CMWolf

Beautifully narrated, highly engaging

Revisado: 09-18-22

On a recent tedious drive across three states I was delighted to be entertained for over eleven hours by this lively period novel set in eighteenth century England. Whores, bare-knuckle boxers, spoiled aristocrates, and a wealthy merchant with a chip on his shoulder find their lives intersecting across social strata, as they are motivated by love, desperation, greed, and friendship.
The author, Anna Freeman, articulates a tangible historical portrait of the period rich with detail, and the characters are equally well realized.
The narration was perfect. Delivered by only three performers, each character was distinctly individual and wonderfully unique. I was sympathetic to the conflicts each embodied, and emotionally invested in the outcomes of all...even the most dispicable of them.
I would certainly have enjoyed this book had I been reading it in printed format. As an audio book it was well deserving of 5 stars.

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Wonderful writing woefully narrated

Revisado: 08-19-22

I love everything written by Barbara Pym, including this book, but I could just not get past this reader's delivery. I can't put my finger exactly on what combination of factor renders her unlistenable to me, but I simply could not over ride my aversion beyond about 3 chapters.
She reads in such a languid drawl that I kept expecting a yawn, and this disengagement robbed each character of their distinctive voice, rendering all as an homogeneous monotany of indistinct uniformity floating through scenes in a qualude haze. Barbara Pym writes sublime dialogue saturated with nuance, complexity and subtle wit, which devastatingly was rendered mute by this reader's apparent indifference.
This is the most damning of my observations and was enough to consign this audio book to my reject pile. However, I am put off enough by one more thing that I must mention, though I admit readily I may be incorrect. After all, I am American, not British. But although I cannot know this for sure I suspect this reader does not possess a genuine British accent, rather has 'cultivated' one for the purpose of performance. There is something so odd about her cadence and pronunciation that I can only attribute it to this possibility.
Anyway, audio quality was good, no glaringly mispronounced words, and if you can get past the reader's lack luster and slightly smug sounding voice the content is beyond reproach. So 3 stars.
If you've purchased this book content yourself with knowing it might be good as background noise to put your infant or a pet to sleep.

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esto le resultó útil a 3 personas

Very Entertaining and Engaging

Revisado: 03-08-22

I love a good period tale with well developed characters, believable atmosphere, something beyond utterly predictable plot tropes, and lovely narration. This story delivered on all points. I had a long work day today in my studio. I put this audio book on at 6:00 this morning and have been thoroughly entertained all day as I worked. Utterly enjoyable and productive day. I'm glad I was able to binge the entire book in a single long sitting. Otherwise I would certainly have been losing sleep listening to it in bed! All this AND it was included as a free listen. Hope I can find another by the same author! 5 stars

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Fascinating real life murder mystery

Revisado: 12-25-21

I was rivited by the unfolding of this perplexing and tragic drama. These episodes chronical the death and cosequentially the life of an evidently remarkable individual who though emotionally and psychologically isolated and reclusive, deeply touched both those who knew him in life and those tasked with solving the puzzle of his death.
The complex case is explored with respect and compassion. Although it remains an unsolved murder, the thoughts and theories of those closest to the story offer a sense of resolution even as many questions remain.
Unexpectedly, I was very moved by this narrative. It will remain with me.

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Fascinating real life murder mystery

Revisado: 12-25-21

I was rivited by the unfolding of this perplexing and tragic drama. These episodes chronical the death and cosequentially the life of an evidently remarkable individual who though emotionally and psychologically isolated and reclusive, deeply touched both those who knew him in life and those tasked with solving the puzzle of his death.
The complex case is explored with respect and compassion. Although it remains an unsolved murder, the thoughts and theories of those closest to the story offer a sense of resolution even as many questions remain.
Unexpectedly, I was very moved by this narrative. It will remain with me.

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