The Man Who Was Thursday: A Nightmare Audiobook

" If you believe, as Mr Chesterton does, that Satan is a redhead, you will enjoy this anti-anarchist, overtly Christian tale of pursuit and realisation. Personally, I read it for the lulz, and I was not disappointed. "

" The fact that the reader is NOT omniscient adds to the reader's suspense as to what is actually happening. Gradually, more is revealed. "

" As classics go, a fairly contemporary read. Not sure of a great grander meaning but there are some fairly quotable and thought-provoking sections. "

" Extraordinario, un libro muy recomendable, una novela que atrapa y que cuenta con un gran transfondo. "

" The last third got too preachy for me. "

" A nightmare is the vehicle for a surreal and comic exploration of order and disorder. Full of allusions and allegories that were probably too clever for me. "

" Written in 1904. Crazy story around the infiltration of an anarchist organization by a police officer. Good suspense. Some interesting philosophical thoughts throughout the book. Some tasty dialogues too. The ending is quite lame though... "

" I found this book quite droll and was pretty caught up in it until the end of the balloon chase. Then it felt as if what had seemed like a cracking good political story that called to mind Orwell's 1984 and aspects of the second Downey/Law Sherlock Holmes movie suddenly changed to a humorless allegory. I'll have to think about the book some more and perhaps reread it. "

" I'm still trying to decide what I think about this book, but there is one thing I know for certain: it was brilliant. The plot is riveting, the descriptions are vivid, the characters come alive in front of you, the philosophical thoughts interwoven with the story are incredibly thought-provoking, and the prose is beautiful. Yes, the end of the book (and some portions in the middle) are a little bewildering. But I have come to this conclusion: one must read Chesterton for the journey, not for the end of the book. And with that thought in mind, this book is spectacular. "

" I thoroughly enjoyed this, but I'm not sure I totally undertood it. It bordered on the absurd. I'm looking forward to discussing the book with members of The Novella Club in November. "

" Spies, intrigue, and a surprise ending that might, if you let it, make a human being out of you. The only proper review of this book is to exhort you to read it, if you haven't, and to think about it (and perhaps re-read it) if you have. Accolades fall short. Read this book and discover how a poet becomes Thursday before becoming himself. "

" What a load of old-codgerly right-wing Catholic-Conservative piffle! The first forty of fifty pages are entertaining enough, but as soon as the chase commences (through London, to France and back through London) the book turns into a shambolic romp. Or maybe I should just say that it's not my cup of tea... "

" I enjoyed this breathless and surreal Christian apologetic, even if (and perhaps mostly because) I didn't realize until the end that was what it would be. "

" I am not sure I got this book. I think I may have to read it again someday. "

" No wonder this is one of Neil Gaiman's top-10 favorite books; it's wonderful. Want to give it 4.25 stars. "

" A thriller with just the right touch of humour and philosophy. "

" wild story... still trying to figure it all out! "

" Was really good until that last 20 pages or so. The forced Christian metaphors really threw a kink into what made the rest of the book interesting. "

" A well crafted satire with a great Keystone Kop moment dashed in. "

" anarchistisch complot + wilde achtervolgingen + flauwe grapjes + personages die eigenlijk levensvisies zijn (of zoiets). Bizar en cool en uniek. "

" This thought provoking book reminds me that I have a lot more to learn about what is in the canon of English literature. "

" My favorite quote from this book: "Moderate strength is shown in violence, supreme strength in levity." "

" Now this is a worthy read. Not that it's long -- i read it all last night in about 3.5 hrs. It's a thriller, an adventure that's in the same category as the Bourne Identity (well, at least the movie; i haven't gotten to those books yet). Many twists, not always surprising and yet still enjoyable. Neil Gaiman referred to it as a "novel of genius", and when i saw that my dad owned it, i immediately swiped it for my own reading pleasure. i'm quite glad to have done so! "

" Beginning a bit slow and the prose took some adjusting to, but a twisting story. "

