Essays in Love Audiobook By Alain de Botton cover art

Essays in Love

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Essays in Love

By: Alain de Botton
Narrated by: James Wilby
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Essays in Love is a stunningly original love story. Taking in Aristotle, Wittgenstein, history, religion and Groucho Marx, Alain de Botton charts the progress of a love affair from the first kiss to argument and reconciliation, from intimacy and tenderness to the onset of anxiety and heartbreak.

©1993 Alain de Botton (P)2014 Audible, Inc. Contemporary Fiction Genre Fiction Fiction Heartfelt
Insightful Analysis • Philosophical Digressions • Attractive Voice • Engaging Narrative • Thoughtful Reflections
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What did you love best about Essays in Love?

The story is engaging. There are really good points made, great references, and de Botton analyzes the nuances of falling in and out of love with the perspective and depth of someone who's lived a thousand lives. The narrator's voice is very attractive.

What does James Wilby bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Great voice. Very warm and theatrical (not in an exaggerated way) at the same time.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes. It was so hard to even go to sleep. I had my Audible on sleep timer several times but didn't want to miss anything to grogginess. So I would relisten the same parts the next day. This book is so wise.

Any additional comments?

Definitely listen to this.

Brilliantly plucks and weaves love's nuances

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The narrator is too dramatic which unfortunately ruins some moments. I enjoyed the story though.

Good story, poor narration

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Unbearably profound in its complexity and depth. So attuned to the nuances of romances spells, and an amazing gift of disillusionment.

Unbearable

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Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I wouldn't recommend this book to all my friends but I know that some of them would enjoy it as much as I did. It's for romantics that think too much sometimes. It's for realists that love to fall in love nevertheless.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Essays in Love?

There are many memorable moments...but perhaps what stands out now after a couple weeks is the way intimacy in the couple is revealed and lost. The fight scenes are funny in a "oh yeah, I've been there" kinda way.

Have you listened to any of James Wilby’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

It was my first James Wilby book and I enjoyed his reading very much.

Who was the most memorable character of Essays in Love and why?

I guess it was the main male character because he's so introspective to the point of absurdity but also insightful.

Every relationship you've ever analyzed

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Simply could not put this book down. There are so few stories, love stories fewer still, that capture real life so well. The book itself is a beautiful mix of philosophical topics with narrative that makes for such an enlightening and enjoyable listening experience. Very well performed, I'd highly recommend it to anyone looking for a realistic love story.

One day binge

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I enjoyed this peek into the brain of a young man contemplating love and romance, and found it to be enlightening and relatable. The narrator keeps things moving along crisply, which is crucial since much of the book is comprised not of action but of musings. I look forward to listening to The Course of Love next.

Thought provoking and well performed

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I enjoyed this book thoroughly. I liked how it captured the man’s point of view throughout the relationship journey. I would recommend this book to anyone interested in understanding love in all its stages.

Enjoyable read

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it’s so clever. have listened many times over the years. love alain de botton and the narrator :)

a masterpiece!

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Good book with lots of insights, especially when you realise de Botton was 23 when he wrote it. Great narrator. Also recommend The Course of Love, which he wrote 2 decades later and is quite an amazing book.

Good, later book is great

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Profound yet clear novel for the experienced or ignorant lad, when it comes to love relationships. Hence you can apply the majority of the given situations on ANY type of interpersonal relationships. Top-read for the enthusiast on Love and it's philosophy of everyday.

Analysis on what makes the "fall of angels" ; LOVE

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