LISTENER

Craig

  • 8
  • reviews
  • 0
  • helpful votes
  • 55
  • ratings

Great Book, Narrator leaves MUCH to be desired.

Overall
4 out of 5 stars

Reviewed: 02-07-10

Started reading the hardcover before I saw this audio version. I love this series by Due and this book is a great continuation of The Living Blood. The narrator's reading, however, is extremely distracting. Poor pacing and timing with way too many long pauses in the narration. Although the main character is an adolescent I don't think the book should be read like a young adult novel. Going to have to go back to the hardcover and "re-read."

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

8 people found this helpful

Great Audiobook, Not so great story

Overall
4 out of 5 stars

Reviewed: 12-08-07

The production value of this audiobook and especially the narrator are excellent. It is a captivating read, paced well, and the narrator captures the different characters very well.

I read the book then saw the 1991 (or 92) film made just after the ending of Apartheid. They are essentially two stories. You can't capture the nuances of this very difficult story on the screen so they essentially created their own story.

It is important to keep in mind that this is fiction despite the autobiographical statements of the author. Appreciating that allows one to focus on the lessons of the story and not either the tremendously more complex reality of South Africa at the time or the one-dimensional way the Black Africans and to a great extent the Afrikaners are portrayed. I'd be interested in what Black South Africans think about the story.

Although essentially a story of the emergence of a child from early oppression and tragedy, he is nonetheless a privileged child by virtue of his "race" and nationality so although the idea of the "power of one" as a means to overcome personal tragedies is a compelling one that privilege cannot be ignored.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

12 people found this helpful

Not

Overall
4 out of 5 stars

Reviewed: 04-19-05

A previous reviewer compared this title to Life of Pi. I was particularly disappointed with the ultimate storyline of that book and felt exploited by the author. That, however, is not the case with this book. It is a fascinating eye into the mind of someone who doesn't think like the rest of us. I always enjoy readings that challenge our world views and this does so while also showing how that difference has an impact on those around us. In this case, a not-too-atypical family trying their best to negotiate life. It's about so much more than "the curious incident." You'll enjoy!

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

48 people found this helpful

This is what audiobooks should be!

Overall
5 out of 5 stars

Reviewed: 04-19-05

I am so pleased to have been introduced to this series through audible. I had heard vaguely about the series and the title intrigued me so I tried a listen. I'm preparing to now hear the 3rd book in the series as it has captivated. The story lines are good, if not profound, the ongoing relationships are welcoming and real, the narration is excellent, and the insight into Botswana and Africa and contrasts with the "West." is refreshing. Get it! You will not be disappointed. I've since sent copies of the hardcopy books to friends in Africa.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

5 people found this helpful

This is not Eragon!

Overall
2 out of 5 stars

Reviewed: 02-06-05

I told a friend of mine how much I loved the book Eragon after having audioread it. She suggested that if I liked the genre then I should try some of Funke's work and start with Dragon Rider. Perhaps a subtle distinction but I don't consider this the same genre. The fantasy in Dragon Rider is clearly intended for children, probably the Disney crowd, with talking animals and children who accept them and that very easily. On the other hand, the dragon in Eragon can communicate with select humans (and Elves) but not talk. So while I was intrigued by the telepathy aspects of Eragon the talking animal thing got old quickly for me with this story and I gave up not too far in. It may be a great book (although I even found the beginning much too predictable) but not if you're looking for an Eragon-type fantasy.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

7 people found this helpful

Whether you're in to science or not

Overall
5 out of 5 stars

Reviewed: 02-06-05

Great book. Whether you're in to science or not. Or, perhaps like me, finally wanting to catch up and reaquaint yourself with what you missed or did not get in science classes in high school or college. It reminded me that the great thing about science is that it is constantly changing, so, like a scholar, you'll have to "catch-up" every few years. There needs to be addendum or updates.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

2 people found this helpful

Not a masterpiece but a fun romp!

Overall
4 out of 5 stars

Reviewed: 09-02-04

If you're looking for a fun summer read that has the added benefit of being intellectually stimulating, this is it. The hype generally surrounding bestsellers is usually enough to turn me off but I gave this a try at the suggestion of a friend. I was not disappointed. Approach it like a serial novel and don't take it too seriously although there are enough facts inside to tempt you. I guess I don't know what a "true" british or french accent is supposed to sound like but the narrator did a good job with the possible exception of Sopie Noveu. My experience is that most male narrators have a hard time doing female voices and this is no exception. Enjoy.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

3 people found this helpful

Life of Pi Audiobook By Yann Martel cover art

Held interest but ultimately fell flat

Overall
3 out of 5 stars

Reviewed: 08-12-04

Too bad. I was engaged throughout most of the book; personal relationships, science, zoology, religious philosophy; east indian culture, etc. The story, fortunately or unfortunately (I'm not sure which) became more and more fantastic and then from the point of the island experience through the twist in storylines at the end I felt cheated and even used. I can appreciate a good unexpected storyline but it felt rather disingenuos of the writer and didn't really fit with any of the rest of the book. This along with the fact that the writer was not consistent with Pi's philosophical and other views throughout (e.g., the comment about how horrible Japanese whale fishing is juxtaposed against his own and the Tiger's carnivorous ways) was disappointing. I got something from it and will not de-recommend. Nuff said.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

1 person found this helpful

adbl_web_global_use_to_activate_webcro805_stickypopup