" So, for anyone who's read Orthodoxy . . . I discovered that TMWWT is a fictionalized version of the chapter "Ethics of Elfland." Which happened to be my favorite chapter in the book. Needless to say, because of this, Thursday was a fantastic read, displaying some of (imo) Chesterton's most exemplary writing. "

" Actually, this is more 3.5 stars (and would probably earn more on a second reading). Chesterton throws some "curve balls" for the reader; the ending was not what I was expecting. Interesting, lush allegory that encourages the reader to really think, not only about social problems, but also about spiritual ones. "

" best book i ever read "

" The last third got too preachy for me. "

" The subtitle "A Nightmare" has to be kept in mind, and then it makes more sense. Interesting take on philosophical confusion, but the end doesn't feel very satisfying. Maybe that's part of it though, dreamlike. "

" Bizarre but interesting story. At first, this seems to be a straightforward suspense thriller of police versus anarchists, but as the story progresses, it gets stranger and stranger. "

" Jolly good fun, but spoiled by predictability of plot and Victorian sentimentality of outcome. "

" Funny, thought-provoking, thriller-ish . . . somewhere at a weird intersection of Wodehouse, C.S. Lewis, Kafka, and It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad, World. Worth reading if you can withstand willful silliness and Christian allegory. "

" I think I know the end by the discovery of the Professor. I was right but totally flummoxed as to the reasoning. "

" I actually took this off of my favorite books (on Facebook) after reading it again. I thought it was just OK. I am going to have to reread all my G.K. Chesterton. "

" Thoroughly enjoyed. No surprise he reminds me of C.S. Lewis. "

" bizar plot, doet denken aan that hideous strength van Lewis, moeilijk te begrijpen waar de verschillende figuren voor staan; 0 "

" Ridiculous and wonderful. Fantastic in every sense of the word. "

" The descriptions are amazing, and it is a quick read, although not an easy read. I still don't really understand many things, but it is beautifully written and very interesting, but not necessarily focused on logic. "

" You've never read anything like this book. It's part spy novel, part farce, part nightmare; it's a century old but feels utterly modern. It's as surreal as Auster or Borges, yet tangible, and best of all, it's hilarious. If you're looking for a unique read, look no further. "

" Intriguing title, interesting cover art, irritating prose. I would say I lost interest in it half-way but I don't think I really acquired any beyond the cover.... "

" I'm so confused by the ending (the last two chapters or so). I must be too sleepy to read it properly. "

" This book seemingly transforms from a prosaic detective thriller into a poetic allegory. I must say I liked both poles, but I found the transitional voyage between these poles (most of the book) hard to bear. "

" Why isn't this taught in more universities? This reads like an undiscovered classic and a clear forerunner to Heller and Pynchon. A must. "

" This is perhaps my favorite book. I've read it at least 8 times. Chesterton is creative genius who has created a map-cap adventure. "

" The subtitle "A Nightmare" has to be kept in mind, and then it makes more sense. Interesting take on philosophical confusion, but the end doesn't feel very satisfying. Maybe that's part of it though, dreamlike. "

" I read this every 2 years, and love it more every time. It's like a re-occurring dream. "

" "The Man Who Was Thursday: A Nightmare is a novel by G. K. Chesterton, first published in 1908. The book is sometimes referred to as a metaphysical thriller . . . The novel has been described as 'one of the hidden hinges of twentieth-century writing, the place where, before our eyes, the nonsense-fantastical tradition of Lewis Carroll and Edward Lear pivots and becomes the nightmare-fantastical tradition of Kafka and Borges.'" "

" My favourite book of all time: a tale of anarchists, weekdays, spies and disguises. "

" Curious mystery turns into an allegory. "

" oh what a fun little book! Absolutely charming. I may need a copy of this one on the shelf! "

" that was a surprise ending. not only from the point of story, but it changed even the genre of the book. even though i am surprised, i am not happy about that, feel much more like was deceived. "

