Topper

By: Thorne Smith

Narrated by: Barrett Whitener

Topper is a hilarious, ribald comedy about a mild-mannered bank manager and two capricious ghosts, George and Marion Kerby, who make it their mission to rescue Topper from the drab "summer of suburban Sundays" that is his life.

Public Domain (P)2001 Blackstone Audiobooks

Critic reviews

"Barrett Whitener successfully brings the varied characters to life....This is a delightful, thought-provoking read." (AudioFile)

"[Thorne Smith] created the modern American ghost. A ghost with style and wit. A ghost that haunts us still." (The New York Times)

Surprisingly racy

I enjoyed this story and the performance very much. The story was a bit racier than I would have expected, though. There is fair amount of drunkeness and even a suggestion of adultery! Nothing surprising today, perhaps, but this was written in the 1920's, and made into a movie as well. It's not that I'm a prude, it was just unexpected. The story is charming, though, and the characters well drawn.

Light hearted

Would you try another book from Thorne Smith and/or Barrett Whitener?

The is a light hearted romance story with a bit of a twist. Easy listening

Loved the movie, bored by the book

What could have made this a 4 or 5-star listening experience for you?

Dont know. I guess I was expecting a story closer to the movies storyline. That's something not under Audible's control.

What could Thorne Smith have done to make this a more enjoyable book for you?

Nothing.

What character would you cut from Topper?

All the extra ghosts.

lost interest,

Didn't finish this one, I expected it to be funny but it was just a sad comentary on an old stick in the mud's life.

Slow moving story line.

Would you try another book from Thorne Smith and/or Barrett Whitener?

I won't be reading another book by these authors

Would you be willing to try another one of Barrett Whitener’s performances?

No.

Could you see Topper being made into a movie or a TV series? Who should the stars be?

Maybe

Any additional comments?

I loved the TV series but this book just moved too slow for me.