Funny and Heartwarming

I really enjoyed this book more than I thought I would, as it wouldn't be my usual genre. The story itself flowed well and held my attention to the end. It is a classic underdog tale with likeable and relatable characters. The narrator was fantastic and had me laughing out loud several times, his comic timing really added to the experience for me. Overall it was a pleasant easy listen.

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Mad, bad and dangerous?

A life not going as intended made more poignant by contrast with the proximity of another's success, this is a story of failed acting ambition and a lost relationship as told from the perspective of the main protagonist, Stephen.
The character is captured well by the narrator, Paul Thornley, in an excellent reading and Mr. Nicholl's dialogue and text is, at times, both witty and just tinged with an equal quantity of hope and despair.
I did enjoy this book but am still uncertain if it has left me sad for the loss of the past or hopeful for life to come. Recommended.

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Nice story but slow

It's nice to see the progression of he character but the ending is very deflating and also the story took a while to get going

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Not for me

I listened to the whole book, though at times thought about giving up. It improved slightly, but the characters were uninspiring and not terribly likeable. I found the book depressing and annoying - the lead character was so wet. It wasn’t particularly funny either. Not for me.

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So-so

Badly in need of editing and a continuity check- the character of Sophie comes across a lot older than her supposed 7/8yrs- I initially thought the author needed her to be around 7yrs old for a particular plot point but that doesn’t work either. Overall, the beginning and ending were engaging, it was just the middle where it dragged- badly. Ok read for a summer’s day but other than that, I wouldn’t bother

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1 person found this helpful

Not to be missed

This was my second David Nicholls audio book and I enjoyed this story of the under dog and understudy Stephen McQueen and his escapades even more than "US" which I also really enjoyed.
Great performance from the narrator too.

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Bit Long

Was entertaining story but a little generic. Would have read it a bit quicker. Thing l found most irritating was the different voices for each character and they dragged after a bit. Raised few good laughs so not all bad!

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1 person found this helpful

Drippy beta male

Another irritating bloke who deserves everything that happens to him.
Having said that, I did listen to the end

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Great funny Story

Would you listen to The Understudy again? Why?

Yes, very interested the whole way through and perfect for a tube book.

What did you like best about this story?

I love the acting culture and books that are based around things and places i know this was funny, witty and a good story to follow.

Which character – as performed by Paul Thornley – was your favourite?

Steve, very believable realistic and easy to follow. also i love under dog stories.

If you made a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

classic under dog story set against the hard life of a west end actor.

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2 people found this helpful

Bittersweet Sorrow

I read this after reading Sweet sorrow, which is a much better read. There is some humour in the book, but to be honest Stephen is such a sad character, that you just felt bad for him. Narration was excellent, and overall I enjoyed the read, but it did leave me feeling a little flat.

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