Murphy

By: Samuel Beckett

Narrated by: Stephen Hogan

'The sun shone, having no alternative, on the nothing new.' So opens Murphy, Samuel Beckett's first novel, published in 1938. Its work-shy eponymous hero, adrift in London, realises that desire can never be satisfied and withdraws from life, in search of stupor. Murphy's lovestruck fiancée, Celia, tries with tragic pathos to draw him back, but her attempts are doomed to failure.

In Dublin, Murphy's friends and familiars are simulacra of him, fragmented and incomplete. They come to London in search of him. Under pressure from Celia to get a job, Murphy finds a post as a nurse in a mental institution, Magdalen Mental Mercyseat.

Beckett's achievement in this early work lies in the brilliantly original language used to communicate his singular vision of isolation and misunderstanding. The combination of particularity and absurdity gives Murphy's world its painful definition, but the sheer comic energy of Beckett's prose releases characters and listeners alike into exuberance. It is read with verve and familiarity by Stephen Hogan.

©1938 Samuel Beckett (P)2016 Ukemi Productions Ltd

Beckett’s genius

First, the performance was superb. The story may be difficult to follow (I couldn’t understand everything but it’s Beckett so no one does) but it was both humorous and touching. I will listen to this again!

fire

book is fire and narration is gas. great to smoke to. 4 more words required.

A Very Well Read Performance of A Difficult Modernist Novel

As a product, this novel is very well read. The narrator, Stephen Hogan did a really professional job. The story itself is modernist in style and I found it difficult. If one does not enjoy modernist writing, one my not enjoy the novel despite the excellence of the performance. I read the story while simultaneously listening. As is usual with me when it comes to modernism novels, I am not sure I understood the story. Thank You…