Rob Roy
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Narrated by:
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Sean Barrett
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By:
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Sir Walter Scott
About this listen
Rob Roy is a captivating novel of chivalry and romance set in the Scottish Highlands of the 18th century.
After rejecting the life his father has laid out for him, Frank Osbaldistone is sent to the North of England to live with his Uncle, where he is to repent his sins. However, when his father's wealth and reputation are threatened, he is drawn to the Scottish Highlands, where he must retrieve a set of stolen documents. It is here that he is pulled into a number of skirmishes relating to the Jacobite uprising of 1715, and where his path frequently crosses with the mysterious maverick outlaw known as Rob Roy....
Scott's portrayal of Scotland is remarkable in its vivid and evocative panorama of the highlands, and his insightful exploration of social, economic, and historic themes.
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Master Italian sculptor, goldsmith, and writer Benvenuto Cellini is best remembered for his magnificent autobiography. In this work, which was actually begun in 1558 but not published until 1730, Cellini beautifully chronicles his flamboyant times. He tells of his adventures in Italy and France, and his relations with popes, kings, and fellow artists.
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The problem is with Cellini himself.
- By Leslie Ross on 06-07-10
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Felix Holt, The Radical
- By: George Eliot
- Narrated by: Nadia May
- Length: 17 hrs and 50 mins
- Unabridged
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Relinquishing thoughts of a materially rewarding life, the respectably educated Felix Holt returns to his native village in North Loamshire and becomes an artisan. He is a forceful young man of honor, integrity, and idealism, burning to participate in political life so that he may improve the lot of his fellow artisans.
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four and a half stars
- By connie on 01-02-08
By: George Eliot
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Dombey and Son
- By: Charles Dickens
- Narrated by: Frederick Davidson
- Length: 36 hrs and 59 mins
- Unabridged
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In this carefully crafted novel, Dickens reveals the complexity of London society in the enterprising 1840s as he takes the listener into the business firm and home of one of its most representative patriarchs, Paul Dombey.
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Perfect pair
- By Philip on 03-25-08
By: Charles Dickens
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Pride and Prejudice and Zombies
- Now with Ultraviolent Zombie Mayhem!
- By: Seth Grahame-Smith, Jane Austen
- Narrated by: Katherine Kellgren
- Length: 11 hrs and 5 mins
- Unabridged
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"It is a truth universally acknowledged that a zombie in possession of brains must be in want of more brains." So begins Pride and Prejudice and Zombies, an expanded edition of the beloved Jane Austen novel featuring all-new scenes of bone-crunching zombie mayhem.
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One word - Awesome!
- By Katelyn on 05-22-09
By: Seth Grahame-Smith, and others
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Vicar of Wakefield
- By: Oliver Goldsmith
- Narrated by: Patrick Tull
- Length: 7 hrs and 23 mins
- Unabridged
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The simple village vicar, Mr. Primrose, is living with his wife and six children in complete tranquility until unexpected calamities force them to weather one hilarious adventure after another. Goldsmith plays out this classic comedy of manners with a light, ironic touch that is irresistibly charming.
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Snidely Whiplash Ravishes Hapless Maidens
- By Joseph R on 12-26-09
By: Oliver Goldsmith
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Can You Forgive Her?
- By: Anthony Trollope
- Narrated by: Timothy West
- Length: 28 hrs and 8 mins
- Unabridged
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Can You Forgive Her? is the first of the six in the Palliser series. Trollope inextricably binds together the issues of parliamentary election and marriage, of politics and privacy. The values and aspirations of the governing stratum of Victorian society are ruthlessly examined, and none remains unscathed. But above all Trollope focuses on the predicament of women. 'What should a woman do with her life?' asks Alice Vavasor of herself, and this theme is echoed by every other woman in the audiobook.
