Richard Ayres Livres

Set against the backdrop of a 40th reunion pub crawl in London, the narrative explores the unraveling friendships among six university alumni as they confront personal secrets and societal tensions. As the day unfolds, revelations emerge: Tony's alcoholism, Nigel's family struggles, and past romantic entanglements complicate their relationships. The story culminates in a violent encounter on the Underground, forcing the friends to confront their hidden truths and the fragility of their bonds.

As Mike Carter nears 60, his once-dominant presence at Streetbridge College begins to wane. The younger lecturers no longer admire him, and his charm is fading, leading to a shift in power dynamics. With past enemies rising to challenge him, Mike must confront the consequences of his actions and navigate a changing environment where his influence is no longer guaranteed. This story explores themes of aging, rivalry, and the repercussions of a life lived on the edge of authority and allure.

The narrative explores the complex dynamics of family secrets as Tony Cawson, struggling with early dementia, grapples with a shameful past that haunts his daughter, Rebecca. As she navigates her own troubled marriage and hidden truths, her irrational actions trigger a series of events that unveil long-buried secrets. The story delves into the impact of familial sins, questioning whether the burdens of the past are inherited by future generations, ultimately leading to profound consequences for the entire family.

Set against the backdrop of England's Jubilee summer in 2012, the story explores the lives of three couples, each experiencing the impending celebrations differently. Central to the narrative is Derek Bailey, who grapples with a long-buried secret tied to a tragic event from his past. As he writes letters to a young man he has never met, the revelations within these letters begin to unravel the relationships of the couples, leading to unforeseen consequences and a catastrophic climax for one of them.

Set in 2002, the story follows 59-year-old Dave, a former university lecturer whose life was drastically altered by severe facial injuries, leading him to retreat from society. As he navigates his new reality, he develops a deep emotional reliance on his counselor, Susie, highlighting themes of isolation, recovery, and the complexities of human connection.

A traumatic event from Martin's past profoundly influences his life and relationships, particularly with his wife Jennifer and friends Stephen and Jacqui. The novel delves into themes such as the lasting effects of trauma, the vulnerability of friendships, the complexities of aging and personality shifts, and how class and upbringing shape adulthood. Set against the serene backdrop of the Yorkshire Dales, it contrasts the tranquility of the landscape with the emotional turmoil of its characters.

The story explores the complex relationship between Helen, a devoutly religious mother, and her daughter Jane, who escapes a strict upbringing after feeling suffocated by her mother's beliefs. Helen's guilt over her own perceived sin of pregnancy shapes her harsh parenting style, leading Jane to leave home at 18 in search of freedom and self-identity. The narrative delves into themes of faith, parental influence, and the struggle for independence.

Set against the backdrop of a 2007 London reunion, six former friends confront the passage of time and the impact of age on their relationships. As they navigate the city, discomfort and a sense of threat arise, revealing how memories can be distorted by change. Secrets from their student days in the 1960s surface, leading to unexpected truths that strain their bonds. The reunion takes a dark turn with violent incidents, challenging their hopes of rekindling connections and confronting their shared history.

At 75, Charles Pettifer faces the reality of his terminal diagnosis after a hospital visit. Once a Chief Planning Officer, he now grapples with solitude, having lost his wife years ago and lacking any close relationships. The narrative explores themes of isolation and reflection as Charles confronts his past and the legacy he leaves behind.

Das CD–Buch zur Kinderoper Kein anderes Kinderbuch außer Alice im Wunderland hat sich als so zeitlos erwiesen wie die Geschichte von Peter Pan, der sich weigert, erwachsen zu werden, und von Wendy, die vor dem strengen Vater mit ihren kleinen Geschwistern in Peters Reich Nimmerland flieht. Der britische Komponist Richard Ayres hat sich der zeitlosen Erzählung von Peter Pan musikalisch angenommen mit zarten und einschmeichelnden, dann aber auch gewaltig aufbrausenden Klängen. Auf der CD wechseln sich Erzählerstimme und gesungene Partien ab, und beim Hören lohnt es sich, die wunderbaren Bilder von Anne Hofmann zu betrachten.