Eclectic Guy

Brilliant narration of a brilliant classic

Revisado: 04-08-24

Jake Gyllenhaal exquisitely captures the musicality of Fitzgerald's prose in this irresistible iteration of the classic Jazz Age novel. The story takes hold in the first minutes and never lets go as Gyllenhaal brings each character to life. It's interesting that a musical version of The Great Gatsby is about to open on Broadway. Listening to the Audible version, there is music in nearly every impeccably wrought sentence. The book is an acknowledged masterpiece. The audio version more than does it justice.

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What a life!

Revisado: 12-13-23

Barbra reading to me, hour after hour, spilling her guts, filling in the blanks, inviting me, and the rest of us, into her world. Well, at a safe distance, but I’ll take it. The book is epic-proportioned, yet disarmingly intimate. And her narration, riddled with Brooklyn inflections, is warm and wise and sometimes hilarious. Her obsession with material beauty — fabric, fashion, architecture, furniture, literature, orchestration, floral, canine — propelled the artist and enchants the listener (this one anyway). Her struggles with demons, real (mom!) and imagined (paralyzing stage fright) are aired and shared. It’s an extravagant gift, deserving of a heartfelt thank you. Thank you!

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A gifted writer, but that plot.....

Revisado: 07-17-23

I really wanted to like this good-hearted novel but the twists and turns (i.e., contortions) of each new chapter made that a challenge. The writing -- the lovely way Zevin chooses and uses her words -- is engaging, and impressive. But the plot is exasperating, stretching belief and patience. Eventually, it, simply sinks into a maudlin sea. Still, the story is lovingly told and I feel curmudgeonly by giving it this review.

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Engrossing, enchanting, historic, often hilarious

Revisado: 05-26-23

A historical novel about Dick Kallman? Really? Who knew -- who he was, let alone that his life as a marginal show biz figure and, later, a somewhat sketchy antiques dealer, could provide grist for such a wildly original and entertaining read. It's a detective story, of sorts, as Kallman's real-life murder provides the springboard. There's lots of spring in that board, as we learn about Kallman's association with A- and B-listers of the day, with 1950s-through-1980s New York gay life providing the irresistible backdrop. Delores Gray -- yes, the real one -- figures prominently, and hilariously. Mallon's peppery style keeps the story moving swiftly, with only a bit of sag when he gets bogged down in detective work details. Mostly, this is a witty and ultimately warm and poignant story. The narration is by Lowell Byers is near-perfection. 5 stars all the way.

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A rhapsodic story

Revisado: 05-12-23

Both heartbreaking and heart-filling, “The Great Believers” weaves a powerful and hypnotic spell. I’m sure the characters Yale and Fiona will stay with me for a very long time. Michael Crouch’s narration is perfection.

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Less is less

Revisado: 01-23-23

Loved Less, which did not cry for a sequel. Less Is Lost is a letdown, despite Greer’s engaging wordplay.

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Everything Was Possible:The Revival

Revisado: 09-27-22

With Jonathan Groff’s warm and inviting narration, listening to Ted Chapin’s invaluable 2003 chronicle of the original “Follies” has the feel of a first-rate revival. Almost 20 years later, the book feels fresh, and is as fascinating and insightful as ever. Groff’s charming narration is marred only by his bizarre pronunciations of Yvonne De Carlo’s first name and Ethel Shutta’s last. Do authors ever listen to their own audiobooks before they’re released?

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A deep, richly satisfying, irresistible journey

Revisado: 01-25-22

Often riveting, always intriguing, sometimes head-scratching, sometimes horrifying, sometimes heartbreaking, ultimately all-consuming and richly rewarding. I resisted reading any of the reviews until after I finished the book -- a good decision. Experiencing the structure (and its surprises) is part of what makes "To Paradise" such a wondrous -- and wonder-making -- experience. The narration is brilliant. I read parts of the book on Kindle without the narration, but most of it with the impeccable cast that was assembled to take us on this deep journey. Five stars for all aspects of "To Paradise." I was totally consumed by it until its inevitable final words.

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A treasure of a novel

Revisado: 07-02-21

What a joyous experience. Each page is alive with wise observation, fresh wit, and a disarmingly matter-of-fact sense of sadness. It's a quiet stunner, exquisitely narrated by Eve Karpf. Five stars all the way.

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Perfection

Revisado: 06-23-21

“The Remains of the Day” is a rich, layered, deeply satisfying novel read impeccably by Nicholas Guy Smith. Bravo.

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