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  • Life and Times of Michael K

  • By: J. M. Coetzee
  • Narrated by: Jack Klaff
  • Length: 7 hrs and 17 mins
  • 4.3 out of 5 stars (40 ratings)
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Life and Times of Michael K

By: J. M. Coetzee
Narrated by: Jack Klaff
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Summary

In a South Africa torn by civil war, Michael K sets out to take his mother back to her rural home. On the way there she dies, leaving him alone in an anarchic world of brutal roving armies. Imprisoned, Michael is unable to bear confinement and escapes, determined to live with dignity.

Life and Times of Michael K goes to the centre of human experience - the need for an interior, spiritual life, for some connections to the world in which we live, and for purity of vision.

©1983 J M Coetzee (P)2014 AudioGo Ltd. Published by Random House Audiobooks

What listeners say about Life and Times of Michael K

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    4 out of 5 stars

A fine book, engagingly read.

Read the book a number of years ago, forgot the story for most part but remembered enjoying it. I thought Jack Klaff's narration is excellent, being a native myself, I really enjoyed his character voices. The story itself is typical Coetzee, the writing is terse and direct, but full of wonderful imagination as to the complicated inner life of a seemingly uncomplicated loner.

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Harrowing

Keep coming back to this book and especially since frequenting Seapoint and meeting the author himself at Simonstown Literary Festival. A masterpiece

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A wonderful discovery

This is the first of JM Coetzee’s books I’ve ‘read’ - and I have loved every moment. He clearly deserves his place as one of the most highly rated living authors. It is a superbly original story, strange and sad, but with moments of ridiculous humor thrown in. It is beautifully written throughout. The narration by Jack Klaff is excellent. He captures the tone of the various characters 100%.

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  • Overall
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Moving, thoughtful and gripping

This is a beautiful exploration of what it is to be human in a threatening world.

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Must Read

This book deals with those who are sidelined in society, but which society still wants to dictate how they should live. This book also idealises nature as a place which continues regardless and a place which can rejuvenate people. Shame and self determination are dominant themes. Hard to put down and a great read.

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