Download The Ballad of Peckham Rye Audiobook

" A fine bit of mischief. "

" This novel is classic Spark - short, funny and it challenges the reader's notions of right and wrong. Dougal Douglas is a menace to those around him, but he's so full of charm I very nearly wanted him to get away with his villainy. "

" Slightly odd. We don't really get any answers. Why is Dougal doing what he does on all fronts? Secularly and socially, his antics are troublesome but they don't make a lot of sense. For example, he manages to get employed by two rival firms....but his activities in the social arena means he has to leave town, so he doesn't really benefit from his job setup. Why does Humphrey turn down Dixie at the altar? And then why does he come back two months later and marry her? I prefer books where people's motivations are more clearly spelled out or at least where you can infer them based on the context. "

" Here's my review of this book. "

" Funny, brisk. "

" This book barely seemed to get going, and then it was over. It was VERY easy to read and amusing, although the ending was disturbing. It seemed a bit glib, if not callous. But that may have been the point of the story, or the means to the point. "

" not quite sure I understood this book "

" Seriously, Muriel Spark is awesome. Her books are dark, funny little gems, and she does things with narrative technique that are fascinating. If you're not familiar with her, give her a shot. "

" Read this book for our Book Club - which was then cancelled ... I was quite glad as had struggled with it. It's supposed to very funny - and I can see that it is, but in a 2nd hand kind of way. Felt quite dated - not a good read for me :( "

" A bit confusing at first, probably due to 'Scottishisms.' Upon finishing, however, I immediately wanted to read it again. Spark's characters and writing are as original and delightful as always. "

" Liked this. Odd but really enjoyable. "

" A comedy apparently. Felt very dated and prefer her other books like girls of slender means or the prime of jean brodie. "

" Witty, worldy, charming, irreverent, imaginitive, playful and only slightly bitter, this novel would make an excellent dinner companion but perhaps not such a good life partner. It's certainly too frivolous for the "seriuos reader" but it was the Baby Bear's porridge of frivolity for me. "

" oh my god EVERY FREAKING SENTENCE is gold Hurry up, somebody, make a movie out of this - you must be a foreigner, irish british or scottish, but that's the only qualification. This book is perfect as a day in hell. "

" a total submergence into post war south london, very funny and spot on "

" I used to like Muriel Spark, but this book is irritating. Might not finishit. "

" Loved it - clever, funny, and an interesting look at our area of town back in the late 50s. Definitely in my top 10 list now. "

" Clever and sharp characters. I liked it. "

" Witty, worldy, charming, irreverent, imaginitive, playful and only slightly bitter, this novel would make an excellent dinner companion but perhaps not such a good life partner. It's certainly too frivolous for the "seriuos reader" but it was the Baby Bear's porridge of frivolity for me. "

" Loved it - clever, funny, and an interesting look at our area of town back in the late 50s. Definitely in my top 10 list now. "

" a total submergence into post war south london, very funny and spot on "

" I used to like Muriel Spark, but this book is irritating. Might not finishit. "

" This book was unusual. And not in an entirely well-written, grasping way. Give or take a few genius lines and wordplay, I was let down by this one and was easily bored. I could see it working more as a play, or as a film, but not a decent read.

Meh. "

" 'Your neck is a maniac's delight' - one of the most laugh-out-loud lines i've read for years. Disturbing too. "

" This novel is classic Spark - short, funny and it challenges the reader's notions of right and wrong. Dougal Douglas is a menace to those around him, but he's so full of charm I very nearly wanted him to get away with his villainy. "

" Clever and sharp characters. I liked it. "

" A bit confusing at first, probably due to 'Scottishisms.' Upon finishing, however, I immediately wanted to read it again. Spark's characters and writing are as original and delightful as always. "