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  • This Thing of Darkness

  • Written by: Harry Thompson
  • Narrated by: Colin Morgan
  • Length: 30 hrs and 22 mins
  • 5.0 out of 5 stars (5 ratings)

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This Thing of Darkness cover art

This Thing of Darkness

Written by: Harry Thompson
Narrated by: Colin Morgan
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Publisher's Summary

Colin Morgan narrates the action-packed and gripping novel of Charles Darwin's voyage on the Beagle - longlisted for the Man Booker Prize.

In 1831 Charles Darwin set off in HMS Beagle under the command of Captain Robert Fitzroy on a voyage that would change the world. This is the story of a deep friendship between two men and the twin obsessions that tear them apart, leading one to triumph and the other to disaster.

©2005 Harry Thompson (P)2005 Headline Publishing Group Ltd

What the critics say

"A master storyteller." (Sunday Times)

"An outstandingly good first novel. A[n]...action-adventure combined with subtle intellectual arguments. The meticulous research enriches this fascinating tale." (Sunday Telegraph)

What listeners say about This Thing of Darkness

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    3 out of 5 stars

So good, so worth it, so necessary, but...

...difficult; depressing. Listen anyway. Warning: book starts a subject reading rabbit hole. Narrator superb.

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    5 out of 5 stars

Just masterful

Story-wise, this book is gripping. It really manages to successfully tell the widely unknown story behind Darwin's voyage. The style is descriptive and matches the mood perfectly. The thematic parallels, the philosophical questions - it's challenging in the best of ways. Also, a masterful portrayal of FitzRoy's psychology, with the rigid dedication to the cause and the underlying depression.

Colin Morgan's narration style doesn't disappoint as usual. He truly has the storyteller's talent.

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