Marbeth Skwarczynski

Brilliant companion to the original novel.

Revisado: 01-21-23

There is a moment every reader cherishes--when we cease reading and become one with the story on the page. Another moment takes a close second--when we stop long enough to recognize the brilliance of the story, the characters, and the writing. And then there are rare occurrences when passages are so poignant that the world before us swims as our eyes fill with tears. The Dark Descent of Elizabeth Frankenstein offered each of these moments to me. I listened to this remarkable companion piece to Mary Shelley's Frankenstein with ever-increasing admiration. Lovers of the original novel are well aware that Victor Frankenstein is an unreliable narrator, presenting his story--and himself--in the best possible light. Kiersten White takes that a thousand steps forward, allowing Elizabeth Lavenza to give us a starker insight into his narcissistic and sociopathic character. This book is beautifully written, with dynamic characters and a breathtaking plot. A must-read for every Frankenstein fan.

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When the caretaker finally cares for herself.

Revisado: 05-20-22

The voice actors do a fantastic job portraying the practicality, frustration, love, and pathos that bring this story to life. Once again, Camille Pagan takes the minutiae of life lived by "regular" people and guides the readers through the drama happening just next door--or within our own families.

Lane Francis takes her mother's advice and refuses even to entertain turning a lifelong friendship into a romantic one with the boy she's grown to love. Lane burns that bridge, regrets it, secretly blames her mom, and moves out of state. There, she makes a good life for herself. She gets a dog, marries a nice guy, and waits...waits for years for the one thing she's been longing for. Her dream is to have a child of own.

But when her mom starts exhibiting some strange behavior, Lane is called home. It looks like her dream will have to wait even longer.

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The performance is the only reason for stars.

Revisado: 04-28-20

Margaret Loomis is invited to speak about her work with Emily Dickinson but talks only about herself. She's not as fascinating as she thinks. In her mind, she is a woman who defies convention. In reality, Margaret abandoned her young daughter, while she and her husband moved to Amherst. After befriending Emily Dickenson's brother, Margaret decided she should have him as well as her own husband and attempts to normalize infidelity and "open" marriage. In her "speech," the audience is buried under every narcissistic detail of this deranged woman's life instead of Emily Dickinson--a woman Loomis never met, but in whose house, she carried on her affair. Loomis's claim to fame is editing Emily's poems and she wants the credit for publication to go to her instead of Emily's niece (whose family Loomis destroyed). Loomis sees nothing wrong in her behavior and can't quite understand why everyone isn't fascinated by her. "It's only been my own voice, this whole time, singing my praises."

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Reopening a closed case

Revisado: 03-16-20

A very interesting look into a closed case of the manslaughter. The primary suspect is the victim's closest friend. He confessed to the crime for a reduced sentence of 11 years and is now out of prison. The victim's family visited him consistently and never believed his guilt. Something about the case also didn't sit right with one of the journalists who covered the investigation and conviction. He peruaded a journalist friend, Mark Whittaker to open his own investigation. This Audible presentation features Whittaker taking the listener through the evidence. When he can, he provides audio of the actual people involved in the case. The process is interesting and insightful. If you enjoy true crime investigative journalism, you'll love this presentation.

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Clarity presented with irreverent humor.

Revisado: 03-14-20

Clear, concise, and comical. This presentation of "we are on the right and this is why" offers insight on the conservative side of the aisle to everyone from the most politically savy, to the newbies just getting involved in politics, to those so deeply entrenched in their own views that hearing something even slightly different than their own assumptions is revelatory. With their snarky brand of humor, the Chicks on the Right openly discuss what conservatism is, how it desperately needs a makeover to get its core message across, how it has been hijacked and misrepresented, and how it needs to be tweaked. No matter which side of the political spectrum you are on, you will find this book enjoyable, informative, and insightful. Happy listening!

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A visit with a new friend

Revisado: 03-11-20

Camille Pagan is one of my favorites. When I saw she released a new novel, I pounced. Pagan's writing is immediately engaging. Her narrator quickly becomes that old friend that you catch up with over tea.
In this case, I spent the pst two days with Annie who filled me in on her life after being let go from her job in a chemistry lab due to an inappropriate boss. I listened as she talked about why she moved in with her mother, a sweet woman who has issues with depression and hording. I felt for her when she confessed that her fiance took a last minute trip to Paris to "clear his head." I understood completely her desire to limit contact with other humans and smiled, nodded, and even laughed out loud when her resolutions faded as new friendships were formed and old ones healed.
It is a great novel. The only problem I have with Pagan's books is when they end and I have to wait for the next one.

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Not Barrie's Peter Pan

Revisado: 01-12-20

If you can wince your way through the tinny music at the beginning, you'll discover that for some odd reason, they decided to set this performance during the London Blitz in WWII. The father makes no appearance as he's gone away to fight. The mother plans to send the children to the country but must keep Nana with her since dog aren't allowed to be evacuated. The kids visit Kensington Gardens, meet Peter Pan and are whisked off to Neverland where we have to listen to Captain Hooks ridiculous giggle and constant air sucking. This performance of a beautifully written classic is difficult to listen to.

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A Must Read

Revisado: 12-19-18

Beautifully written and performed, this story will capture your imagination, take you on a thrill ride, and break your heart.

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Hard to hear, hard to listen to.

Revisado: 07-20-18

At only an hour and a half, one would think this story would be a perfect choice for a quick listen. The performer keeps his voice low throughout so that he's barely audible or understandable. As for the story? Convoluted, silly, and overwrought.

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Satire at it's finest.

Revisado: 05-17-18

A satirical farce aimed at the government and culture of England during the rein of Queen Anne. Everywhere Gulliver goes, he can't help but compare his hosts to his countrymen. It can be wordy at times, but David Hyde Pierce moves the story along nicely.

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