating glimpse into the political, artist, and social movements of the time. "
— Elena, 1/17/2011 -
" This book was very witty and entertaining, but tended to drag quite a bit. I was also disappointed with the ending, which is why I only gave it two stars. "
— Laura, 7/11/2010 -
" This was good enough to capture my interest in that the characters were well written and rich with personality. However, I thought the plot moved excruciatingly slow and the details of Georgian politics were...zzzzz.... "
— Karrilin, 3/30/2010 -
" Hated it! Thinnest plot & just plain dull. "
— hoganfe, 2/24/2010 -
" The first 300 pages wore me out. The last 300 plus revived me. Glad I persisted but would not recommend this in general. Would be good for Women's Studies interests and history buffs. "
— Carol, 12/1/2009 -
" slogging through... loved Slammerkin, but this is slow. Will I ever finish when so many others are sitting on the table? "
— Kris, 9/1/2009 -
" Yeah! Another well written piece of lesbian literature. In the vein of Sarah Waters! "
— Kat, 8/3/2009
About Emma Donoghue
Emma Donoghue, born in Dublin, is a playwright, literary historian, novelist, and screenwriter. Her works of contemporary and historical fiction include the New York Times bestsellers Room and Frog Music. Her books have also been finalists for the Man Booker Prize, Commonwealth Prize, the Orange Prize, and the Women’s Prize for Fiction. She also writes story collections, literary history, and plays for stage and radio. Find out more at EmmaDonoghue.com.
About the Narrators
Wanda McCaddon (a.k.a. Nadia May or Donada Peters) has narrated well over six hundred titles for major audiobook publishers, has earned numerous Earphones Awards, and was named a Golden Voice by AudioFile magazine.
Wanda McCaddon (d. 2023) narrated well over six hundred titles for major audiobook publishers, sometimes with the pseudonym Nadia May or Donada Peters. She earned the prestigious Audio Award for best narration and numerous Earphones Awards. She was named a Golden Voice by AudioFile magazine.