Vipers' Tangle

By: Francois Mauriac

Narrated by: Geoffrey Howard

In this remarkable novel, Mauriac brings his extraordinary talent for probing the inmost core of the human character to what is arguably the most exciting theme in the world: the battle for the human soul. In all of literature there can be few more appalling studies of a soul devoured by pride and avarice, corroded by hatred.

Louis, a wretchedly unhappy multi-millionaire, all but personifies evil. Toward the end of his life, seeking to uncover the cause of his unhappiness, he commits to paper his whole bitter story: his indulgent but affection-starved childhood; his first love; the trivial misunderstanding that festered until it poisoned their entire married life and the lives of their children; the old miser's struggle to disinherit his family; and finally, the powerful climax, with divine grace vying to the very end to pierce the evil encrusting Louis' soul.

Public Domain (P)1996 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Critic reviews

"A modern masterpiece." ( St. Louis Star-Times)
"Mauriac develops a character from the inside out....The listener is able to move into Louis's mind, to feel and understand his motivation." ( Library Journal)

Excellent

Recommended to me by a friend and I could not stop listening. Beautifully read. Highly recommend.

A pleasant surprise of a book

A profound tale of redemption that I enjoyed immensely and would absolutely recommend to others.

Engrossing!

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

This is an entangling, fascinating story--unpredictable and moving.

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

Howard is great! Clear diction; nice pauses and just the right amount of emotion.

Masterpiece

Just listened to this book for the 3rd time. Each time is as new. Mauriac writes so beautifully about the human condition when there is no love and no forgiveness. Narrator is excellent.
The lesson is a hard one but so necessary.

Life changing book

Loved it. A study into ressentment and redemption of someone whi is dying. Beautifully written and thought provoking.