Patricia

Laugh a little Cry a little Love All

Revisado: 11-11-09

I was reading this novel about a year ago and lost my book. I found it here on Audible and decided to listen to it. I recalled that even though I did not get far into the reading of it before I had liked what I read.

What happened is this: I got tired of narrator's tone. So I went and purchased paperback and started reading the book again. However, when reading to myself I kept hearing the narrator's voice. The story is so very good that even tho I did not care much for the narrator's tone I still listened to it during times I could not read- like at work and doing household chores.

The story is so touching, even powerful because I know it will influence my future perceptions of the value of friendships, sisterhood, and mother-daughter relationships.

The focus is primarily the relationship between two girls/women and reminds me of my relationship with my own twin-sister. Extremely few bonds are ever as close. Even the physical contact shared by these two may to some seem inappropriate but they were not sexual experiences. It just showed how deep the friendship became- "old sames".

I also liked the other relationship perceptions explored by the author (Mother-daughter, Aunties, Blood sisters, Daugher/Mother-in-law, etc). This novel delves into many issues that arise in the lives of women and although the culture is very different from American culture (for instance the practice of taking a concubine) the feelings are very much the same and identifiable.

I laughed a little. I cried a little more. But I loved all.

About the narrator: eventually her voice/tone grew on me. It helped to be able to read the physical copy as well. I listened to 100% of the novel and read 100%. I am likely to listen to it again now that I am accustomed to the narrator....but for certain I will be entertained by this novel again be it audio or visual.

Don't pass it up either way.

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esto le resultó útil a 16 personas

Great Narration and you may lay to that!

Revisado: 10-14-09

It's a classic for a reason. But what really made this great for me was the narration. The pace and pitch perfect for every scene. Character voices so distinct and varied you could put a face to them easily. I had no idea a "pirate" book could be so good and fun to listen to. I listened to it two times in a row and know I will still listen again in the future. The story was great and I get a kick out the "pirate" idioms. No wonder there's an offical Speak Like A Pirate Day (September 19).

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esto le resultó útil a 4 personas

Worth getting into

Revisado: 10-19-05

This was my first book by LMB and I am not disappointed. In fact I am currently getting ready to listen to the next book, Paladin of Souls. I have to admit there is a reason I have rated it only 4 stars and if I knew how to do half stars I would give it another half star. My reason for this is because I had a hard time getting into the story at first. I found it a bit dificult to understand who is what and what the religion or superstitions of the culture are. I had to start it over a few times in the begining until it just didn't matter to me the who's and what fors. After getting along to the next cd I finally kept it going and got caught into what really matters in this story - the characters themselves. I loved the narrator's voices. He did a fantastic job on Cazaril....I nearly fell in love with him. I really don't want to get into describing what the story was about. I just want to say....its worth getting into but just be patient in the begining...it may take a few tries.

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esto le resultó útil a 5 personas

birth of new insight

Revisado: 10-09-05

I purchased this audio so long ago and did not listen to it right away. I forgot why I even purchased it, as it did not appear to be something that would interest me. I was wrong. Right from the introduction the mystery begins. The world of Florence came to life with the authors well researched and believable fiction. I have come away from this novel with a new appreciation of art; with awe of the religious & political upheavel; shocked by the horrendous sufferings persons forced on others because they were not "godly" enough. I wonder at the shame women endured for simply being women and yet such reverence the pious render to their "holy Mary". I loved the truth in the characters and the boldness of the author to so honestly yet delicately portray what it was like for homosexuals in such a religiously heated period in history. I believe I came away with a new respect for what I believed to be an un-natural way of life. I am not sorry now that I purchased this book. I am glad I finally gave it my ear. It was not difficult to listen to either. Although I usually find it more difficult to listen to a female reader, I found this woman easy and comfortable to listen to. Enjoy.

