Any Human Heart

A BBC Two Between the Covers pick

By: William Boyd

Narrated by: Darren Boyd

Brought to you by Penguin.

Every life is both ordinary and extraordinary, and Logan Mountstuart's - stretching across the twentieth century - is a rich tapestry of both. As a writer who finds inspiration with Hemingway in Paris and Virginia Woolf in London, as a spy recruited by Ian Fleming and betrayed in the war, and as an art-dealer in '60s New York, Logan mixes with the men and women who shape his times. But as a son, friend, lover and husband, he makes the same mistakes we all do in our search for happiness. Here, then, is the story of a life lived to the full - and a journey deep into a very human heart.

Superb, wonderful, enjoyable' Guardian

'Full of delights' The Times

'A work of astonishing ventriloquistic virtuosity... brilliant' Sunday Telegraph

'Wise, profound and moving' William Sutcliffe, Independent on Sunday

'A terrific journey through the 20th century. Thoroughly entertaining and enjoyable' Guardian

'Astounding. One of Boyd's greatest achievements... A pleasure' Mail on Sunday

'Generous, witty, sneakily profound' Evening Standard

'The pleasures are endless... Supremely entertaining' Washington Post

'A fabulous book all about life. I think of Any Human Heart often - the sign of a truly great book' Fi Glover, New Statesman

© William Boyd 2002 (P) Penguin Audio 2020

One life lived

From the high living to the dog food years the pace is addictively even. A beautiful account of the fleetingness of life, this one just way more extraordinary than most.

Sublime biography of the life of Logan from a young boy right up to old age.

A wonderful, beautifully written, well narrated novel - I immediately want to listen to it again from the beginning - just as soon as I stop crying.

I wish I had even 5% of the talent William Boyd has for storytelling. Brilliant writer!