P. M. ONeill

It powerfully transcends its premise

Revisado: 09-16-24

At first the novelty of the premise - two authors with some surface similarities - seem to promise something juicy. But Naomi Klein isn’t that kind of author and instead, she utilizes the structure of the doppelgänger to tell an over arching story that is also about the pandemic and what she identifies as the attention economy. And so much more. I wish I could say the book left me feeling hopeful, but it did not. In retrospect, I didn’t need to find a hope. The message is powerful, thought provoking, profound. I particularly enjoyed and appreciated hearing the author speak with her own voice. While not perhaps as polished as a professional voice actor would be, instead she infuses the text with her sincerity and her passion.

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Wow

Revisado: 05-16-18

I could not get enough. I saw some of me in everyone’s story. Although i am in therapy i still feel stuck. I’m ready to dig my roots! Thanks Mel.

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great story and a great performance

Revisado: 03-22-17

in this chapter Le Guin creates more of a domestic drama than a fantasy saga

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If it were a meal ... a feast of bittersweet

Revisado: 02-28-17

Laced with irony, anger, despair, and heartbreak, Wharton's classic story meticulously documents the head and heart divide, between what should be done and what stirs the soul. She writes convincingly from Newland Archer's point of view, yet like a three dimensional work of art, what remains after the story is done is a haunting portrayal of Ellen Olenska, her struggle and sacrifice.

Simultaneously, The Age of Innocence is a surgical deconstruction of social norms among the elite of the time. She lays bare the clipped, indirect but absolute boundaries around acceptable behavior. The stricture, naturally, is more skewed to cause women to suffer. The much-talked-about (but never actually heard from) Mrs Struthers suffers exile from the social order, but seemingly embodies the freedom that exists just outside of it, just out of reach of the main characters.

I cannot stress enough how gorgeous the book is. meant to be savored and appreciated - having read it twice, this was my first audio experience of it. The performance is outstanding, and in my opinion, captures the spirit of the text, in addition to its content. But yet again, we have an important work of American fiction read by a British voice artist, as if that were a requirement to solidify The Age of Innocence in the pigeonhole of a period piece, which it transcends.

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Puts Harry Potter & Game of Thrones in perspective

Revisado: 11-09-16

Having never read this book, nor having more than passing knowledge of the author, I gave this audiobook a try based on a strong recommendation. The story seems to presage very well known fantasy fiction of more recent times, so much so that they have to be considered part homage at a minimum. Yet it stands apart in the author's light reliance on magic to propel. I'm now looking forward to the next book in the series!

Performance wise, I have no criticism, though predictably an American author has been given voice by regional and class accents of the British Isles. I would have welcomed a different approach.

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Honest and smart, if not laugh-out-loud funny

Revisado: 08-23-16

Some key moments of insight, balanced by wry observation and moving honesty. As is fitting with a performer more attuned to improv, Girl Walks Into a Bar seems more studied than books written with the intent to provide laughs. Easy conclusions are not drawn, though the mess of human experience related herein is universally relatable.

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