carpsmarsh

OK. Not Great

Revisado: 03-26-25

I think the facts are remarkable - a woman of African American heritage rising to such a position of responsibility and power at an age when women in general didn’t even have the right to vote? -when black Americans were having their basic human rights stripped away and were being murdered? Amazing. Belle’s intelligence and confidence were just as amazing. But the book just didn’t grab me and I didn’t care for the narration.

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Truly Amazing Story

Revisado: 02-04-25

This truly amazing story of actress Heddy Lamar is one that sticks with you. What she went through growing up in Austria, being pressured to marry an unbalanced arms dealer, escaping to England on the brink of war, making her way to Hollywood, and eventually coming up with a patented invention that we actually use in our cellphones today - it’s overwhelming. When so many celebrities are vapid, amoral attention seekers, it’s hard to imagine a movie star with such bravery, brilliance and perseverance. She was beautiful and she knew it, but that was only one small facet of this woman; she used that beauty to survive and to effect good when she could.

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Amazing Background on the Impressionistsk

Revisado: 01-22-25

I was totally unaware of this turbulent period in French history or its effects on the young impressionists. What I found most interesting, was the painters themselves, their strong belief in themselves and their work despite being repeatedly rejected by the establishment. I was fascinated by their friendships (to the point of painting each other into their canvases) and how they copied each other - not as an apprentice would do in his master’s studio, but lifting subjects and motifs from each other’s works and putting their own spin on it. Julian Elfer is an animated reader, but it felt to me like he was racing through the text. There was so much going on that I think it would be easier to process and savor many parts of the book if read in print.

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The Voice -Aaaargh!

Revisado: 01-22-25

I only got about 4 chapters in and quit. This may be a great book in print, but as an audiobook it rates an F. It took me a few chapters of listening to that annoying voice, devoid of expression and incapable of differentiating between characters to realize that it wasn’t an actor who needs training -it was a robot! Silly me for not noticing that when I bought the book. Good subject matter enticed me. I’ve learned my lesson. Hopefully you will learn from my mistake. Skip this audiobook and read it in print.

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DRAMA Alert!

Revisado: 01-06-25

Historical novels are my favorite genre, but this read like an over-the-top YA dramafest. All that gushing and hand-wringing left me cold. And i thoroughly disliked the dual storyline with the young woman who is obsessed with her wacky grandmother and the perfect young lawyer heart throb. Eye roll. Bottom line, I read the whole thing because I paid for it. As historical FICTION, it was terrible. But the HISTORICAL part was enlightening. It inspired me to read more about Van Gogh’s work. Not long after finishing the book, I had the opportunity to experience a Van Gogh exhibit in a museum which I appreciated so much more than if I hadn’t started exploring Van Gogh due to this book.

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Multiple Characters' Stories Intersect

Revisado: 01-03-25

I almost gave up on this one but was glad I stayed with it. It deals with an aging American WWII soldier who is trying to track down the baby a woman handed to him when he was fighting in Italy. He enlists the help of a young American woman. There were parts that just seemed disjointed, especially when it suddenly goes on about two brothers in Naples. I like good, linear storytelling. I dislike stories that time-jump or switch to entirely different characters that have nothing to do with what Ive been reading. Its a modern writing style that makes me want to throw a book across the room (or simply abandon and delete an audiobook). So this one frustrated me but, as it turned out, it was Naples that saved the day. The author describes the city as dirty and crowded and maddening for drivers, But Napoli is also beautiful and she describes strolling along Via Posillipo, Capri and its Blue Grotto, and especially the Presepi - Neopolitan nativity creches. It also touches on the traditional Margharita pizzas and the feast of San Gennaro. I spent part of my childhood living in Napoli so this was personal. The narrator was good; I found his Italian accent accurate. Have to say I found the Museum of Tears just plain weird, but I get that it was a collection of everyone's sadness and regrets. So Napoli was a gift and I liked that all the loose ends finally came together. Now that I understand the structure, it bears a second reading. But I shouldnt have to understand the structure to appreciate a book.

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A Good Book

Revisado: 12-25-24

For me, one of the measures of a good book is how memorable it is. I am an avid reader and I’ve completely forgotten so many books I’ve read, but not this one. It’s a standout. It’s weird and creepy; sometimes a little too graphic. Quite different, but sort of reminiscent of The Shining. It keeps you guessing; you are not quite sure who is good and who is not and who will survive and who will not. And you will remember this book.

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Meh

Revisado: 12-25-24

Time travel intrigues me and some authors are better than others. This, I’m afraid, didn’t do much for me. Just a bunch of madcap adventures in historical settings. Totally forgettable in my book.

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Can I Give It Zero Stars?

Revisado: 11-28-24

What am I doing here in a YA book? I feel like I accidentally just walked into the wrong public bathroom.
I found this book so embarrassing I rolled my eyes as I read it. The writing is juvenile, the characters are cardboard and the plot is predictable. Was there anything good in it? Nope. I can see a very young audience devouring it, but if you are over 20 and reasonably educated, you don’t want to be sucked in by the reviews. Consider the audience.

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A Fun Read

Revisado: 11-13-24

This is not my normal type of reading. But I do like historical novels (or at least settings). And I do like murder mysteries so I thought I would give this at a shot. It moves along at a good clip. It reminds me a bit of the PBS show Miss Scarlet. That type of setting, those types of characters. The narrator is excellent. She is able to project all sorts of characters with a voice that has enough range to make even the men convincing.

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