leora

Beyond Humorous

Reviewed: 07-16-22

What a perfect combination- P.G. Wodehouse and Stephen Fry.

The former has a truly delightful way of spinning ridiculous tales of the English upper-classes, and the later (having spent his life surrounded by them) delivers a seriously droll reading of the clever escapdes and silliness.

Good for snickers and chuckles.

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Interesting and Compelling

Reviewed: 08-03-21

I truly enjoyed this unique book. It was hard to turn off. Well done.

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1 person found this helpful

It was so nice to hear Michelle's voice.

Reviewed: 07-13-21

I'm glad I got the audio book rather than the hardcover edition. This way I could enjoy the sound of Mrs. Obama's voice once again--so familiar and comforting. She has led an amazing life. I appreciate her sharing it with us.

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Laughter Guaranteed

Reviewed: 03-22-21

Phenomenally clever writing and superb acting! Cabin Pressures never fails to make me literally LOL.

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One of the Best in the Series

Reviewed: 09-05-20

This book spoke volumes about the attitudes and mores of the time. Devlin and Hero are a wonderfully compassionate--and passionate-- couple. I learned a lot as I listened to the compelling tale.

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hours well spent

Reviewed: 11-02-17

More than a romance, a finely written, beautifully narrated adventure that satisfied in every level.

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hours well spent

Reviewed: 11-02-17

More than a romance, a finely written, beautifully narrated adventure that satisfied in every level.

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More Please: The First in an Engaging Series

Reviewed: 05-28-17

Where does Dissolution rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

This is the first book in what has become on one of my favorite series'. I'm interested in religious history, English history, and the Tudor monarchy in general, but I wasn't sure I would be engaged by a book about a lawyer -- a hunchback, no less. I was from the start. This book (and series) captures the religiosity, upheaval and danger of life in 16th-c. England. The characters are realistic and well-wrought, the details are interesting and accurate, and the plot is fascinating. I especially loved the character of Brother Guy of Malton, the Moorish Infirmarian.

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

I'm not sure I'd say "edge of my seat" because it's not that kind of novel. But it was intriguing and fast moving enough to keep me coming back...and sitting in the car until the chapter ended on more than one occasion. There were also some big surprises.

What about Steven Crossley’s performance did you like?

I adore Steven Crossley's narrations. He speaks clearly and with the perfect amount of drama and inflection. He doesn't ever overdo. (Crossley was one of the reasons I tried this book to begin with. His narration of Ford Madox Ford's "Parade's End" and Connie Willis's "To Say Nothin of the Dog" were perfection.)

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Destroying more than just the monasteries.

Any additional comments?

I just finished the 6th and most recent Sansom novel in the series, "Lamantation." It was as wonderful as all the others.

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Stayed up far too late to finish

Reviewed: 07-06-16

A few minutes turned into 3+ hours. Worth it, though. Compelling in every way. I really enjoyed not just the plot and the narration, but the characters and history too. I learned a lot about a fascinating time period: the later years of Henry VIII's reign. There waa lots of intrigue, of course, but also a strong focus on intriguing characters. I came to care about people from all social classes. The author didn't sugarcoat the reality of life in a dangerous, dirty, and tenuous time. London and its people came alive. (Hence my late, late night.) There is also a real morality here; theological, philosophical, and ethical issues play an important role in the novel's--and the character's--development. I think this was an even better book than the first in the series. I'm looking forward to the next adventure.

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A brilliant, challenging, and valuable work

Reviewed: 09-11-12

Would you listen to Parade's End again? Why?

Yes. The prose is dense, moves back and forth in time, and is often written in stream of consciousness. I miss things if my attention drifts for a moment. I plan to listen again because this is such a beautiful book. And so nicely read.

What did you like best about this story?

The insights into history through the minds and hearts of people who lived and loved during those turbulent times is incredibly interesting to me. It's not simply a love story or a war story or the tale of a way of life imploding. It's a deep analization of what makes people tick--what motivates and inspires them. The way Ford captures thought--the way people really think--is amazing. (I'm reminded of Joyce.) I admired the various perspectives which allow me to approve/disapprove, admire/disrespect, curse/bless, and rush/savor all at the same time.

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

I think he allows me to be more patient--to not miss things I would miss if my eyes were rushing to see how a scene unfolded. Listening to his pleasant voice allows me to savor images and moments more fully.

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

The way during the most trying moments so many things race through the minds of the characters was immensely moving. And Christopher's goodness actually hurt. He tried always to do the right thing and I wanted to scream at him, to shake him. It is his intensity and his honor at home, at work, and in the trenches that made me so sad. Such a brilliant mind....So little joy.

Any additional comments?

This is the type of book that is art. It is perfect, wonderful, and horrible all at the same time. And it's not the gore of war that haunts, it's the mundanity and stupidity--and the waste. Add that to the 'rules of the game' that the British mid- to upper-crust had to play by, and you get an impressive, poignant, and frustrating novel. The characters are so memorable, especially Christopher Teitjens. (I could understand why Sylvia was spoiled for all other men--and why Valentine was spoiled too.). Note: Parade's End is not for those who need traditional structure. No tidy package here; the book reads like war plays out: in bits and pieces, with fragments of memories, dreams,boredom and drama. A bomb blows up every once in a while--and then life (and the word and world) goes on....

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42 people found this helpful