AKA the death of a radical

If you could sum up Hitch-22 in three words, what would they be?

The life of a great raconteur, journalist and public intellectual as a backdrop for musing on every philosophical and political topic and major event of historical importance imaginable. He name-drops wildly, but not for effect: he really was best friends with Martin Amis, knew Ian McEwan, Salman Rushdie, Gore Vidal. Susan Sontag etc. etc. He charts his beginnings from public school communist to an eventual slide to the right and becoming a non-pacifist and supporter of the war in Iraq, without losing his sense of outrage at the worst aspects of neo-con policies, bigotry, inequality and despotism.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Hitch-22?

His accounts of riotously funny lunches with Kingsley Amis, Clive James and Martin Amis et al. Also his stories of life at an English boarding school were an eyeopener. Too many great stories to recount here.

Any additional comments?

My only criticism of the book is that sometimes Hitchens sounds a bit bored with himself whilst reading his autobiography. His voice sometimes trails away and it was sometimes hard to hear what he was saying.

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12 people found this helpful

Excellent

Brilliant to hear the late Christopher Hitchens autobiography read by the author. His unmistakable voice adds so much to the text. Highly recommended.

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Compelling, touching excoriating and funny

This was my first experience if Hitch and I'm so glad I have read this book. I will certainly read many more of his writings. He is a fiercely Intelligent and talented writer with a voice like vintage Claret. His knowledge of the machinations of the geo political world is astonishing. He presents his views cogently and persuasively. He has a intimate friendships with the great and the good of the literary world and he talks in such eloquent detail about many public figures. He also includes some touching details of his own background including his childhood, his relationships with his parents and his discovery of his Jewish heritage.

I read a negative reader review by someone who said they weren't intelligent to read it. it's absurd to say something is bad because you are too dense to understand it! I mention this because I think all reader reviews, including this one, should be taken with a pinch of salt. It's much better to get a recommendation from someone you respect or admire. I am sure this book must have been a critical success though. Read It!

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Mostly enjoyable, definitely good value

Would you listen to Hitch-22 again? Why?

I will listen to it again. Like previous reviewers I found it difficult to reconcile the two versions of Chris Hitchens, the young idealist, and I'm not quite sure what he became at the end. A second hearing might help. Plus I loved listening to his voice, and I enjoyed the book in general, which was stranger than fiction in some places. He uses language really well, and I was never once bored.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Hitch-22?

His stay in Cuba, which he reported without much comment or opinion, just described what happened.

What about Christopher Hitchens’s performance did you like?

He has a very soothing, if quiet, voice. In general I like audio-books where the author is the narrator.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The death of his mother.

Any additional comments?

I couldn't decide whether I should give this 5 stars or 4, as it did in my opinion, tail off a little towards the end. As a previous reviewer commented, I would have enjoyed it more if I had stopped part way through. However at over 17 hours for one credit (if you are a member), I thought I got my money's worth in this instance and opted for 5 stars.

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Brilliant

As wonderful a listen this was, it serves as a sad reminder that he left us. Lord knows we could have done with him in this day and age.

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Wonderful Hitch

Can't rate this too highly. Even better to hear the super dry wit from the man himself.

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How to be a Literatary and Polemic Genius

Christophers life as recorded in this book answers the question. With great honesty Christopher reviews the parts of his life that formed his opinions and world view. The answer to the question is to read deeply and widely. Returning to the same books at different times of life. TheTo also actually go and visit these places and talk with the participants. To become part of the debate. To get to the know the participants truely one must drink with them; long into the night and still be able to keep your wits about you. Christopher was a master at this. Hearing Christophers own voice reading the book made the listen personal and meaning filled. Worth every penny and every second spent listening and relistening.

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4 people found this helpful

Wonderfull

"Words are poor receipts for what time has stolen away." - John Claire

A wonderful recording of a remarkable individual delivered in his own unique style.

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1 person found this helpful

Spoiled by the narration

Would you consider the audio edition of Hitch-22 to be better than the print version?

I think the print version must undoubtedly be better than this audiobook.

What didn’t you like about Christopher Hitchens’s performance?

The change of volume and intonation of his voice within every sentence.

Any additional comments?

I had to abandon listening to this book less than a quarter of the way through because of the narration. Christopher Hitchins not only lowered his voice at the end of each sentence but also with every phrase in that sentence so that I was constantly having to rewind to discover the words that he had swallowed. This lead to a disjointed flow of the narration for me and I would advise anyone thinking of buying this audiobook to listen to the sample first.
I have ordered the print version from my local library. Shame.

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Gone but not forgotten :)

Another great book by the master Christopher Hitchens, also narrated by him which is always such a treat!!!

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