Joan Dempsey

History Brought Beautifully to Life

Revisado: 09-11-18

I tend to get bored with most straight history, but a historical novel based on real lives? Sign me up! Between the author's scrupulous attention to detail and the voice actor's performance, "The Velveteen Daughter" is a novel worth hearing. You'll feel as if you've embodied both mother and daughter and you'll want to take this journey, where the two of them grapple with art, genius, madness and intimate family relationships. Toss in visits with Pablo Picasso and Eugene O'Neill and you've got a unique view into a slice of history that would have gotten lost without the author's attention. I often felt as if the writing itself was exactly like a piece of visual art, full of color and movement and meaning, as if I'd fallen inside a painting and was seeing it from the inside out. Incredible! If you like history, art, madness and terrific writing and narration, give this one a listen.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

esto le resultó útil a 2 personas

Gripping True Story—Couldn't Stop Listening

Revisado: 07-23-18

This memoir is everything a memoir should be—utterly honest, probing, instructive and an gripping story well-told. I cared deeply about whether the author would succeed in locating and rescuing her kidnapped children, and was appalled by how difficult it was for her to navigate the various government systems in order for her to be reunited with her kids. The narrator is mostly terrific, and doesn't get five stars only because her Greek-accented male voices weren't quite up to snuff. Her voice for the author, however, and the story itself (which will grab you and not let go) easily compensated to make this a great listen. I won't soon forget this story.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña