DMax

Intriguing review of post-war Germany

Revisado: 04-10-24

A fascinating look at a fascinating time. Broad and deep where necessary. Insights into everyday existence, the role of art, and the complexities of denazification all stand out. (NB: The narration is done well. His is a pleasant voice to hear. But if you know how German is pronounced, be prepared for the butchery of the not infrequent German words.)

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You gotta love Kidman …

Revisado: 11-14-23

… if you’re going to give this a listen. I could see how her breathy Aussie would be a hindrance to some. Her cadence sometimes felt rushed. But she’s a fine actor with a fine voice and a well rehearsed connection to this fine piece of world class literature. I’m happy to have spent the time and wished it would’ve gone on.

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‘Every world has magic. We just get used to it.’

Revisado: 07-07-23

I love SK’s writing & language, That’s part of his magic and for that I’m deeply appreciative.

SPOILER ALERT: The dog does NOT die. Yay! I usually avoid stories with dogs because they always kill them off … and silly me I always cry. The fact that SK didn’t kill the dog was itself refreshing.

The in-world first act was compelling even when it was predictable. (Father/son. Father-figure/son-figure. Friendship. Regret. Human nature.) Some of the narrative both in-world and out-world was breathtaking. His artistry got me through some slogging during the out-world third & fourth acts. I was more interested in what happened after the out-world sojourn, but alas there was precious little of that.

All said, I’m glad to have had the listen. The performer made clear what could have been muddy, interesting what could have been tedious. Very well done, Mr. Numrich. Come to think of it, I may not have been able to stick it out on paper.

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For those who haven’t given up yet.

Revisado: 09-29-22

Important and timely, the author offers critical correctives to the unhinged extremes of the political Left and Right. Offers the rest of us with the patriotic, economic, historical, and philosophical underpinnings to support the Classical Liberal project, and invites us to reinforce the freedoms and responsibilities inherent thereto.

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A dramatic delight. But perfectionists beware!

Revisado: 09-20-22

Ok. I’m being fussy. And admittedly, the reader made only a handful of mistakes amid the 350,000 or so words. (Mistakes in the pronunciation of English. This doesn’t even count the atrocious German or the more passable French.) But why not correct them?

That aside, it was a distinct pleasure to hear the book read by an accomplished actress. She brought real life to the words. A treat. Just sorry I couldn’t give her five stars.

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Well done

Revisado: 12-02-20

Having read this book in my youth, glad to be reacquainted with it. A beautiful read with minimal “gentle reader” schmalz.

The rendering by the performer is beautiful, clear, and just the right application of dramaturgy.

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Enjoyable performance. Engaging text.

Revisado: 10-07-20

Sit back, relax, and by all means suspend expectations. “A love letter to New York,” indeed. (SI notwithstanding.) Magical realism, science fiction, social commentary all wrapped up into one. It was a wild and enjoyable ride. (My first from this author.) And not a mere excuse for a new series.

Others in my book club found it hard to follow at the beginning before they figured out what was going on. Maybe it’s my knowledge of the urban landscape, but I found it highly accessible. And entertaining. And engaging. And occasionally thought-provoking.

Audio: I tried to listen to it at 1.5-2.5X. It worked just fine. But it wasn’t worth it. I missed the nuances of the excellent performance. The added audio enhancements definitely added to the atmosphere.

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For the story, not the narration

Revisado: 04-29-20

There must be versions that you would want to savor as the ancients must have in the hearing. This is not that version. The narration has nothing to recommend it. Something between wooden and robotic with the occasional mispronunciation thrown in for good eye-rolling chuckles. But I needed to speed through the book—philistine that I am— and that I was able to do.

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