Rumpole and the Golden Thread

I wish that these stories had been narrated by Leo McKern; after all, John Mortimer wrote his Rumpole stories with McKern in mind. But if he wasn't available to narrate them, then Patrick Tull is a more than adequate substitute (which brings up the question: who on earth is Bill Wallis? The Recorded Books version that I rented doesn't mention anyone by that name.). Tull does a great job of imitating the gruff-but-lovable Horace Rumpole, the barrister who makes courtroom dramas fun. I had not visited the Temple in quite a while, and it was good to reacquaint myself with both Erskine-Browns, Uncle Tom, and Guthrie Featherstone, Q.C., among others. If Patrick Tull is the narrator for any other Rumpole books I'd listen to them anytime.

Mortimer is a genius at writing because he makes Rumpole so real and memorable. And, how could anyone forget his wife, She Who Must Be Obeyed? My father, a lawyer, introduced me to Rumpole when it was a series on tv. I loved the TV Rumpole, but the books are even better! If you want a humorous, entertaining, delightful book about the English barristers and courts, this book is the right one. I loved this book and want more just like it!

Another great read about the skill, wit, caustic and irreverant QC, his bumbling confreres, She Who Must Be Obeyed, and a strong statement on English society.