Beautifully narrated, this is an engaging audiobook about a young man trading on his good looks and chameleon-like ability to take on different personas to make his way in life. I did not realise it was Thomas Mann’s unfinished novel until the audiobook ended with so many loose ends unresolved - how did he end up in prison and how did he manage the Lisbon love triangle. Did the de Vanosta family realise that he was a imposter masquerading as their son? Like the rest of the world I am left to fill in the gaps with my own imagination.

I have recently enjoyed several of Thomas Mann’s novels, and was very pleased to get the opportunity to listen to the audiobook of his last, and unfinished, novel, “Felix Krull”. It is a fascinating read based on, and continuing the plot of, a short story Mann had written years before. It is, however, unfinished, leaving the reader with a bit of a cliffhanger, having to make up their own mind about what the future holds for Felix. I like to think that this shallow, devious confidence trickster eventually gets his comeuppance for all his adventures.

Mark Elstob narrates this book superbly. The cadence and speed of his reading is a pleasure to hear, and I had no need to adjust the speed.

I’m new to the works of Thomas Mann. I’ve only recently discovered the absolute joy of Buddenbrook, a family saga that stands the test of time and I’ve recently started The Magic Mountain. I’m astonished that he isn’t more widely read and recognised. His writing is incredible and although much of it was written around 100 years ago, he’s such an amazing storyteller. I hadn’t heard of Felix Krull and understand this was Mann’s last and unfinished novel. I’m captivated by the audio version.

Let me start by saying the narration is superb. It becomes clear immediately that Krull is arrogant, self centred and is an individual with a skewed moral compass. His rules apply and that ensures he gets what he wants. The narrator gives a nuanced performance which captures the essence of this complex and cynical character. It’s a linear story, startup ing with Krull’s childhood ( although he’s apt to distress on a whim). His father is a disgraced wine maker; he doctored the champagne and the business went bust. Krull has a godfather who dresses him up in finery as a small child and Krull quickly learns how to win attention and praise. Attributes well suited to his later life of deception and crime. The great joy of this story is the humour. Krull is abominable, but Mann allows the reader or listener to occupy his headspace and see the world through very different eyes. He’s unliveable in every way but the story remains compelling as he grows and moves to France to work in an exclusive Parisian hotel. This story is a triumph, it’s filled with insight, humour and it’s one I’ll listen to again. Very different from the other books I’ve read by Mann but it stands the test of time.