Maren

Brilliant Book

Revisado: 10-02-23

Brilliant book and insight into the country of Spain. HOWEVER, (and this is a huge flaw in the Audible presentation), if you are going to narrate a book which has words in it from a foreign language, do your research, and learn how to pronounce those words pproperly. Some of the mispronunciation is fine, he's using his "Italian accent," which is understandable if he speaks Italian, but some of the words are so blatantly mispronounced that it is cringeworthy and makes it difficult to listen to, especially if the word is said multiple times. For example, there is an entire section about the "Guardia Civil" and Mr. McKeever mispronounced the word "guardia" (pronounced "gwardia" in Spanish, as if you would pronounce it in English, "guard"-ia. This and quite a few other blatant mispronunciations like it are a huge oversight and should have, in my opinion, been cause for a do-over. I'm not blaming Mr. McKeever. How would he know? But I do blame audible for allowing this production to go forward without correction. It’s nearly unbearable in parts. Only my love for Spain and curiosity and hunger for more knowledge kept me listening, as I do not have the time to sit down and read a volume of this size.

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You'll be glad you listened.

Revisado: 11-30-21

At first I was a little skeptical about the fact that the author was reading the book herself, and that it wasn't exactly as polished and professional as you'd come to expect from an Audible performance. But once I heard her explanation of why she chose to record it this way, I found it lent to the authenticity of the story, and the genuineness of her experience. Who could convey that better than the author? It is completely autobiographical, after all. I hope you don't let this deter you from listening. You'll be glad you did.

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No closure

Revisado: 06-02-20

I just felt like after all the detail he went into, the ending was kind of disappointing. Maybe it needs a sequel. Otherwise I enjoyed the story very much.

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I loved this book!

Revisado: 03-21-20

I know a lot of reviews said this book was too long and drawn out, but I love an epic novel that draws you in and delves deep into the life of the main character like this one. To me it was like reading someone's diary, revealing someone's innermost struggles and tormentations. I was pleased that there was no gratuitous sex, even though it could have easily gone that direction due to the nature of the characters. There was some cursing, but only minimal. It probably helped that the narrator did an excellent job of portraying the characters and he nailed the accents. If I had to say one negative thing it would be that due to the narrator's deep voice, all the female characters' voices were deep and gravelly, but I also appreciated that he didn't try and overdo it with falsetto voices. It probably is more appealing as an audiobook if you're not into ready long novels. I loved the book and would highly recommend it.

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Exceptional Storytelling

Revisado: 09-26-19

Loved this book so much I would listen to it/ read it again. I began reading it on a trip and finished listening to it while doing chores. I was thrilled to find it was the author himself doing the narrating because it was so much more authentic than some of the "theatrical" performances of some of the other books I've listened to, or even some I couldn't bring myself to finish listening to. Sam Hill has such heart and the author's voice brings it to light flawlessly. This book is filled with faith, hope and love and will make you laugh and cry. It's everything I long for in a good novel. Without being too graphic the author shares tender love scenes, heartwrenching anger and the love of a mother for her son that continues on even unto death. You will not be disappointed.

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Bad Fake Spanish Accent Very Affected

Revisado: 09-13-19

Not a bad story along the lines of Gabriel Garcia Marquez, but the narrator's are really getting on my nerves. I am a near native Spanish speaker and the way they are pronouncing the Spanish words is so affected and more of an imitation Italian accent than Spanish. I'll keep listening, but it's driving me nuts.

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