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Superb performance and sound
- By David on 05-21-10
By: Anthony Trollope
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The Warden
- By: Anthony Trollope
- Narrated by: Nigel Hawthorne
- Length: 7 hrs and 51 mins
- Unabridged
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Set in the world of the Victorian professional and landed classes, the story centres on Mr Harding, a clergyman of great personal integrity who is nevertheless in possession of an income from a charity far in excess of the sum devoted to it.
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a delight
- By Janet on 12-22-08
By: Anthony Trollope
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Northanger Abbey
- By: Jane Austen
- Narrated by: Harriet Stevens
- Length: 8 hrs
- Unabridged
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As Jane Austen's first completed novel that was submitted to be published, Northanger Abbey is a miraculously weaved tale of love, society, and deception, themes that would come to be synonymous in literature with Austen's name. The young Catherine Morland receives a fantastic opportunity to explore the city of Bath with some family friends, and while there, she experiences a level of mental and emotional growth that was as yet unparalleled in her life.
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Great Listening Experience
- By Robert Jennings on 05-18-16
By: Jane Austen
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Don Quixote (Adapted for Modern Listeners)
- By: Miguel de Cervantes
- Narrated by: Johnny Heller
- Length: 4 hrs and 39 mins
- Abridged
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Quixotic is a word that the dictionary defines as "extravagantly chivalrous or romantic; visionary...." and that is a fitting definition, indeed, for this charming retelling of Don Quixote, the 17t- century Spanish classic by Miguel de Cervantes, now updated for the modern listener. The gallant and fragile Quixote will touch listeners, as will his faithful squire Sancho Panza and the tragically beautiful heroine of the gentle Don’s chivalries, the fair Dulcinea.
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Great way in
- By pxriver on 07-12-18
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Outstanding!
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When Edgar plans to acquire his family's ancient estate from the corrupt lord keeper of the Great Seal of Scotland, he is met with the complexities of the legal and political situations following the 1707 Act of Union. To complicate matters further, Edgar is falling in love with his enemy's beautiful daughter, Lucy. First published in 1819, this enduring romantic tragedy presents insights into emotional and sexual politics and the shrewd way in which Sir Walter Scott presented his work.
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Read a plot synopsis before buying
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In 1866, sightings of a legendary sea monster prompt a daring expedition out of New York City. Professor Pierre Aronnax, his servant Conseil, and whaler Ned Land are among the crew of the United States Navy frigate Abraham Lincoln. Though they are fearless, nothing prepares them for the "creature" itself - the Nautilus - a powerful, destructive submarine years ahead of its time. At the helm of the vessel is the brilliant Captain Nemo, who pulls the men deep into the wonders of the seas and the dark depths of his mind.
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I loved this book!!
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In this exciting tale, the legend of Amy Robsart and her secret marriage to the earl of Leicester comes alive in a blend of historical fact and fanciful fiction.
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Poor narration and poor story
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The Endless Steppe
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Poland, 1940. The Russian army invades the beautiful city streets of Vilna. Soldiers storm 10-year-old Esther Rudomin's house and arrest her entire family. The Rudomins, the soldiers say, are "capitalists - enemies of the people". Forced from their home and friends, the Rudomins are herded onto crowded cattle cars. Their destination: the endless steppe of Siberia.
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Not just a children's book! A+TRUE story&narrative
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Waverley by Sir Walter Scott is an enthralling tale of love, war and divided loyalties. Taking place during the Jacobite Rebellion of 1745, the novel tells the story of proud English officer Edward Waverley. After being posted to Dundee, Edward eventually befriends chieftain of the Highland Clan Mac-Ivor and falls in love with his beautiful sister Flora. He then renounces his former loyalties in order actively to support Scotland in open rebellion against the Union with England. The book depicts stunning, romantic panoramas of the Highlands.
