Oscar Wilde: The Story of an Unhappy Friendship


Read by Rob Marland

(4.9 stars; 19 reviews)

The Story of an Unhappy Friendship offers a unique glimpse into the complex relationship between Robert Sherard and the renowned playwright Oscar Wilde. As Wilde's friend for two decades and his first biographer, Sherard provides an intimate account of their friendship, marked by both admiration and tension.

Set against the backdrop of Wilde's tumultuous life and career, this biography delves into the intricacies of their bond, exploring themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the impact of fame. Sherard's perspective sheds light on Wilde's character, revealing the man behind the public persona and the struggles he faced.

Through candid reflections and personal anecdotes, Sherard captures the essence of their connection, making this work a distinctive addition to the literature surrounding Wilde. It invites listeners to consider the complexities of friendship and the often-painful realities that accompany it.

Chapters

Select a chapter to play

Chapter 1 6:02 Read by Rob Marland
Chapter 2 9:38 Read by Rob Marland
Chapter 3 10:17 Read by Rob Marland
Chapter 4 14:23 Read by Rob Marland
Chapter 5 11:14 Read by Rob Marland
Chapter 6 17:19 Read by Rob Marland
Chapter 7 9:28 Read by Rob Marland
Chapter 8 6:23 Read by Rob Marland
Chapter 9 8:33 Read by Rob Marland
Chapter 10 9:57 Read by Rob Marland
Chapter 11 12:19 Read by Rob Marland
Chapter 12 12:22 Read by Rob Marland
Chapter 13 15:14 Read by Rob Marland
Chapter 14 9:02 Read by Rob Marland
Chapter 15 8:30 Read by Rob Marland
Chapter 16 11:17 Read by Rob Marland
Chapter 17 11:37 Read by Rob Marland
Chapter 18 9:39 Read by Rob Marland
Chapter 19 10:57 Read by Rob Marland
Chapter 20 17:28 Read by Rob Marland
Chapter 21 8:15 Read by Rob Marland
Appendix 12:15 Read by Rob Marland

Reviews

Boastful, gushing, condemning and ultimately heartbreakin


(5 stars)

This book does not discuss Wilde's works, but his day-to-day life, written by someone with a rare front-row view. I am guessing that your opinion of the author will undergo many changes as you listen to this, as mine did. At first he seems a boastful name dropper (but what incredible names he is in a position to drop!). Then a joyous sycophant. A jealous friend conveniently dumped when Wilde's fame is ascendant. At the end, you can hardly doubt his claim to be Wilde's truest, most loyal friend. We nowadays think of Wilde's self-indulgence and homosexuality as spices that make his works and life have a delicately forbidden-fruit flavor (given society's laws, written and unwritten, at the time). What I had not realized was just how completely devastating society's ultimate condemnation of him turned out to be. An up-and-down, entertaining, enlightening, heart-wrenching read.

Oscar Wilde


(5 stars)

The saddest part of O.W.'s fall was how those who had fawned over him dropped him like a hot brick after his legal troubles. Those who think that modern society is in decline might consider how far we have come in our willingness to tolerate (not the right word really) others' differences. Many thanks to reader Rob Board for his performance! TheBookworm (Manchester, UK)

EXCELLENT


(5 stars)

LISTENED FROM START TO FINISH IN ONE STAGE. VERY GOOD NARRATIVE

great story


(5 stars)

great reader as well