" Now, this is a book to read! Why I never read this in high school or as an English graduate class is beyond me, especially with an emphasis on the dystopia novels. Witty, intelligent and engaging. "

" Awesome. The key part of the title is "A Nightmare." Just good stuff. "

" Really interesting lively energetic read. Has a certain almost schizophrenic style and humorous energy that found very appealing. Maybe its my ignorance of christian culture but I didn't realize the religious bent until the very end, never really felt preachy to me. "

" This might be the first REAL literature I ever read on my own. I might have read it bc a girl I liked read it but still, I really enjoyed it though "

" This is an excellent 'thriller' by G. K. Chesterton. The ending is peculiar and difficult to understand, however. "

" I read this book because I had heard so much about it, but I was quite disappointed. There was some cleverness in the story and yet the ending was indeed "a nightmare." For the time in which it was written, such surrealism must have been striking. I found it all a bit tiresome. "

" The satire is pre Catch-22, yet in the same vain. Perhaps it is more kafkaesque than Heller. The anarchistic ad absurdum. "

" Bizzar, in the spirit of all that is wacky and somewhat confusing. Still not sure I understand it but thoroughly enjoyed the ride! "

" The plot was delightfully intricate, the language beautiful, but it was just a tad too surreal for my taste. "

" A fantastic work of genuinely subversive satire which fizzes through its short fuse to a superb final conflagration "

" Book club selection - yeah Scotland Yard! "

" I had a hard time with this one. Every time a person was called Thursday, Sunday or whatever day, my brain kept flashing to Reservoir Dogs. "

" I don't know... the plot got to be a little repetitive. I can see the points where others admired this book, but it's not one of my favorites. "

" I got through about 5 pages and decided it wasn't worth it. At least I heard most of the other book club girls didn't get it either. "

" Marvellous - vintage derring-do overlaid with opiates... that conceals an message, a story of good an evil as relevant today as at any time through human history. The plot twists and turns and the denouement was unexpected - or was it? "

" I don't know... the plot got to be a little repetitive. I can see the points where others admired this book, but it's not one of my favorites. "

" Although this book is quite thought provoking, the storyline is confusing and boring. The best part of the book were the final two pages, and even after finishing those pages I was still slightly confused and annoyed at the whole story. Would not recommend this book. "

" One of the best books I ever read. Also one of the first fiction books I've read in YEARS. I was on the edge of my seat the whole time, absolutely HATED to put it down (schoolwork y'know?) Man, absolutely loved it and will read it again. "

" Trippy. Very trippy. At least, for a novel written before World War One. Interesting, perhaps less than compelling, especially since it is all more or less comprehensible on a literal level for the first three quarters, and then gets suddenly Symbolic. "

" One of my favorite books ever. "

" I don't want to do a "spoiler." So I'll just say that this book is scary and funny and beautiful all at once and that you should read it. "

" A book that will never be completely understood yet always enjoyed. "

" I enjoyed this breathless and surreal Christian apologetic, even if (and perhaps mostly because) I didn't realize until the end that was what it would be. "

" Marvellous - vintage derring-do overlaid with opiates... that conceals an message, a story of good an evil as relevant today as at any time through human history. The plot twists and turns and the denouement was unexpected - or was it? "

" Not a fluff piece you take to the beach. This is a book that's going to challenge you at every turn. For those times when you want an entertaining plot that makes you smarter. "

" I didn't finish this, but I appreciate it for the period it was written in. "

" Like C.S. Lewis for adults! I mean that in a good way. "

" enjoyably weird & unexpected. amory blaine read this book, "which he liked without understanding," when he was 18 years old. i have the same opinion at 34. "

" Really good book. Enjoyed it. Listened to an audio version of the book that was read by Simon Vance. "

" I am not sure I got this book. I think I may have to read it again someday. "

" Very well written - but a little far-fetched. "