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esto le resultó útil a 4 personas

Wow, just....Wow

Revisado: 09-30-05

A very different read for me. I have not read much on necromancy but found this very interesting. This is a manditory reading at my sons high school this year and so I listened to it too. It definitely has given us some interesting topics to discuss. He has not heard the audible as he has to follow in a hard copy, but I really believe this book is better as an audible book. Mr. Curry did a fantabulous job on the voices. I especially loved his work on Mawget. I believe the book is an young adult reader however, it can be very much enjoyed by the older audiences as well....especially those who love fantasy type fiction. Although to some 3 stars is not real high, please see it as a satisfactorily entertaining read between 1= did not like; 2= enjoyable but easy to forget; 3= good story and reader,very satisfied; 4= good enough I'm telling my friends about it; 5= a great favorite that I will listen to more than twice; moving story & great reader(s).

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esto le resultó útil a 2 personas

Clever story telling

Revisado: 09-02-05

I know its not the bible but it is not the "sacrilege" other reviewer claims it to be. This story is cleverly written and effectively puts the reader directly into the lives and very possible settings that the real Dinah and her mothers faced as the wives of Jacob, and mothers of his sons. I liked that it included not just Dinah's well known brief history but also the history of her mothers and the relationships of her brothers.
The narrator has good voice for this story and was easy to listen to. I am not ashamed to rate this book a 4 star!!Enjoy.

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esto le resultó útil a 15 personas

For Mature Audiences Only

Revisado: 06-12-05

I gave this book high scores because it has been one of those that hooks you good. Every chapter leaves you hanging as the next introduces you to new characters or takes you to place and happenings of characters you've already met. There are far reaching threads that begin to unravel, people do surprising things; braves crumble and cravens find courage; powers fail, while new darker ones come to life. A kingdom united becomes a kingdom in tumoil and men rise to triumph while a darker force has its will too. I do caution however that the writing is definitely for mature persons or persons not easily offended by violence, rape or even incest. These are offensive things and some persons may not be able to appreciate the development of characters if bothered to much by bloody battles, the raping of the conquered, whoreing, or incestual relations between brother/sister. The narrator is exceptional and does all three books available here. There is another book coming: A Feast of Crows and I heard Roy Dotrice will be narrating that one as well.

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THIS TRILOGY IS WORTH EVERY PENNY

Revisado: 04-23-05

Thanks again to Lian Hearn. She completed this trilogy beautifully. I loved the story telling all the way to the end. And like many others, I too listened to many parts over again and again. What a joyful experience she (Lian Hearn) has given us in this trilogy. I loved many of the characters and ached over their trials and endured their tribulations and admired the growth of Kaede and Takeo. I am even trying to imagine how it may be possible for the Trilogy to become a Saga....it has to continue because it is hard to accept that I have come to the Trilogy's end. I will listen to it again for sure. Thank you Audible for making it available to us. This is one of those books where you know you are not sorry for its cost and it makes up for any "loser" ones you feel you may have previously purchased. This Entire Trilogy is WORTH EVERY PENNY!!!

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Warning

Revisado: 04-16-05

I have been a member of Audible for about 4 months. This happened to be one of the first books (vol. 1 & 2) I got. After listening to them, I have found myself trying desperately to find as great a quality of story and narration as these volumes. (The Egyptian is available in two volumes.) This is one of those rare finds....great story telling....you feel as though you are going on vacation to Ancient Egypt every time you push play button. There is a fair amount of detail, humor, sorrow, conspiracy, history, discovery and intrigue to be a great read for anyone. I am sure to be listening to this one again within the year. The only other story that has been as or perhaps even more enjoyable for me is the Otori Trilogy by Lian Hearn. The WARNING is this: after such wonderful experiences as these two give you.....its a while before you can find another one. They are rare. I am hoping to find such quality in my next choice: The Song of Ice and Fire series by George R R Martin.

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esto le resultó útil a 10 personas

This second of the Otori Trilogy is no let down.

Revisado: 04-16-05

I still have nothing but high praise for Hearn and thank him for this wonderful gift he is sharing with us. I appreciate the continuing growth of Kaede and Takeo. I love the balance of characters....the evil are not unbelievably evil and the heros not unbelievably perfect. The conspiracies are not far fetched and overly complicated, yet they are layered and ever moving and changing as things have always been and ever will be in the real world. If you are new to the Otori Trilogy, be sure to read Across the Nightingale Floor first. Again, thank you Lian Hearn. Thank you Kevin Gray and Iiko Nakasone (forgive spelling please) for your wonderful narrations.

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esto le resultó útil a 6 personas