Mistlers Exit, Louis Begley
Mistlers Exit, Louis Begley
List: $19.99 | Sale: $13.99
Club: $9.99

Mistler's Exit

Author: Louis Begley

Narrator: Paul Hecht

Unabridged: 6 hr 40 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Publisher: Recorded Books

Published: 03/25/2011


Synopsis

A PEN/Hemingway Award winner, Louis Begley creates multi-faceted characters that come to life under the spell of his crystalline prose. Returning his readers to the wealthy and privileged world of About Schmidt, he introduces them, this time, to an especially poignant protagonist. "A happy man, as the world goes," Thomas Mistler feels an odd sense of liberation now that he has been diagnosed with terminal cancer. This hard-driving Madison Avenue mogul suddenly has an excuse to live for the moment. But spending time alone in Venice is not the free-wheeling, self-indulgent experience he had hoped for. As growing evidence of his physical decline intrudes, Mistler's sense of control diminishes. With one final impulsive purchase, though, he boldly plans his exit on his own terms. Bitingly candid and sometimes funny, this small gem of a novel addresses the complexities of responsibility, pleasure, and suffering. Narrator Paul Hecht renders the subtle, understated, and intimate prose with amazing ease. The last tape contains an interview with the author.

About Louis Begley

Louis Begley's novels include Killer, Come Hither; Memories of a Marriage; Schmidt Steps Back; Matters of Honor; Shipwreck; and Wartime Lies, which won the PEN/Hemingway Award and the Irish Times/Aer Lingus International Fiction Prize. His work has been translated into fourteen languages. He is a member of the American Academy of Arts and Letters.


Reviews

Goodreads review by Stephen

It's not easy for me to give a low rating to something by an able and critically-respected novelist. I had no trouble reading the book, which was strong on Venice atmosphere (echoes of Mann. It is in the mold of Marquand and Auchincloss, both of whom I read with affection, yet leaves a bitter taste......more

Goodreads review by Gloria

This is a bit dry and unemotional for a man who has just received news of his imminent death, yet the emotions hover underneath his veneer as a wealthy, successful businessman. Good for those who like to read about the lives of the elite. Overall, well written.......more

Goodreads review by morgen

when wealthy ad agency owner Thomas Mistler learns he has terminal cancer he decides to deal with it his way. On his week long visit to Venice he revisits his past and plans his future and how he'll meet it. Makes me want to go to Venice!......more

Goodreads review by Reggie

I waited too long to comment on this read. The setting was interesting. I liked it enough to try to read About Schmidt. But both main characters and complaints were too similar.......more