Lipton101

Literary self flagellation

Revisado: 02-13-25

I can’t think of another novel that I’ve disliked as much as Doctor Faustus. I listened to all but three hours at the time of this writing. I’ll be finishing merely out of principle since I’ve already come thus far.

The Good: The narrator’s performance. He’s gifted with an incredible voice and gives an outstanding oration.

The Bad:

1. The faux-classic writing style. Doctor Faustus reads like a book written hundreds of years before its time. Hell, Von Goethe’s Faust is less antiquated at times!

2. NOTHING HAPPENS FOR FAR TOO LONG. The promise of the book is a lie - the single chapter that I enjoyed, in retrospect, seems like it was inserted into the novel at the 55% mark when the editor reminded Mann that his intention was to write a Faustian tale.

3. The digressions into obscure musical theory are tedious, self indulgent and… perhaps insecure? It almost seems like he writes those sections with an agenda. They don’t serve the story! It’s as though the author feels he has something to prove regarding his musical knowledge and is writing for an audience of one. They’re so woefully unnecessary, I label their inclusion as obscene. Where was the editor?!?

4. Horrendous dialogue. Awful chunks of long winded, irritating dialogue. There’s one monologue (not a lecture) that must’ve gone on for ten or more pages. Furthermore - every character sounds the same - as if they’re the same personality exchanging words back and forth.

5. I despise every character. I didn’t find redeeming qualities in any of the personalities on display. The main character lacks any motivation. And lastly, nobody does anything! Things kind of happen to them occasionally but your own life is more exciting and less mundane than most of the occurrences in this novel (with a few rare exceptions).

I’ve wasted too much damn time with this book. I hate it. I’m going to finish it, but I hate it.

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Impressive, immersive storytelling

Revisado: 06-10-24

It took me only 7 days to finish these 15+ hours. From start to incredible finish, I enjoyed it immensely.

I’ve previously read “The Deep” and “The Troop” by Nick Cutter. I need to revisit “The Troop,” as it’s been a while, but I know this book differed tremendously from those two novels.

All were good. In a way, I wish I never read “The Deep,” as I feel it may be the most anxiety producing, disturbing, horrifying thing I’ve ever read (still great, don’t get me wrong)…

“Little Heaven” is a different creature. There’s gore and violence abound. There’s that disturbingly brilliant twang of psychological body horror that’s ever present and constant throughout. But this story has what the others, to an extent, lacked; heart.

The characters grew throughout the story. They were subtly nurtured throughout their journeys. Not once, but twice. There’s two stories happening, the contemporary present conundrum that needs resolution and then the tale of how they got there and why these people in particular. There’s literally character growth compounded by character growth. It’s immensely satisfying. And regarding the two chronologies throughout, it’s very well done. There’s no confusion. It’s well organized and sectioned appropriately.

I didn’t want the story to end but I also couldn’t help but succumb to the urge to continue listening. Every author flubs endings from time to time but that’s not the case with “Little Heaven.” It’s hefty, fitting and ultimately satisfying.

If I were to recommend one book by Nick Cutter, it would be “Little Heaven.” I wish there were a way where I can glitch this app to give it the amount of stars it deserves because, frankly speaking, 5 just isn’t enough….

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Well paced and addictive from start to finish

Revisado: 05-03-24 El oyente recibió este título gratis

I listened to the entire novel in less than 72 hours. It’s gripping in a way that had me making excuses to drive or cut grass or engage in literally any solitary activity in order to listen to another chapter and advance the story! The performance is excellent and I like how there’s such definite distinctions between all of the voices that make it easy for a listener to discern who’s speaking. The story itself was full of twists and turns. I’m usually pretty good at predicting where a story will go but I was way off this time. This is a 5 out of 5 star work. Highly recommended!

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Terrifyingly beautiful

Revisado: 10-02-22

As the last words rang out, hairs on my arm stood on end. This is a book of duality. Terrifying and brutal with prose painted and beautiful. Be warned, the violence is unthinkable. But the story itself; it’s thought provoking nature is undeniable.

Judge Holden. Look him up. Perhaps the most terrible villain ever committed to page or film lives within these words. Beware his presence. Behold the grace of which his existence is captured.

This is truly a 5 star novel

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