despinne

Saint Joe

Revisado: 07-24-23

Despite the book's protestation that Joe is no saint, his shortcomings are given short shrift. His participation in bootlegging is dismissed with one sentence: he didn't, and all his wealth was from wise investment in real estate and stock market. Hmmm. Also, his connections to the mafia are quite ignored. See books on the JFK assassination for additional info. He is depicted as an exemplary father and patriarch, but his treatment of Rose, whom none of the family visited after her lobotomy altho she lived 25 years more, creates questions. Nor is Mary Jo Kopechne/Chappaquiddick mentioned. At all. The most honest part of the book, which is obviously a puff piece for the family, concerns his heavy-handed ambassadorship in England. This may be because the author relies on public documents and records. In London, Joe tried to create US policy without consultation with Pres Roosevelt or the Sec of State, with the consequence that eventually they began to discuss state policy/events without telling Joe. He was stung. He demanded the post of Treasury secretary, but was denied. This lengthy tome eventually ends. There is likely a contrasting story somewhere... Overall, a good read, but way toooo long.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

Unsettling

Revisado: 04-19-23

A naive young bride moves to the big city and in four months matures significantly. Part of this is due to a miniaturist who sends her items that make her think, altho this is paranormal and does not ring true. The maid seems silly, sister-in-law unreal. Gay husband somehow develops in bride a depth of feeling that is not explained. It seems to me the young woman is trapped with the maid and sister in law, neither of whom are suitable companions, while the husband is distant, but kind. I really think the author did not like her characters. I enjoyed Davina Porter's reading. I am left with the feeling something was missed. I would think Nella would sell up and move back with her mother. She really has no reason to stay in Amsterdam--no friends, no interests in the city (parks, shopping--except the miniatures, pets die. Plus she has a warehouse of spoiled sugar to unload. All in all, a miserable story.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

Hear Ye! Author Hates His Hero

Revisado: 10-18-22

The story begins well. Gray Man kills some bad guy then saves 2 uninvolved men, thereby missing his extraction. From there it goes downhill. He is shot, bombed, beat up (by attack teams from 10 or more countries, but Gray Man beats them all) and hounded from (Pakistan?) to Europe. He is nearly drowned more than once. He keeps slogging on, until--where I am now--he nearly bleeds to death but is saved by a *veterinarian's assistant*! as he careens to his final destination. I don't find any redeeming features in this book. Too bad, as my impression was it's a popular series enjoyed by its readers/listeners. I'm wondering if I even want to finish this book. It is boringly predictable, As there are other books in the series, Gray Man must survive. My advice: get a Jack Reacher book,

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

BACK ON TRACK

Revisado: 09-07-22

After the last novel and exhibition of Trump Dysfunction syndrome I was not sure I wanted to get this book, but my fears were groundless. I gave him 1 star less because he defined Woke--and defined it incorrectly. But hs political excursion was thankfully limited. I have a friend in Israel whose politics are rather liberal so I let it pass. By now I hope Silva is aware that the election of Biden was indeed fraudulent, as certified in the courts. Meantime, I enjoyed renewing acquaintance with Julian Isherwood and other familiar characters. A good story provides new friends and information and despite the final disclaimer, I was aware this was a work of fiction. .

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

esto le resultó útil a 2 personas

Performance problems

Revisado: 07-30-21

The reader was so awful I could not get past the first chapter. She has this syrupy way of reading. It overshadows the words she speaks.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

Jarring

Revisado: 07-30-21

I concur with other reviewers. Too much leftist politics. Silva always incorporates current events, but I have 2 words for him: TRUMP WON. And he did not instigate mayhem at the Capital on Jan 6. Current events are fine but these things have no place in this book. It is such a sensitive subject. I'm sorry I bought the book. Gabriel Allon was not the only person injured here.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

Performance problems

Revisado: 05-06-21

The reader sounds good, but keeps repeating sentences or words--quite distracting. The story of course is classic Lamour, a great yarn.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

For high schoolers and other innocents

Revisado: 03-19-21

After hearing about the evil Simon and Jim Girty for many years, this book appears to be a complete whitewash. What I really found offputting was that the evil deeds, real or supposed, were simply not described. The author, for example, writes of an indian woman who tried to defecate in Simon Kenton's face while he was a prisoner, whereupon he bit her private parts. However, the author says the woman sat over Kenton and he bit her butt. That leads me to wonder what else he glossed over. I was hoping for an accurate history and I feel disinclined to believe the tales of Simon and Jim Girty were exaggerated due to them being raised by indians or other racist possibilities. Read on Audible.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

esto le resultó útil a 1 persona

Unexpectedly Good

Revisado: 02-12-21

I expected this book to be light reading--which it is. However, it starts with an unexpected discovery of being adopted and continues to meet unexpected twists, turns, and conclusion. It definitely keeps your attention as the heroine develops as a person from pretty much a dependent child (of mid-30s) despite being a professor at a choice university. Thru the story she cuts the apron strings and takes flight--including literal flight. It was a very satisfying story. The ending is perfect except that the man she chooses is a sour note. Another hour or so and this author could have found our heroine a much better guy.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña

Could have been so much better.

Revisado: 12-13-15

Would you say that listening to this book was time well-spent? Why or why not?

I listen to books while doing other things. I can hardly tear myself away from Game of Thrones books, for example, despite having watched the TV series and despite the fairly simple storylines. This book about superstitions of the sea was read in a pretty boring manner. I did know a good number of the factoids, and learned a few more, but if I had been in a bookstore I would have known not to buy this book.

What didn’t you like about John Rayment’s performance?

No spark, no change of voice inflections. Frankly, he sounded bored and it distracted me from the book itself.

Did Superstitions of the Sea inspire you to do anything?

I'm still thinking of returning it.

Has calificado esta reseña.

Reportaste esta reseña