Legends

A Novel of Dissimulation

By: Robert Littell

Narrated by: Grover Gardner

It's a deadly dilemma for Martin Odum: both remembering and forgetting his past are dangerous options. A discharged CIA agent turned private detective, Odum is struggling through a labyrinth of memories from past identities, "legends", in CIA parlance. Is he really Martin Odum? Or is he Dante Pippen, IRA explosives specialist? Or Lincoln Dittmann, Civil War expert? Or another, hidden legend?

When Stella Kastner asks Odum to find her missing brother-in-law, Odum's ex-boss from the CIA shows up to order him off the case. Odum takes it anyway, embarking on a search that leads him around the world battling mortal danger and psychological disorientation.

©2005 Robert Littell (P)2005 The Audio Partners

Critic reviews

"Wonderful writing and a great sense of fun make this another winner." (Publishers Weekly)

Another great story from Littell

Every book by Littell has been a 5 star and this one keeps the streak alive. Great narration on this one. I have to put Littell in my top three of my espionage authors. I will definitely go through all his books. Highly recommend.

Not for me

Would you try another book from Robert Littell and/or Grover Gardner?

I could listen to Grover Gardner read the yellow pages.
But I doubt i would choose another book by Robert Littell. This book had too much narrative and too little action for my taste. In fact, I had to go back and listen to some of the book to remember what it was about.

What could Robert Littell have done to make this a more enjoyable book for you?

I never understand why Audible asks this question.

What about Grover Gardner’s performance did you like?

Grover Gardner's voice makes me feel like I am reading the book

Did Legends inspire you to do anything?

The only inspiration I got was not to get another book of his. I have read other reviews of this author, and a lot of people really enjoy them. Guess his style of writing just does't work for me.

Any additional comments?

I wouldn't discourage anyone else to try it

Legends

As another reviewer noted, this is fun stuff. The reader should engage in funseeking rather than typical spy gazing so as to enjoy it along with the author whose name has, by some coicidence, two "T's"and two "L's",similar to the doubling of letters in his Legends' names.
Masterfully read

was cool listening to book that created the show

good continuity, interesting locations and characters. nice and tidy and clean ending. good twists and pacing.

Actually quite funny.

Well written thought out. Did not expect it to have humor in it but found myself smiling often. Very clever storyline. Worth the time to read or listen to.

Another Littell Banger!

I enjoyed this thoroughly. Grover Gardener is the best! Great all around! There are many nuggets of life wisdom spread throughout. High replay value as well.

LeCarre's Younger Brother

This was a fascinating book. I've read LeCarre's earlier books (he's too political now)many times and Littell steps in where LeCarre went astray in politics. A good old-fashioned spy thriller that keeps you guessing til the last page. However, this might be a book that is easier read. There were several times I wished I could page back to double-check something that contributed to what was currently happening. It's a very complicated, complex puzzle of a book that is well worth spending a credit on. And, because it is so multilayered, it's worth a second listen to see how many clues were given that were missed by the reader, how the story weaves together (after knowing the ending), and just to revel in the excellence of the writing. Again... like the Smiley books by LeCarre.

If you are looking for an easy read, this isn't it. But if you like feints, mind tricks, etc., you'll love this book.

Littell does it again

The first Robert Littell book I read was the Company which is a spectacular book. I read some of his other books afterwards and they were good but not like the company. Legends is AWESOME! It is as good if not bette than the Company. Great story with twists and turns. Finished it in 3 days and wished it wasn't over, which to me is a sign of a GREAT book.

Disappointment

What would have made Legends better?

A plot.

What was most disappointing about Robert Littell’s story?

The story seemed to be more about the main character and his inability to figure out who he really was, than any plot.

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

One of the skills of a narrator is to make it clear what character is talking by the tone he selects for the characters voice, and I have to congratulate Grover Gardner. How he was able to keep track of characters in this story blew my mind.

You didn’t love this book... but did it have any redeeming qualities?

No.

Any additional comments?

After reading the Company which I thought was an outstanding book, I was raring to go on this one, and I find it difficult to put into words how disappointed I was. I listened to the whole story and if someone asked me to summarize what it was about.....other than some odd character struggling to figure out who he actually was, I would have to say that I have no idea what the plot was about! To be fair, he did introduce some very interesting characters, but what seemed to be missing was a plot and structure to hold them all together. The book seemed to lurch from one weird incident to the next.

Outstanding Reading

I have listened to all of the author's books including the 40 hour Company. Along the way, I developed a true fondness for both the author and Scott Brick who was the reader on the previous books. However, the interpretation by Grover Gardner on this one was truly exceptional and fit beautifully with this almost tongue-in-cheek spy vs. spy book. Jumping among time periods and locations and following a lead character who keeps changing "Legends" does require a little effort, but it is an effort well worth it. It is certain not a formula production.