K. Zbikowski

The Narration Ruined This

Revisado: 06-06-22

As much as I was interested in the stories, I just couldn't stand the narration. The narrator's pace was often too slow. There was a distracting sing-song tone quality to the narrator 's reading that was at odds with the action. And finally, many, many words were mispronounced. I may pick this up in text form, just to see how it all turns out.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

A Strange Tale, Indeed

Revisado: 02-04-13

What made the experience of listening to The Stress of Her Regard the most enjoyable?

It was a delight to me to find an audio book that brought together three of my favorite elements - historical fiction, a "spooky story," and Simon Vance's narration. I began listening with high expectations and was not at all disappointed!

What other book might you compare The Stress of Her Regard to and why?

"The Stress of Her Regard" is a re-imagining of known historical events with a secret back story of supernatural involvement that provides alternate explanations for the events of the time. I am reminded of O'Brian's "Aubrey/Maturin" series, for the historical setting, and of Stoker's "Dracula" for the supernatural back story.

What about Simon Vance’s performance did you like?

I like Simon Vance's steady narration. I like the clear articulation of words and phrases, and I like the voice characterizations. His narration never detracts or distracts from the story.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

It was a very long book. It would have been impossible for me to listen to it in all one sitting. Nor would I have wanted to. I like a book that gives the reader or listener material to reflect on, as this one did. It would have been short changing to rush the experience.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

A Talented Performance

Revisado: 01-14-13

Would you consider the audio edition of The Talented Mr. Ripley to be better than the print version?

Is the audio version of this book likely to be better than the text version? Having never read the text version, I cannot say. However, I can say that the narration adds a sense of immediacy to the action that builds suspense.

What other book might you compare The Talented Mr. Ripley to and why?

This book reminded of Shakespeare's play, Richard III. Both gave a first person perspective to crime and had a strangely sympathetic criminal narrator.

Which scene was your favorite?

I didn't really have one favorite "scene" in this book. Instead, I found myself appreciating all of the work and rehearsal that Tom Ripley put into his efforts to assimilate into his surroundings.

If you could rename The Talented Mr. Ripley, what would you call it?

I wouldn't dream of renaming this book. The name is perfect as is.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

Breathing New Life into a (Nearly) Dead Story

Revisado: 08-31-12

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I really enjoyed this audio book and would gladly recommend it to any of my friends. The excellent reading of the full cast brought the story and the characters to life. I am very familiar with Stoker's book, but for the first time could fully appreciate the humor in Johnathan Harker's journal, and the true pathos and waste of Lucy Westernra's death. Stoker's work has been "done (nearly) to death" in films and other media, such that the characters have become almost caricatures - this reading restored them to full, breathing, beings.

Who was your favorite character and why?

I would have to say that my favorite character was Mina Murray/Harker. Her clear headed courses of action drove much of the story's progress, and her "voice" also added quite a bit of context and color.

Have you listened to any of the narrators’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I have enjoyed Simon Vance's readings of the Naomi Novik, "Temeraire" series. It was a real pleasure to hear him put a voice to Johnathan Harker. He gave Harker a quietly humorous and steadfast character - much more interesting than this character has been in many films.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I did not have any extreme emotional reactions to the book simply because I have been so familiar with it for so long.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

A Good Review of the Battle...

Revisado: 08-09-12

What made the experience of listening to Stalingrad the most enjoyable?

This audiobook was enhanced by the clear narration, good writing, and good overview of the battle of Stalingrad and its implications.

What did you like best about this story?

I especially appreciated the lead in to the battle, its significance in WWII and its aftermath.

Which scene was your favorite?

I found the information about how Stalin used the outcome of the battle for political leverage against Roosevelt and Churchill to be most interesting and surprising.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

I found this to be quite a gripping book.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

Good Book, but Not for the Novice WWII Buff

Revisado: 08-07-12

Would you listen to Six Armies in Normandy again? Why?

I enjoyed this book, it was very interesting, and I will probably listen to it again.

What did you like best about this story?

The best thing about the story was the wealth of intriguing details.

What three words best describe Fred Williams’s performance?

The three words that would best describe Fred Williams' performance would be "Get someone else." Williams has an irritating tendency to mispronounce ordinary words, such as "khaki" and "combatants."

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No.

Any additional comments?

Because of the way the information the Normandy invasion was organized, this is not a book for those who are new to WWII history.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

esto le resultó útil a 1 persona