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Loved it
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By: Sir Walter Scott
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Ivanhoe
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Overall
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Performance
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Written in 1819 but set in 12th-century England, Ivanhoe is a tale of love struggling to survive against a violent backdrop of politics and war. Wilfred of Ivanhoe was thrown out of his father's home when he fell in love with his father Cedric's ward, Lady Rowena. Ivanhoe later returns from fighting in the Crusades and is wounded in a jousting tournament. A series of events follows, including the return of King Richard to England, resulting in Ivanhoe's reconciliation with Cedric and his marriage to Rowena.
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Outstanding!
- By Tracy B. on 02-22-20
By: Sir Walter Scott
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When Edgar plans to acquire his family's ancient estate from the corrupt lord keeper of the Great Seal of Scotland, he is met with the complexities of the legal and political situations following the 1707 Act of Union. To complicate matters further, Edgar is falling in love with his enemy's beautiful daughter, Lucy. First published in 1819, this enduring romantic tragedy presents insights into emotional and sexual politics and the shrewd way in which Sir Walter Scott presented his work.
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Read a plot synopsis before buying
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I loved this book!!
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In this exciting tale, the legend of Amy Robsart and her secret marriage to the earl of Leicester comes alive in a blend of historical fact and fanciful fiction.
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Poor narration and poor story
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What listeners say about Rob Roy
Average customer ratingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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- Eddie & Donna
- 04-25-18
Scottish History Revived
This book allowed me to live this period of history thru the eyes and heart of an English outsider. While sometimes the Sottish brogue dialog stumped me, the traditional English narrator gave enough details to follow the storyline. Later, I discovered I understood the accent better and enjoyed that dialog as well.
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- Brendon
- 08-21-19
Phenomenal reading of a classic book
As some have pointed out, the accents are so authentic that some of the dialogue is hard to understand, but I wouldn’t want to listen to it any other way.
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- Erin Coughlin
- 06-16-17
awesome book!
this was beautifully read! the various accents he used made it easy to follow and were quite genuine!
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2 people found this helpful
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- Bill
- 02-25-24
Revolution
Family intrigue during the Jocoban Revolt in northern England. Stealing money and property from relatives leads to many adventures.
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- David Bogosian
- 08-04-16
Scots dialect immersion
The story line follows (and is narrated by) a young man who goes to Northumberland to straighten out his father's business and family affairs. There he gets entangled with a gaggle of male cousins, and one alluring female companion, and is eventually dragged north into Scotland where he encounters the outlaw and folk hero Rob Roy. The book has two definite halves, where the first is somewhat relaxed and tame, while the second is high-octane duels, chases, military engagements, and suspense at every turn. Some great depictions of Highland scenery and folk customs.
The performance is excellent, and especially the voices used to portray both the north-country English, as well as the Scots dialects. The dialogue in Scots is well-nigh gibberish; one can gather a word here or there, sometimes a sentence. This is not the reader's fault, it was written in this way by Scott, and short of translating to English, one cannot do better. There are a few chapters where the entire dialogue, for many minutes on end, is in Scots and those drag on interminably, with very little comprehension going on. The charm of the accent is lost if it is consumed in too great a quantity.
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9 people found this helpful
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- DFK
- 03-02-20
Masterful reading of a great story
Sean Barrett did a great job, and though I don’t know how authentic the accent for the Scots dialect was, I sure was convinced (and other reviewers who must know say it was very authentic). As pointed out by another reviewer, you could refer to one of the print editions to help understand the dialect, but I found it was enough to get the context and go with the flow. It transports you to another time and place - one of the delights of immersing yourself in great literature. The story, you could say, was written for a screenplay, well before such things existed. There are scenes of adventure, scenes of conflict, characters good and evil, and the title character who is neither all good nor all bad, which is what makes him so fascinating. There is history and romance, but the romance is not such that it should deter anyone who thinks romance stories are not for them. A great book and a great listen!
