thinkcarefully

An amazing take on a tumultuous time

Reviewed: 02-26-17

Would you listen to Southern Rapture again? Why?

Yes. The story and the performance are outstanding.

What did you like best about this story?

This is a story that sticks with you. I first read it and then added the narration and listened.

What about Kati Brazda’s performance did you like?

The narrator's performance was excellent. She captured the voices and nuances in feelings and emotions perfectly.

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

It could have been, but my schedule allows for a chapter or 2 each evening.

Any additional comments?

In all the books from this period from this author, the stories are very formulaic. This one is completely different. It's organic. I expect people would be offended by some of the character portrayals but it's really not about inequality. It is how that evil was overcome. It's about so many different viewpoints and perspectives, caught in a tumultuous, uncertain time. People struggling to survive and get through so much tragedy and loss. How they held each other up and protected each other during the difficulties. Their loyalty and faithfulness no matter how convoluted.

There were a number of parts that brought excitement and suspense to the story. I believe that is what made it so enjoyable. All the development and discovery that occurs throughout the book sprinkled with humor and natural human emotions. The hero is always there protecting the heroine. Even though she doesn't know, his motivation is honorable, although how he goes about it is unconventional.

If you enjoy old movies or TV shows with smart women and strong heroes, you will love this story and see all the extraneous parts and circumstances are part of the difficult time they were living through during reconstruction.

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1 person found this helpful

The hero's voice needs to be redone

Reviewed: 02-26-17

What did you like best about Midnight Waltz? What did you like least?

The historical setting and glimpse into how their lives might have been. The narrator's voice characterization of the hero, Robert.

What did you like best about this story?

The mystery and development of the characters caught in circumstances where they all want to please each other, even as conflicted as it may seem.

What three words best describe Suzanne Toren’s voice?

Range, clarity, articulate.

Was Midnight Waltz worth the listening time?

Yes and no. If you enjoy the story, it's most definitely worth the time. Any shortcomings are overcome by the positive aspects of the performance.

Any additional comments?

The one voice that needed to be exceptional was that of the hero, Robert. He is a young, strong man in his prime. I imagine his voice deep, vibrant, and baritone. Unfortunately his voice was the one the narrator ruined. He sounded like an ancient, southern, septuagenarian. I imagined him wearing seersucker and suspenders. She made him sound scratchy, as in coughing and drew out his words in a blah, blah way. When he whispered, it should have been a hushed, murmur with a hint of southern, sultry charm. He definitely needs a redo to make the narrated version true to the story.

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