Krystyna Hanser

Not her best

Revisado: 05-13-15

What disappointed you about Fatal Remedies?

The story isn't bad, the narrator is as usual very good but Ms Leon's writing style seems to be slipping. I hope this is temporary. She wastes far too much time in this book on plodding narrative that details every gesture, action, situation in slow motion. The overall effect, for me at least, was boredom. I found myself skipping some passages to get on with the story.

Did the plot keep you on the edge of your seat? How?

No. The telling of it got in the way.

Which scene was your favorite?

The scenes with Signorina Ellettra are always fun.

You didn’t love this book... but did it have any redeeming qualities?

The loving, mature relationship between Brunetti and Paola.

Any additional comments?

I continue to enjoy the Brunetti novels and hope that Ms Leon will keep us awake with her next novel.

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Written with grace and wisdom

Revisado: 05-06-15

Fascinating insight into life lessons in space and on earth.
Beautifully written. A gear read for young and old. Thanks!

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A Must Read Book

Revisado: 04-08-15

Would you consider the audio edition of Thieves of State to be better than the print version?

I like the narrator -- she happens to be the author -- but have not read the printed book.

What does Sarah Chayes bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

It is a powerful, instructive account of reality. It should be required reading for us all.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Nothing to laugh about, but it is certainly "for to weep".

Any additional comments?

Wake up, everybody.

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Boring

Revisado: 04-08-15

What could have made this a 4 or 5-star listening experience for you?

I compliment the two narrators for the brave job they did with what is basically a boring "chick book".

Has The Girl on the Train turned you off from other books in this genre?

Probably

What about the narrators’s performance did you like?

They are better than the book.

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Branagh's rendering worthy of this classic

Revisado: 11-30-13

If you could sum up Heart of Darkness: A Signature Performance by Kenneth Branagh in three words, what would they be?

Intelligence, professionalism, understanding

Who was your favorite character and why?

The narrator

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I was awed by the enormity of the setting

Any additional comments?

Would that people still knew how to write prose such as this.

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A bit over the top.

Revisado: 11-07-13

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I would first have them read the preceding two. This is not Silva's best work, they get better later on. In this book he seems to be about to hit his stride. The ending is overdone and while the premise of the Vatican's part in WW II is true, I doubt Cardinals plotted murder.

How would you have changed the story to make it more enjoyable?

Make it a bit more ambiguous regarding culpability and behavior of the protagonists.

What does John Lee bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

This reader is excellent. Better than another one who reads some of them with exaggerated accents that I found rather annoying.

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Author & narrator combine talents

Revisado: 03-18-13

If you could sum up Véra in three words, what would they be?

Capacity for life

What was one of the most memorable moments of Véra?

Giving publishers a hard time and winning.

Which scene was your favorite?

Too many to single one out.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Oh, yes!

Any additional comments?

I highly recommend this biography to anybody who loves a great story, a lively writer and an experienced narrator.

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Schiff Set a Higher Bar For Biographies

Revisado: 03-11-13

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Stacy Schiff is an extraordinary scholar and a gifted writer. She knows how to tell a great tale. Having sat spellbound through her Cleopatra, I am now equally absorbed in her Vera.The readers of both books are excellent at bringing words on paper to life. I would recommend this book to everybody who thinks Cleopatra was Elizabeth Taylor and spent her life ordering servants around.

Who was your favorite character and why?

This book ranges over a large part of Roman history during Cleopatra's life, so I found some of the other protagonists, such as Ocatavian, very interesting.

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Donna Leon

Revisado: 02-11-13

Would you listen to Drawing Conclusions again? Why?

Yes I would listen again. Donna Leon is one of my favorite authors. She has perfect pitch on Venice and her prose is impeccable.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Drawing Conclusions?

The excellent conclusion.

What about David Colacci’s performance did you like?

He is a pro. I've listened to amateur volunteers elsewhere, so hearing his intelligent approach was a relief and a pleasure.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The old man, of course.

Any additional comments?

I love Donna Leon.

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