CFK

Gripping yet heartwarming

Revisado: 09-29-22

This novel is quite unique among the literature on WWI (at least in terms of books in English) since it takes the perspective of how average German people and German soldiers suffered during the war and from the folly and brutality of their government and their military. But the story is richly emotional, with beautiful family and romantic relationships, a strong theme of classical music and, especially, the wonderful tale of how dogs were first trained formally to serve blind veterans. The narrator's performance is also wonderful.

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Reminiscent of VS Naipaul

Revisado: 09-20-22

This story totally immersed me in a unique place, the island of Mauritius, a multi-cultural, multiracial, multiethnic and multi-lingual former colony in the Indian Ocean. It is a coming -of- age story for the young male protagonist, who confronts dramas within his large, emotional family, political corruption, racial and ethnic tensions and financial insecurity in his persistent quest for education, which eventually leads him to the US for university. It is almost a "coming of age" story of the country as well, as it moves fitfully towards independence. The writing is lyrical and evocative, and the cast of characters, both male and female, are vividly drawn. I absorbed the story through the Audible recording, which was very well performed by the narrator--in particular, his use of different accents and voices for the many characters enriched the story. I understand that the text contains sections of actual poetry but in the narration that isn't obvious, as the text flowed naturally as it was read (a compliment to the writer's general style). Overall, the story reminded me of VS Naipaul's tales about the Indian diaspora to far-flung, lesser-known worlds. A very enjoyable book.

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Worthwhile mixed-mood story

Revisado: 06-15-19

Although this is only about 1.5 hrs long, the story manages to move from a quite funny take on an interfering mother wanting to arrange a marriage for her daughter, to an unexpected fantasy thriller ending. This doesn't seem an overly abrupt transition, somehow. A key part of the story takes place through sound effects, which don't entirely work, but they manage to move the story to its surprise ending. This kind of audio play, with sound effects, is like the old-time radio dramas. I don't think listeners these days (like myself) are geared to catching physical action solely through sound.
It would be interesting to hear a longer version that could obviously be more developed and nuanced, but for a short time investment by a reader I would recommend it. The story would also merit being expanded into a movie length screen play.

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