Kerr506

Great Narration for a terrific story

Revisado: 11-30-21

My husband and I both really enjoyed this book. I'm so glad we listened to this story instead of reading it. The narrator really brought it all to life. This book caught me on the very first sentence ("2 plus 2 = 4") and held on right to the end.

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Sci-fi without shoot em up battles

Revisado: 06-24-21

I appreciate a sci-fi book that does not involve violent battles and the saving of humanity. This is a story set in the fairly near future where brain implants that enhance perceptions become all the rage Is it safe? Is it a good idea?
It's told from the point of view of a "2 Moms" family with 2 teenage kids. I cared about the characters and the well constructed storyline. Fun interesting read. I wasn't sure I like the narrator but she grew on me.

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Realistic. Timely. Excellent

Revisado: 03-22-21

I liked this book from the very first sentence: "It was her idea to tie up the nun." It's under 200 very worthwhile pages with a realistic story of immigration, more from the emotional aspects than the actual travel aspects.
How to be a family when the family is split into pieces? What is "home?"
Good writing gives plenty to think about and to discuss. Highly recommended.
I listened to audible version with the fine narrator, Inés del Castillo.

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Unsatisfying

Revisado: 11-18-20

Overall sense of unease builds and builds. Awkward relationship between two families. The interesting part for me was watching them transform through the unease. But ultimately unsatisfying. Also I didn't like the unnecessary details and references to genitalia and sex.

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Window into a 1918 Hospital

Revisado: 11-04-20

This book requires a high tolerance for birth stories, mostly grim, with creative strategies in troubled times. My tolerance is HIGH. I couldn't stop listening.

It’s 1918, in a hospital, maybe in London. The hospital is short staffed due to illness. Pregnant mothers with the flu are quarantined together in a tiny room. Julia Power is an overworked but caring nurse called upon for all sorts of birthing dilemmas. A LOT happens in the 3 days the book takes place. Unlike our 2020 Covid, once you’ve survived the flu you are immune.

The author started this book in 2018, inspired by the 1918 flu epidemic which most of us had never heard of until the current 2020 covid pandemic. I only wish it weren't so timely...... This book is a window into that time in the hospital setting regarding medical standards, the roles of women and poverty.

Interesting that at one point a doctor who has not had the flu states that she doesn’t wear a mask because they are useless. I wonder if the author would change that now, or not?

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Almost Returned it

Revisado: 10-02-20

I came close to returning this book after the first few chapters. The writing just seemed so silly and cutesy. Tiresome characters. I could barely tolerate the narrator and her annoying voices. But I found I had just enough curiosity to continue with it. It wasn't long before enjoyment and interest began to increase. Pieces of the puzzle started coming together and changing my understanding. It just continued to be better and better.

It's a hostage drama. But is that really the point? I'd say the overall theme is that we are all vulnerable idiots doing stupid things. We are just human. We are anxious people.

At first I was going to suggest reading this book rather than listening to it but now I'd say the narrator actually did a fine job and this audible version is the way to go!

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Fascinating but should have been 2 books

Revisado: 09-06-20

Audible version with terrific narrator. I've always wondered what it was like people, especially for women who got transported from England as criminals to Australia.

There are two major storylines. Matthina is based on a true story of an aboriginal girl taken rather as a pet by an English couple residing in Australia. The other story is about women accused of crimes and sent by ship to Australia.

I knew from the minute that Matthina's story began that she deserves her own book. I think two stories should have been 2 separate books. I wanted MORE of each.

The book has some predictable parts and the characters are not clearly drawn but the story is so fascinating that I was always anxious to get back to it. I suspect the author did a good bit of research for this book so I hope that it is historically accurate.

Outstanding narration by Caroline Lee

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Wish it had fiddle tunes

Revisado: 08-29-20

A book i think about this much deserves 5 stars. Took me a while to make sense of the ending. The writing is terrific and I look forward to more by this author.

I play fiddle and have learned a few Metís fiddle tunes over the years without knowing anything much about the people. I learned a lot in this book.

I wish the audible version included at least a tidbit of fiddle tunes. There are references to the music in the book but the author never names specific tunes but clearly the music is an important part of Metís tradition.

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Depressing but worth it

Revisado: 08-15-20

I thought about just 4 stars for this story. It seemed relentlessly depressing. Women oppressed in different ways. There are no good men out there, well, if there are they are weak. But then I realize I do care about these characters and the writing is that good that I stuck with it the whole way, without regrets. There is indeed a lot of space between these characters and it's all complicated by caste, gender, societal norms, education, love, hate, wealth and poverty.

I was shocked when 2 of the main characters sat down to have tea and a heart-to-heart talk. They know each other so very well and for so many years. One used a china tea cup and sat at the table. The other retrieved her tin cup from her box and sat on her haunches on the floor.

I'm lucky now that the sequel just came out so I am heading on to "The Secrets Between Us." I already know a lot of the secrets. What else will happen?

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Empowered Indian Woman -- with complications

Revisado: 08-06-20

Here is a book that held my attention and made me anxious to get back to listen to more of it.

A very empowered Indian woman went from her small village to an abusive arranged marriage. How did she raise herself up to a lucrative career as a henna artist? She knows all the tricks and nuances of her business and is doing great -- until her life becomes complicated.

I found the plot to be pretty predictable but I had some surprises along the way.
The narration by Sneha Mathanwas well done. She does a particularly good job with the parrot ;-)

I really look forward to the sequel!

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