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lesserjoke's review against another edition
3.0
The aging barrister Horace Rumpole was originally created as a television character, but his writer John Mortimer soon adapted those stories for the literary medium, resulting first in this collection of short stories that presents some of Rumpole's most notorious cases before the English courts. This fictional defense lawyer is a very funny fellow, not nearly as clever as he thinks he is, but still far cleverer than his colleagues or clients would like to admit. Mortimer is skilled at both presenting and piercing Rumpole's pomposity, all without ever turning the audience against him.
johnnyforeign's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
alex2691's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
jonathanrobert's review against another edition
funny
informative
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
gimpyknee's review against another edition
3.0
The United States and Great Britain are not only divided by a common language but also by a sense of humor. This will be my last Rumpole. As they say across the pond, not my cup of tea.
maureen_fox's review against another edition
DNF around 55%. I was listening to the audio book and just got tired of the character. Maybe it was the writing? Or perhaps the out of date tropes for the women characters.
susannah_n's review against another edition
3.0
I listened to the audiobook of Rumpole of the Bailey when it was posted as a buddy read on one of the Goodreads groups I follow. I don't think anyone who isn't English will appreciate it unless they are as much of an Anglophile as I am embarrassed to admit I am. It was entertaining to listen to the puffed up characters from Rumpole's world, though Rumpole does read as a bit of a sad character, sharp-witted but derided by almost all of the people around him, including the son he is clearly very fond of. I don't think I'll read/listen to any more of these stories, but it was fine for a few hours.
corvinaq's review against another edition
4.0
Bless this crusty old darling counsel for the defense & his sassy adventures.