" First fiction work I've read by Chesterton, thoroughly impressed. It was a wild ride; I only wish it was longer,and ending left me a bit confused, but oh, it was good. "

" I don't understand the point of this book. It seems like the "twist" is going to be really obvious for most of it, but then at the end it just goes completely off the rails and makes no sense at all. Weird. "

" I really enjoyed this book. It was bizarre but definitedly meaningful. It left me with that distinctly Chestertonian effect of satisfied puzzlement--if that makes sense. "

" bizar plot, doet denken aan that hideous strength van Lewis, moeilijk te begrijpen waar de verschillende figuren voor staan; 0 "

" Read at Project Gutenberg. I do believe this is one of the weirdest stories I have ever encountered. "

" This is the first of Chesterton's books I've ever read. Halfway through, I couldn't decide if it was brilliant or baloney. By the end, I decided it was brilliant. He presented an idea that I'm still mulling over, two weeks after I've finished the book. "

" One of the shortest and sweetest books I've read. And that's that. "

" Such an engaging read. The characters were well developed, as well as an intricate, yet simple story. Very easy to follow, while twisting and turning at every point. A must read "

" A somewhat dated "nightmare," but the language of the telling is amusing. "

" Solid Chestertonian fun, with rich comedic value that reoccurs with cyclical hysteria. First anarchism, then fascism, communism, and now terrorism. "

" One of my all time favourite books. The writing is beautiful, to be savoured. I also like the paradoxes too. "

" that was a surprise ending. not only from the point of story, but it changed even the genre of the book. even though i am surprised, i am not happy about that, feel much more like was deceived. "

" Kinda, satire(ish) mystery, thriller, science fiction, quirky, odd-ball, looney, what was that all about, kinda book. I kinda liked it. "

" Wasn't too bad, a little bit convoluted in areas. "

" "bad is so bad, that we cannot but think good an accident; good is so good, that we feel certain that evil could be explained." "

" Listened to this one on audiotape. It was narrated by a stuffy British guy, so kinda hard to zone in. Entertaining, but not better than his nonfiction. "

" This story reminds me of short stories by Kafka. One almost needs to read it twice to figure out what it's all about. "

" Definitely entertaining and nicely written, though I'm still a little confused. I think it's the type of book you read in school and then discuss the themes -- it's not exactly pleasure reading, to me. But I thoroughly enjoyed it. "

" "bad is so bad, that we cannot but think good an accident; good is so good, that we feel certain that evil could be explained." "

" The fact that the reader is NOT omniscient adds to the reader's suspense as to what is actually happening. Gradually, more is revealed. "

" Trippy. Very trippy. At least, for a novel written before World War One. Interesting, perhaps less than compelling, especially since it is all more or less comprehensible on a literal level for the first three quarters, and then gets suddenly Symbolic. "

" that was a surprise ending. not only from the point of story, but it changed even the genre of the book. even though i am surprised, i am not happy about that, feel much more like was deceived. "

" I don't quite know what to rate this, because the first two thirds were charmingly weird, and the ending weird in a way I did not care for at all. It was a good ride, up until it suddenly wasn't anymore. "

" I think I liked it, but... wtf? "

" I think I liked it, but... wtf? "

" I think I liked it, but... wtf? "

" I think I liked it, but... wtf? "

" I think I liked it, but... wtf? "

" Curious mystery turns into an allegory. "

" Curious mystery turns into an allegory. "

" Curious mystery turns into an allegory. "

" Curious mystery turns into an allegory. "

" Curious mystery turns into an allegory. "

" A fun romp full of anarchists and private police and Chesterton's sometimes-predictable but other times totally laughingly-absurd humour. The plot follows exactly the kind of course I sometimes wish my life would. "

" A fun romp full of anarchists and private police and Chesterton's sometimes-predictable but other times totally laughingly-absurd humour. The plot follows exactly the kind of course I sometimes wish my life would. "

" A fun romp full of anarchists and private police and Chesterton's sometimes-predictable but other times totally laughingly-absurd humour. The plot follows exactly the kind of course I sometimes wish my life would. "