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5 people found this helpful
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- Tad Davis
- 01-01-20
Great story, sometimes heavy dialect
If spoilers bother you, you probably shouldn't read this review. I can sum up the non-spoiler parts like this: it's a great yarn, and Sean Barrett is a wonderful reader, but the Scottish dialect is sometimes heavy enough to be confusing.
There. You've been warned — although I should note that the novel is over 200 years old, and spoilers really ought to have an expiration date.
So. Rob Roy takes a long time to show up in the novel that bears his name, and he doesn't fill many of its pages. The novel is narrated by, and mostly revolves around, Frank Osbaldistone, a dreamy London romantic, who rebels at the idea of going into business with his hard-headed father. The father ships him off to his Catholic brother who lives with his five sons on the family estate in Northumberland, near the Scottish border. The beautiful and flirtatious Diane Vernon is also in residence there: she is a cousin by marriage of the Osbaldistones and has been destined from birth to marry one of them. (I had a crush on her after about 5 lines of dialogue.)
One of the brothers, Rashleigh, turns out to be the villain of the piece. Rashleigh was trained by Jesuits for the priesthood, but changes careers to replace Frank as a partner in the father's business. He was Diana’s tutor, but she reveals to the smitten Frank that Rashleigh had made improper advances — hints at it, at any rate, in the best tradition of Victorian vagueness. Frank picks up on her meaning immediately and wants to avenge her honor. “I need no avengers,” she tells him. She is one of the liveliest heroines in Scott, if not in Victorian fiction in general.
Frank discovers that Rashleigh has been playing his father false. Rashleigh has sided with the Scottish Jacobites, who want to place the son of the Catholic James II on the throne. Rashleigh’s way of supporting the rebellion is (as is typical of him) complicated and underhanded. He tries to force the issue by defaulting on Osbaldistone loans involving the Scottish gentry. This will, he hopes, force them into bankruptcy and destabilize the country. It will also, as a side effect, ruin the Osbaldistone family business. As it turns out, the outlaw Robert Campbell — aka Robert MacGregor, aka Rob Roy — has documents that can expose the scheme, so Frank turns to him for help.
The Jacobite rebellion breaks out in earnest. Because the Northumberland Osbaldistones are supporters of the rebellion (though not of Rashleigh’s dishonest way to igniting it), Frank himself becomes entangled in the events leading up to the revolt. The tone of the story darkens considerably. One person who is a figure of fun in the early going meets a horrible and agonizing death before the end. Scott doesn't sugarcoat the barbarity of some of the action.
Once past the opening skirmishes, the rebellion itself is dealt with in summary fashion. Frank by then has returned to London and taken up his place in his father’s business after all. But he becomes involved once again at the end in a desperate venture, only to find Rob Roy once again a benefactor. Poetic justice is served, at least to an extent, though Frank’s Jacobite uncle and his five sons are punished far more than they deserve. Frank spends time and money trying to mitigate the wrath of the state. He and Diane end up together at the end, and Rashleigh ends up dead.
Despite the dark tone of the latter half of the novel, there are few writers as genial as Sir Walter Scott. He never lets history get in the way of a good story, so his chronology can't be depended on; the novel involves a number of historical characters, but it's no more history than Shakespeare’s plays about the Plantagenets. The characters themselves are all drawn with brilliant detail and precision.
As much as I love this novel — and I do love it — listening to it was a challenge. The Scots dialect is strong with this one. Sometimes the context helped; sometimes the sound was close enough to follow what was being said. At times, especially in the beginning, I needed to look up some of the exchanges in the printed version. The Signet Classics edition of the novel has a helpful glossary — something even the Penguin edition lacks. The glossary helped me understand sentences and phrases like the following:
“Yill?—deil a drap o' yill did Pate offer me; but Mattie gae us baith a drap skimmed milk, and ane o' her thick ait jannocks, that was as wat and raw as a divot. O for the bonnie girdle cakes o' the north!—and sae we sat doun and took out our clavers.”
