The Star of Kazan

By: Eva Ibbotson

Narrated by: Patricia Connolly

In early 20th-century Vienna, Annika is raised by Ellie and Sigrid, a cook and housemaid for a household of three professors. Abandoned when she was a baby, Annika dreams of the day her mother will come back to claim her.

Then one day, it happens. A glamorous woman arrives and sweeps Annika away to a crumbling castle in Germany. But there is much more to this new woman than meets the eye - and none of it is good.

Click here to see all the titles in our Whole Story Audio Books collection.©2004 Eva Ibbotson (P)2004 W F Howes

I can't believe this has just been sitting in my audible library all these years!

This book starts off a little slow, by quickly picks up, and you fall in love with all the characters the minute you meet them (well, the good ones, at least). I am very picky about endings, and for a while I thought I wouldn't like this book, but I guess that's what a good author does -- make you worry! And the ending was very satisfying. One thing I don't understand -- why is the book called "the Star of Kazan"? I mean, sure, it's mentioned plenty, but it is only one of many jewels. I think they should have called it "the Glass Jewels" or maybe "the Secret of Shpital (I don't really know how it's spelled)" or just "Annika". But I have absolutely no complaints other than the title. Even the narrator is excellent.

A pleasant afternoon listen

As another reviewer said, the characters just draw you in. Except of course those who are not supposed to. I think I would have even enjoyed the story if fate rather than perfidy had put Annika in jeopardy.

blah!!!

Don't be fooled by the mysterious description. This book is a flop. With a plot line as weak and terrible as cottage cheese coupled by the worst reader possible, I'm amazed this even got published