" A fun romp full of anarchists and private police and Chesterton's sometimes-predictable but other times totally laughingly-absurd humour. The plot follows exactly the kind of course I sometimes wish my life would. "

" A fun romp full of anarchists and private police and Chesterton's sometimes-predictable but other times totally laughingly-absurd humour. The plot follows exactly the kind of course I sometimes wish my life would. "

" Peculiar, funny, and unexpectedly allegorical. The central conceit of the book (infiltrating the anarchist council) is engaging and the prose aphoristic, but the metaphysical ending left me cold. "

" Peculiar, funny, and unexpectedly allegorical. The central conceit of the book (infiltrating the anarchist council) is engaging and the prose aphoristic, but the metaphysical ending left me cold. "

" Peculiar, funny, and unexpectedly allegorical. The central conceit of the book (infiltrating the anarchist council) is engaging and the prose aphoristic, but the metaphysical ending left me cold. "

" Peculiar, funny, and unexpectedly allegorical. The central conceit of the book (infiltrating the anarchist council) is engaging and the prose aphoristic, but the metaphysical ending left me cold. "

" Peculiar, funny, and unexpectedly allegorical. The central conceit of the book (infiltrating the anarchist council) is engaging and the prose aphoristic, but the metaphysical ending left me cold. "

" Weird, and left me thinking. Someone else please read this so I can talk to someone about it. "

" Weird, and left me thinking. Someone else please read this so I can talk to someone about it. "

" Weird, and left me thinking. Someone else please read this so I can talk to someone about it. "

" Weird, and left me thinking. Someone else please read this so I can talk to someone about it. "

" Weird, and left me thinking. Someone else please read this so I can talk to someone about it. "

" There is a reason it is called a nightmare - the confusion could only be justified as a dream. It does get one thinking about anarchy and government. "

" There is a reason it is called a nightmare - the confusion could only be justified as a dream. It does get one thinking about anarchy and government. "

" There is a reason it is called a nightmare - the confusion could only be justified as a dream. It does get one thinking about anarchy and government. "

" There is a reason it is called a nightmare - the confusion could only be justified as a dream. It does get one thinking about anarchy and government. "

" There is a reason it is called a nightmare - the confusion could only be justified as a dream. It does get one thinking about anarchy and government. "

" awesome. just awesome. read it _now_ "

" awesome. just awesome. read it _now_ "

" awesome. just awesome. read it _now_ "

" awesome. just awesome. read it _now_ "

" awesome. just awesome. read it _now_ "

" Entertaining and goofy in an English sort of way. I liked it. The twist at the end wasn't as interesting as it could have been. Slightly disappointing. "

" Entertaining and goofy in an English sort of way. I liked it. The twist at the end wasn't as interesting as it could have been. Slightly disappointing. "

" Entertaining and goofy in an English sort of way. I liked it. The twist at the end wasn't as interesting as it could have been. Slightly disappointing. "

" Entertaining and goofy in an English sort of way. I liked it. The twist at the end wasn't as interesting as it could have been. Slightly disappointing. "

" Entertaining and goofy in an English sort of way. I liked it. The twist at the end wasn't as interesting as it could have been. Slightly disappointing. "

" Amazing story of political extremity "

" Amazing story of political extremity "

" Amazing story of political extremity "

" Amazing story of political extremity "

" Amazing story of political extremity "

" Well done but a bit dated. I was also put off by the religious aspect of the ending.My first e-book! (a free one) "

" Well done but a bit dated. I was also put off by the religious aspect of the ending.My first e-book! (a free one) "

" Well done but a bit dated. I was also put off by the religious aspect of the ending.My first e-book! (a free one) "

" Well done but a bit dated. I was also put off by the religious aspect of the ending.My first e-book! (a free one) "

" Well done but a bit dated. I was also put off by the religious aspect of the ending.My first e-book! (a free one) "