Linda B.

All the king's horses...

Revisado: 01-06-16

I am uncomfortable watching violence in movies or tv and avoid doing so. If I am a wimp, so be it. There may be spoilers to follow so you can stop reading if your choose.

From the beginning we know one of the characters has an horrific childhood filled with the most unspeakable abuse imaginable. I guess the author felt it necessary to regale us with specifics ad nauseom. I agree that the writing in this book is beautiful and I don't agree that it is a masterpiece. Three quarters of the book done, I had taken enough of a beating and decided to end Jude's pain and my own by not finishing the book. To leave a book unfinished is very unusual for me but I found the constant description of cruelty and debasement of a human being unnecessary and redundant.

The other three friends appear to be one dimensional, the doctor friend and the adoptive parents unbelievable. I found the book much too long although I can say that this book has stayed with me, like the film "A Clockwork Orange".

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esto le resultó útil a 13 personas

Different kind of crime detective fiction

Revisado: 09-29-15

What an enjoyable ride! A twenty year old crime is brought to the attention of Department Q. I have to say this is my favorite in the series. The characters are very engaging and their relationship to each other is explored in greater depth than in earlier books. The story kept me guessing till the end with many unexpected twists. The narrator has a great style. Highly recommended if you like this genre.

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esto le resultó útil a 4 personas

Engrossing historical fiction

Revisado: 09-04-15

Lovely literary fiction based on the lives of the artist Camille Pissaro and his mother, Rachel. The author has added fictional characters to round out the story but seems to have researched their family history very well. The story moves from St. Thomas, where the family had moved due to religious persecution, to Paris. The language is so descriptive that you get a sense of the heat, smells and colors of the island.

The narrators were all excellent. I highly recommend this book.

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OK but ...

Revisado: 11-21-14

Most of the book was interesting and I enjoyed the historical references. It seems very well researched. I just found the book needed shortening. It was too long and at times repetitive. I'm glad I read it though.

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What a pairing

Revisado: 10-02-14

A wonderful narration by Sissy Spacek adds to the enjoyment of this classical literary gem.

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esto le resultó útil a 16 personas

Predictable, Melodramatic

Revisado: 09-27-14

I really expected to enjoy this book but was disappointed by the predictable storyline which became obvious very early on. I normally love hearing Indian accents but I found the narrator to be overly dramatic . The idea of juxtaposing the lives of a wealthy woman with a poor servant was interesting but all of the characters seemed to be flat and one dimensional. I found the ending to be unbelievable.

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esto le resultó útil a 9 personas

Lovely story. Wonderful narration.

Revisado: 09-03-14

This was a great find. The narration by Simon Vance is perfect. Lawrence Anthony describes his love of Africa, the people, the animals and especially his relationship with a wild herd of elephants. Highly recommended.

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esto le resultó útil a 1 persona

Disappointing

Revisado: 08-28-14

I enjoyed the Keeper of Lost Causes and found the leading characters interesting but this book dragged and was needlessly violent. The sadism was repulsive and mistreatment of animals disgusting Since there was no mystery I felt it hard to stay engaged. The narrator was good. No complaints there. I did finish the book but would not recommend it.

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esto le resultó útil a 2 personas

My new favorite

Revisado: 08-13-14

What a delight hearing Alan Rickman read this marvelous audiobook. A wonderful Thomas Hardy classic being spoken in the glorious voice of Mr. Rickman. You couldn't ask for better.

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Overly long and repetitious

Revisado: 07-04-14

I must join the ranks of those that disliked this book. Although I finished it, I felt it was a labor rather than a labor of love. The narration moved through different periods of time making it confusing to follow. I felt the descriptions were too flowery and forced. Metaphors ran rampant. Too many dream sequences.

If you enjoyed watching "The English Patient", you'll probably like this book.

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esto le resultó útil a 34 personas