Mating

By: Norman Rush

Narrated by: Lauren Fortgang

The narrator of this splendidly expansive novel of high intellect and grand passion is an American anthropologist at loose ends in the South African republic of Botswana. She has a noble and exacting mind, a good waist, and a busted thesis project. She also has a yen for Nelson Denoon, a charismatic intellectual who is rumored to have founded a secretive and unorthodox utopian society in a remote corner of the Kalahari - one in which he is virtually the only man. What ensues is both a quest and an exuberant comedy of manners, a book that explores the deepest canyons of eros even as it asks large questions about the good society, the geopolitics of poverty, and the baffling mystery of what men and women really want.

©1991 Norman Rush (P)2013 Audible Inc.

Clever and interesting, but it drags on...

I liked it a lot and there are plenty of interesting bits of history, politics, and philosophy in the book, but in the end the love story at the center drags on for too long and you lose interest in the characters and their incapability to move on.

Disappinting and dated

Brilliantly written but the characters are ciphers--they never seemed real to me. The narrator's motivations are
unclear. Why does she track this guy down in the first place?

Loved the narrative and performance

Clever narrative with a complicated and flawed main character. I felt the reading/performance enhanced the story - I can’t say that happens very often. Well done!

Absolutely adored this book

Just incredibly well written with a main character that is both deeply flawed and incredibly conscientious of the world around her. The way Rush plays with the ideas of misogyny, colonialism, racism, privilege and so many others, was a sheer work of art. I can. It recommended this book enough.

well written, well read, but not compelling

Many many hours amid the thoughts, memories and perceptions of an intelligent and reflective American woman in her early 30s with a floundering academic career. This novel has some good moments, but despite spending all that time in her head I never much cared about her fate.

Could not finish...

Would you ever listen to anything by Norman Rush again?

Doubtful.

Any additional comments?

This book was not for me. I couldn't stand the central character and found myself unwilling to devote more of my time to this audiobook. It felt like being forced to make small talk with someone you can't stand. I have no use for more of that in my life.

Tedious and Pretentious

While the plot was innovative, characters well-formed, and writing smart I found the dialogue droned on and on. Some of the scenes were belabored for no reason. Clearly, the editor clearly left nothing on the cutting floor.

Verbose and lovely

This is a great listen. Lauren Fortgang is the perfect person to read this book. Her supple articulation brings much to the program.

Two brilliant highly articulate people in a mating dance

I’d already read it once but loved it again by on audible. Think of it as 1001 nights and let yourself be entertained. The reader id perfection!

Word Vomit

Pointless story in my opinion, boring and very drawn out. Made it halfway but was too annoyed with the characters to finish.