Linda

Stellar

Reviewed: 06-07-15

A story within a story within a story. Like the many puzzle boxes her father creates for Marie Laure, lives are connected, intertwined and unraveling while a war wages, before and beyond.

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Unfulfilling and lifeless

Reviewed: 05-26-15

What could have made this a 4 or 5-star listening experience for you?

There was nothing that could make this better. Even a different narrator, couldn't save this novel from its sloppy storyline and generating apathy.

Would you recommend At the Water's Edge to your friends? Why or why not?

This is not a book I would recommend to either read or listen to.

Who would you have cast as narrator instead of Justine Eyre?

I trudged through this reading not wanting to give up but ultimately wishing I had never started it. The narrator sounded either constipated or ready to cry and didn't breathe life into any of the characters through her voice inflections or character's accents.

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

The story lacked depth and had the impression of being tossed together without a great deal of thought or review. Almost like a deadline had to be met and a brief outline made in to a novel in order to meet it. A real disappointment from Sara Gruen's earlier novel, Water For Elephants.

Any additional comments?

I couldn't wait for this read to be over and would never listen to a book narrated by Justine Eyre again. I should have returned it and would recommend listening to an audio sample before purchase. Sometimes it is better to quit while ahead.

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1 person found this helpful

That'll do

Reviewed: 02-04-15

Words of praise shepherds have for their sheep dogs ring true in this delightful story about a pig who embarks on a life and career far different from the norm when he winds up at farmer Hoggit's sheep farm

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1 person found this helpful

The Answers Revealed

Reviewed: 03-09-14

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Highly recommend this book to complete the trilogy. Is there hope for mankind; possibly.

What was one of the most memorable moments of MaddAddam?

Toby's knowledge of Zeb's survival and ability to accept Zeb and herself together finally and openly. The Craker, Blackbeard's growth into his role in the greater community was both amusing and encouraging.

Which scene was your favorite?

The story of Fuck was both entertaining and believable on some level. I will view this phrase in a much different way.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The pigoons and their request/bargain with the others to resolve the problem of the painballers offered hope for the future as two species at odds unite to overcome.

Any additional comments?

To have all three novels on Audible would be ideal. A very enjoyable and prophetic read. Perhaps one we should pay attention to as well.

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What happened before and what happens next

Reviewed: 03-09-14

Would you try another book from Margaret Atwood and/or the narrators?

This book provides insights into the story behind the story of Oryx and Crake and will leave the reader wanting more answers to what happens next. All I can say is I wish this book had come sooner.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Year of the Flood?

Our desire to look and feel younger, eat whatever we want as much as we want, do what we want, but all at a cost to whom; ourselves ultimately. Margaret Atwood paints an image of our current society and what may be in store if we refuse to see the bigger picture. I found the behaviour of the pigoons was very disquieting.

Which scene was your favorite?

Once Toby is reunited with Ren, knowing she is no longer alone she gains the strength needed to continue. Toby and Ren can set out together and find the others.

Was The Year of the Flood worth the listening time?

This was a fantastic listen and well worth it. Learning the characters stories and what brought them to where they are was gripping.

Any additional comments?

My only disappointment is that Oryx and Crake is not available on Audible so that I could enjoy it as well. I read it some years ago and would not like to listen to it. This book is better understood together with Oryx and Crake and not as a stand alone but just as enjoyable.

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Poignant and bittersweet

Reviewed: 02-07-14

What made the experience of listening to The Casual Vacancy the most enjoyable?

A glimpse into the inner workings of a small town, the fractured relationships within and between families, friends and outsiders that hold it all together while it falls apart.

What other book might you compare The Casual Vacancy to and why?

A Fine Balance by Rohinton Mistry. This book tells a similar story of the fine balance between hope and despair and coming to terms.

What about Tom Hollander’s performance did you like?

The reader brought an understanding of the customs and traditions of the people and town as though he were a bystander watching the proceedings unravel. His tone and interpretation brought the town, surrounding area, characters and various scenes to life and made it all believable.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes! I listened to the first part of this book again while waiting for the rest of it to download. I then listened to it all straight through whenever possible. I would set a bookmark and put on the timer to listen while going to sleep and then refresh after waking in case I missed anything.

Any additional comments?

Looking forward to future publications.

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