Brighton Rock by Graham Greene audiobook review – Sam West captures the menace of this modern classic

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"Samuel West's Audiobook Narration of Brighton Rock Captures Greene's Classic Thriller"

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AI Analysis Average Score: 7.6
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TruthLens AI Summary

The audiobook adaptation of Graham Greene's 1938 thriller, Brighton Rock, has received notable acclaim, particularly for its narration by Samuel West, an actor well-known for his role in Howards End. This version, first recorded in 2011, stands out among numerous other recordings by different narrators, including Jacob Fortune-Lloyd and Richard Brown. West’s performance is praised for its ability to convey the underlying menace and seediness that characterizes Greene's work. The story centers around 17-year-old Pinkie Brown, a ruthless gangster who is embroiled in a murder cover-up after his gang kills journalist Charles 'Fred' Hale. Pinkie's attempts to woo Rose, a young waitress who unknowingly witnessed the crime, are driven by his desperate need to ensure her silence regarding the incident. As he plots to marry her to prevent her from testifying, he faces unexpected opposition from Ida Arnold, a determined lounge singer who is intent on uncovering the truth behind Hale's death and protecting Rose from Pinkie's sinister intentions.

This audiobook is part of a broader initiative by Penguin to re-release several of Greene's works, highlighting the enduring relevance and appeal of his narratives. Alongside Brighton Rock, listeners can also find other titles such as The Quiet American, narrated by Simon Cadell, and The Power and the Glory, narrated by Andrew Sachs. Each audiobook offers a unique interpretation of Greene's compelling storytelling, ensuring that both new listeners and longtime fans can appreciate the depth and intricacies of his characters and plots. With a runtime of 9 hours and 10 minutes, West's narration invites listeners into the dark world of Brighton Rock, making it a significant addition to the collection of Greene audiobooks available through Penguin Audio.

TruthLens AI Analysis

The article presents a review of the audiobook version of Graham Greene's "Brighton Rock," narrated by Samuel West. This review serves both as an analysis of the audiobook's qualities and as a promotion for the continued interest in Greene’s works, particularly in audio format. The focus on West's performance emphasizes the emotional depth and tension of the story, which is crucial for engaging listeners with classic literature.

Purpose of the Article

This review aims to highlight the strengths of West's narration and the relevance of Greene's novel in contemporary times. By featuring the audiobook, the article seeks to attract both new readers and those familiar with the story, fostering a renewed interest in classic literature and its adaptations into audio formats.

Community Perception

The review positions the audiobook as a valuable addition to the literary community, suggesting that it enhances the experience of Greene's work. It may encourage discussions about the adaptation of classic texts into modern formats, catering to audiences who appreciate both literature and audio storytelling.

Potential Omissions

While the article focuses on the audiobook and its narration, it may overlook broader discussions about the themes of the novel itself, such as morality, violence, and the psychological complexity of its characters. This focus could lead to a lack of context regarding the societal issues Greene addresses, which might be relevant to current audiences.

Manipulative Elements

The review does not overtly manipulate information but does emphasize positive aspects of the audiobook, potentially downplaying any criticism. The language used is celebratory, possibly aiming to create a sense of urgency or excitement around the release.

Truthfulness of Content

The article seems reliable, as it provides specific details about the audiobook, including its length and the narrator's background. However, the subjective nature of reviews means that interpretations of the performance and its impact may vary among listeners.

Societal Impact

The promotion of audiobooks like "Brighton Rock" could encourage more people to engage with literature, potentially influencing cultural trends towards appreciating classic novels. This might also affect the publishing industry, as increased interest in audiobooks can drive sales and production of similar adaptations.

Target Audience

The article likely appeals to literature enthusiasts, fans of audiobooks, and those interested in classic novels. It may resonate particularly with younger audiences who consume content in audio formats, as well as older generations familiar with Greene's works.

Economic Repercussions

While the article itself may not directly influence stock markets, the popularity of audiobooks can impact companies involved in publishing and audio production. Increased sales in this sector could benefit associated stocks, particularly those of Penguin Random House and similar publishers.

Relevance to Current Events

The themes of "Brighton Rock" may resonate with contemporary issues surrounding crime and morality, providing a lens through which readers can reflect on modern societal challenges. This connection to current events might enhance the novel's relevance and encourage discussions in various forums.

AI Influence

The writing style appears to be crafted by a human, focusing on subjective experiences and nuanced interpretations of the audiobook. However, if AI-assisted tools were used in the review process, they might have informed the structure or provided data-driven insights, though the emotional and subjective elements suggest a human touch.

In summary, while the article serves to promote the audiobook and its narrator, it also encourages reflection on the broader themes of Greene's work. The review effectively captures the essence of the audiobook's appeal, but it could enhance its depth by addressing the novel's societal implications more explicitly.

Unanalyzed Article Content

We are not short of audio versions of Brighton Rock, Graham Greene’s classic thriller from 1938 set in the eponymous seaside town. Past narrators have included Jacob Fortune‑Lloyd, Richard Brown and Tom O’Bedlam, and that’s before you get to the various radio dramatisations. But few can match this narration from the Howards End actor Samuel West, first recorded in 2011, which captures the menace and seediness that runs through Greene’s novel.

It tells of 17-year-old Pinkie Brown, a razor-wielding hoodlum who is trying to cover up the murder of a journalist, Charles “Fred” Hale, killed by his gang in revenge for a story he wrote on Pinkie’s now deceased boss, Kite. Pinkie sets about wooing Rose, a naive young waitress who unwittingly saw something that could implicate him in the murder. His plan is to marry her to prevent her testifying against him. But he doesn’t bargain for the doggedness of Ida Arnold, a middle-aged lounge singer who smells of “soap and wine” and who happened to meet Hale on the day he was killed. On learning of his death, Ida refuses to believe the reports that he died of natural causes. She resolves not only to bring his killer to justice but to protect Rose from a terrible fate.

Brighton Rock is one of several Greene audiobooks being rereleased this year by Penguin; others include The Quiet American (narrated by Simon Cadell), Travels With My Aunt (Tim Pigott-Smith), The Power and the Glory (Andrew Sachs) and The Heart of the Matter (Michael Kitchen).

Available via Penguin Audio, 9hr 10min

Normally Weird and Weirdly NormalRobin Ince, Macmillan, 9hr 7minInspired by his ADHD diagnosis, the co-presenter of Radio 4’s science comedy The Infinite Monkey Cage investigates neurodiversity and asks: what does it mean to be normal? Read by the author.

It’s Probably NothingNaga Munchetty, HarperCollins, 11hr 33minMunchetty narrates her memoir-cum-polemic about her struggles with adenomyosis and the enduring problem of medical misogyny.

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Source: The Guardian