Airs and Graces

By: Erica James

Narrated by: Charlotte Strevens

Having married once for love and been abandoned by her husband, Ellen is determined that her second marriage will be for money. And conveniently Duncan, her divorce lawyer, is not unattractive - and he’s enticingly single. But when she meets painter Matthew, Ellen has to remind herself very strongly indeed that Duncan is the man for her....

©1997 Erica James (P)2013 W F Howes Ltd

Critic reviews

"Delightful…a blend of emotion and wry social observation." ( Daily Mail)

"A captivating read: beautifully written and heartrendingly sad." ( Daily Telegraph)

"I'm all out of Love"

What did you like best about Airs and Graces? What did you like least?

I enjoyed the character Hermione best. She made me smile and laugh. What I liked least about the story is that most of the characters are forgettable.

What was the most interesting aspect of this story? The least interesting?

The most interesting aspect of this story was (again) Hermione. She was clever, humorous, thoughtful, admittedly selfish at times, but lovingly warm, caring and nurturing. This was evident in those who surrounded her and practically every character did. The least interesting aspect of the story was that the main character never developed a strong sense of who she was or what she wanted in life. She literally wavered the entire story (even at the conclusion).

Did Charlotte Strevens do a good job differentiating all the characters? How?

The narrator did a good job. Each character had their own distinct voice.

Could you see Airs and Graces being made into a movie or a TV series? Who should the stars be?

I suppose it could be, but I would not be a viewer as the characters are not memorable. (With the exception of Hermione and Bernie. Bonkers and Suzi were a nice side story too. Nothing to make a tv series or movie about, but a nice distraction.) See additional comments.

Any additional comments?

I would have enjoyed the story more if the characters had something that was bold about them. For example, Hermione was memorable. She was strong, knowledgable and fierce in her own way. If Hermione were removed from the story, the book would fall apart. Both Duncan and Matthew could come and go and nothing about the story would change. Duncan was not portrayed as desirable or even wanted, but needed. Matthew seemed to be thrown in as a distraction for Ellen or the go-to guy if things didn't work out. And I honestly believe Simon was an afterthought. And the main character? Weak the entire story even though she had everything to be strong, a nice cottage, a business, good head on her shoulders, yet she was "type cast" as weak and needy.

Great listen

I love Erica James books. They are so well written with wonderful narration. Each character is so well drawn and the plot is usually easy to figure out but getting there is the fun part.

Great Story, Horrible Narration

What did you like best about Airs and Graces? What did you like least?

Best: the interaction among characters; least: the narrator.

Would you ever listen to anything by Erica James again?

Yes, but only if it is read by another narrator.

Would you be willing to try another one of Charlotte Strevens’s performances?

No !!

Do you think Airs and Graces needs a follow-up book? Why or why not?

Not necessarily - the author apparently didn't "feel" a follow-up as she finished this one neatly, not leaving any characters "cliff-hanging."

Any additional comments?

This narrator made the principal character, Ellen - who is described as young, beautiful, etc., sound as if she and her elderly friend Hermione were the same age - which is strange inasmuch as she did well with the other younger characters, i.e., Jojo, Simon, Suzie.