Or these:
“Queeze-maddam”
“We pickle in our ain pock-neuk”
“Let folk tuilzie in their yards”
“The loon maun loup”
“A puir wabster-body”
“I sall haud ilk parochine”
“Gun and pistol, dirk and dourlach”
I'm not trying to warn anybody off the book. Just be prepared. I found the audiobook a challenge at times, but it repaid my efforts with an abundance of pleasure. Frank himself narrates in straightforward English, and the opaque dialect only involves a few of the characters. And even with them it eventually became easier to pick up the meaning from the context and tone of voice.
Sean Barrett’s deep, rich voice is a pleasure to listen to. He brings out the humor in the story and (at least to my American ears) assumes an astonishing number of regional accents.
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5 people found this helpful
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- Joe Kraus
- 06-28-19
Strong Finish after Slow Start
Elmore Leonard famously say that he tried not to write the parts that people tried not to read. I like to think of that as an extension of the ‘technology of narrative,’ as one step in changing the techniques we have for writing fiction. In that case, it means realizing that contemporary readers have the capacity to understand gaps in the narrative. We’re sharp enough (and grateful) to be able to fill in the more tedious parts of what lie behind an otherwise compelling story.
Credit Walter Scott with creating a good chunk of the technology of the novel. Arguably the first commercially successful giant of the English-language novel, he taught us how to do the historical romance. Ivanhoe holds up two centuries later as a thrilling story of dual allegiance and heroism. Waverley, as I remember it, is also pretty good, taking a young man and putting him at the heart of powerful historical events.
I figured Rob Roy would be along those lines, and I also decided I could use a classic to wash down some of the other things I’d been reading recently. Rob Roy McGregor was a historical outlaw, a Scottish clan chief who used his knowledge of the Highlands to remain at large and to play a part in some of the conclusion to the Jacobite Wars.
If you take the last quarter of this novel, it’s just that – as good as advertised. But, there’s a lot of build-up, a lot, that is, that Scott could have learned from his authorial descendent Elmore Leonard. (To be fair, Leonard learned a great deal from Scott, of course. It may not have come directly from Scott, but it started from him.)
In other words, this gets exciting when Frank, our young protagonist, finds himself brokering peace between the triumphant English and the purportedly defeated Scots – all the while as he negotiates his own fortunes in love and society. It’s compelling work as it puts him in the middle of his Scottish heritage (his father left his Lowland home to make a commercial success in England) and his English livelihood, and you can see why Scott has been so beloved by so many generations.
The first part of this, though, I wish I could have skipped – or at least gotten to in compressed fashion. It’s thrilling when Frank is navigating the wilds and looking for Rob Roy. It’s, well, tedious, when he’s explaining some of the ins and outs of his father’s trading house or when he’s talking about how he’s tutoring the woman he eventually comes to love. That is, the material here is simply dryer than in Ivanhoe. There, even the quotidian is interesting when we learn about heraldry or get an indirect sense of the social divisions among the Saxons, the Normans, and the Jews. Here, it’s a subtler, social commentary and Scott isn’t quite acute enough to catch it in an intriguing way. (For that, he might have benefitted from the narrative technology of a woman writing at roughly the same time – Jane Austen.)
So, I’m glad to have read this, and glad especially to have it end on a note that intrigues me enough to put another Scott on my long list. As a caution, though, the beginning is dense and slow enough that this doesn’t feel like his best work.
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- GalCalif
- 08-08-19
Superb reader and great story
I loved the reader for this story. He gave life to all the idioms and wit. The story is excellent (if it slows a tiny bit in the end tying up loose ends). It is a rally wonderful book read by a wonderful reader.
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- JustBill
- 04-19-16
Worst book in 64 years.
Hey, I am from Scotland, How could I dislike this book??
There is not one reason, you should consider this book, unless you want to flog yourself, or you work at the Tower of London. It is that bad.
No, it's worse than bad.
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2 people found this helpful