Katherine

Great story, one small annoyance

Reviewed: 01-23-25

This is a great story. I always enjoy books where each chapter is told from a different character's point of view, each with distinctive voices. There was only one small annoyance - one too many soap-operatic backstories that seemed unneeded. At the end, I realized the purpose of this particular backstory, but I found it just a bit unneeded and distracting.

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Best narration

Reviewed: 12-07-24

What can be said about this story that is so well known? Charming and joyful, with a most heart-warming ending. It is the narration that makes this version stand out. Mr. Lesser brings each character to life. Highly recommended.

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My least favorite Dr. Siri book

Reviewed: 09-14-24

I absolutely adore Dr. Siri and his cohorts. I listen to these books repeatedly, and with great pleasure. Except for this one. For whatever reason, this book seems far darker and more depressing than the others. I skip over it whenever I binge-listen to the series. As always, Mr. Chafer does a marvelous job narrating this book. I just wish the story was less creepy.

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Story okay, I guess

Reviewed: 09-14-24

I knew nothing of this author, and bought this book during one of Audible's sales, to try something different. I enjoyed the location descriptions and the information about the Native Americans who live there. I was less impressed with the main character, and seriously disliked the lack of character development given to any of the people in the book. This is the beginning of a series, but I have no interest in continuing it.

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An unexpectedly moving story

Reviewed: 06-21-24

I am not sure why I bought this, and I resisted listening to it for a long time. I expected the story to be maudlin or a typical "triumph over tragedy" story. I was so wrong! An interesting fictional telling of the woman who inspired one of the 20th century's most iconic and mysterious paintings, and her relationship with the artist. The central character, Christina, is a richly developed person - courageous, stubborn, proud, suspicious, determined, and independent, shackled to a family heritage that she maintains, even as she tries to live a complete life with her incompacitated body. The narration is fantastic. Highly recommended.

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It held my interest

Reviewed: 05-26-24

I won't call this the best audiobook, but it is not horrible. The story jumped around between scenes and characters rather abruptly, and it often took a bit to realize what was happening. The sound design needs work, because sometmes the dialog is drowned by background noise. I find all the one-star ratings surprising, though, because I did not find the book *that* bad. I give this a tepid review - not awful, but there are definitely better audiobooks out there.

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Murderbot is a great character!

Reviewed: 04-21-24

I picked up the first book in this series on a whim. So glad I did! The characters are vividly drawn and the stories are compelling. The narration is perfect. Most importantly, Murderbot, with its anxieties and existential questions, is one of the most interesting characters I've encountered in a long time. I have both listened to and eye-read all the books in this series, and cannot wait for the next chapter in The Murderbot Diaries.

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It takes awhile to get started

Reviewed: 04-15-24

I found the first hour or so a tough slog. The language is Tolkein at his most regal or, as I sometimes thought, most pretentious. The narrator does not make the story more approachable. I slowly was drawn into the story, though. It is an interesting back story to LOTR lore. I do not recommend it to anyone who is not a rabid fan of "The Return Of The King" because that is the language style used.

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I give up!

Reviewed: 04-01-24

I am one of those masochistic people who almost never puts a book (or an audiobook) down, no matter how much I dislke it. Once I start, I want to finish. I have only deliberately walked away from two books in my life - "Stranger In a Strange Land" and "David Copperfield."

Well, make it three. I've slogged through nearly half of this audiobook, and never have I been so bored. It may be the narrator, it may be the writer's style, it may be story. I can't define the problem, but life is too short to force myself to listen to any more of this book.

My taste in books is quite eclectic, from history to world literature to biography to science to classics to manga to mysteries to sci-fi. I thought I would like this book. I was wrong.

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1 person found this helpful

An epic story that will keep you enthralled

Reviewed: 04-01-24

I bought this because my favorite narrator, Anton Lesser, was in the credits. Mr. Lesser doesn't show up until Season 3, but by then I was completely entranced. The world building in this story is amazing, and the character development is too. The diversity of voices is quite effective, as slight changes in accent, stress, and speech patterns add to the rich and complex tapestry of this story. Don't let the 26+ hour length deter you - the time flies by as this intriguing story unfolds.

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1 person found this helpful