Chris Wall

Fun listen for a fan of historical fiction

Revisado: 06-28-22

This book wasn't life changing, but it was a fun listen. It's historical fiction about a time in American history when options for women were limited and freedom of expression was challenged (wait... maybe it's not too historical...). The narration performances were great for Louise and Katherine, but just ok for the other characters, especially the male voices. One side note - I've never been a big fan of Hemingway but like him more after his portrayal in this book!

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Narration hard at first, but great summer thriller

Revisado: 06-15-22

I have to admit I almost stopped listening because of Imogen Church's over-the-top American accents (I *love* Imogen Church but had only heard her do British accents). I stuck with it, and I'm glad I did.

After I got into it, I couldn't stop listening. I hate spoilers, so won't say much more, but ultimately I loved this story about women taking charge and the friendship between them.

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esto le resultó útil a 4 personas

A brilliant saga

Revisado: 06-06-22

Epic story, fantastic narration. I'm going to be sad for several days not having these characters in my life. I will certainly listen to this again someday.

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Cloying, cringey, and predictable

Revisado: 03-07-22

Early on, I debated not finishing this book, and I regret not doing it. I wondered how so many people could love it. It's so very trite. If you miss the very obvious messages, don't worry, they will be repeated - without subtlety - over and over again.

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4.5 stars - best narrator ever, ending odd

Revisado: 06-27-21

First, David Pittu is now my favorite narrator. His voice brought so much life to all the characters (and after listening for 32 hours, they felt like real people to me - can Hobie please be real? And Zandra may be in my head forever?). I can understand how some might think this was slow - I could see myself thinking that too, but I was in the right mindset to immerse myself in this beautifully written, tragic coming-of-age story. I'm an art lover and loved Ms. Tartt's prose about The Goldfinch and now have a newfound appreciation for antiques. Though the last part of the book was somewhat plausible (based on certain characters' histories), it felt jarring compared to the rest of the book. I wouldn't recommend this to everyone, but I certainly enjoyed this.

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4.5 Stars

Revisado: 04-07-21

I had not read Janelle Brown before and really enjoyed her writing - lyrical prose and deep character development, including the personification of Stonehaven. The narrators really brought Nina and Vanessa to life. My one issue with this book it's length - could have been an hour or two shorter - because once you realize where the path is headed, you want it to happen already!

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Clunky, slow

Revisado: 03-30-21

The narrator was fantastic - many characters and distinctive voices for nearly every one. As far as the story goes - I cannot review with comparing to Tana French. I've read several of her books. This story shares much of the same setup (detectives in Ireland), but none of the charm. The story felt unbalanced, leaded at times and glossing over things at other times. The characters felt just out of reach, so I didn't feel invested in most of them.

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Great story, cringeworthy similes

Revisado: 02-03-21

SA Cosby is a talented writer - he managed to create a very flawed, but very sympathetic hero; other interesting characters, subtle foreshadowing, and an exciting story.  The descriptions of Beauregard's driving had me riveted.  However, the similes and metaphors nearly made me stop listening.  Saying, "...the needle was so far in the red, it had to file for bankruptcy" kills the buzz of a car chase!  Unfortunately, there are many, many of these and are cringeworthy when read aloud.  Such a skillful author doesn't need to try so hard - it reminded me of the clunky writing of a high schooler trying to show off the words he learned for the SAT.  This, of course, made the narrator even more impressive - his voices were distinctive and he read through those awkward comparisons without a hitch.  

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esto le resultó útil a 2 personas

So many coincidences

Revisado: 08-22-20

I enjoyed this book, but cannot get over the very many coincidences. The topic was quite interesting, and I loved that it was in Ghana - never before read a book situated there. The perspective of the female characters was a bit painful (mentioning periods, really?). Nonetheless, I wouldn't consider it time wasted.

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Just, wow

Revisado: 02-11-19

Beautiful, painful, funny. It's been a long time that I've read (or listened to) a book with such alive characters - and so many of them, so rich. I want to know them in real life! It was even more powerful with Mr. Urrea narrating it - this wasn't just an actor reading it but someone baring his soul. Very powerful.

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