Ann Richardson

A FABLE OF FAMILY AND FAITH

Revisado: 09-26-18

To me, this book is one of the great beauties of modern literature, much akin to the lyrical style of "The Great Gatsby." With both books, I have the sense, when reading, of 'swimming in the stars.'

Waugh's ability to picture a place and a time is extraordinary~~his description of Oxford is one that has stayed with me since my first reading 50 years ago. Conflict within family, conflict over religion, conflict of war~~each of these elements is entwined in his exquisite prose.

Jeremy Irons turned out to be just the right reader for this story; his sensitive narration matches precisely the tone of the book, and he captures all characters as I have no doubt the author intended them to be portrayed.

An exceptional experience, from start to finish.

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EVERY MINUTE A JOY

Revisado: 04-29-18

Brilliant author, exceptional book. Indelible characters and a sense of humor that keeps one smiling. A phenomenal portrait of human frailties~~and somehow Trollope manages to find something likeable in even the most absurd, pretentious, or dishonest person.

Highest recommendation, if one wants a classic portrayal of 18th century life in England.

Impossible to give enough praise to Timothy West’s compelling reading. Glad to see that he narrates other Trollope works.

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A COME-FROM-BEHIND WINNER

Revisado: 01-14-18

As an longtime avid fan of Georgette Heyer, I have read most of her books in print. For some unremembered reason, THE TALISMAN RING ranked relatively low compared to most of her others. However, I am such an enthusiast of Pyllida Nash's other Heyer readings that I gave it a try~~and I don't let go of my credits lightly.

Surprisingly, THE TALISMAN RING has turned out to be now one of my favorites; the author certainly gets her due for her appealing characters and ever-scintillating dialogue, yet for me the book was transformed by the superlative reading by Phyllida Nash--she is the kind of narrator that Georgette Heyer deseves, but does not always get through Audible's choice of readers for these books.

I have said it before, and will say it again: Phyllida Nash and Sian Phillips are far and away the best readers for the Heyer collection~~they have the intelligence and innate sensitivity to understand and portray the flavor of the Regency period; unfortunately, all the examples of male readers for these books seem not to have the remotest idea of the intricacies and implications of the society they are describing.

Audible could do us all a great favor and have the two narrators mentioned above re-record every Heyer book they have not previously read. I would buy them all; sadly at present I am limited to just a few. I hope someone who makes these decisions is reading this review!

THIS BOOK HIGHLY RECOMMENDED FOR TWO INIMITABLE TALENTS COMBINED: AUTHOR & NARRATOR

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I NEVER THOUGHT I WOULD LIKE TEXAS THIS MUCH

Revisado: 01-14-18

A perfectly lovely tale, so delicately spun that it rests on one's heart like a dragonfly. I chose this book because of a phenomenal poem that I once read on the subway; looked it up and found that the author was Paulette Jiles, so I thought I'd give this book a chance.

I will be enduringly grateful that I did. Jiles could easily have over-romanticized this story, but held the narrative and characters in a delicate balance all the way through. Her evocations of landscape and her obvious attachment to Texas and its geography form the core of the book. This is the Old West in a positive portrayal, and I enjoyed the historical settings and references to the times during which the main characters play out their lives. And what fascinating and sympathetic characters they are! You must meet them, and as I did, give this book a chance!

A superlative presentation of this book was given by Grover Gardner; to me, he had just the right voice and reflective manner to narrate this special story. I cannot think that the book could have a better advocate in the reading.

HIGHEST POSSIBLE RECOMMENDATION

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STUNNING and a SURPRISE!

Revisado: 01-14-18

I do not see how this version of "MIDDLEMARCH" could be surpassed. I had long thought of reading this classic and was beginning to feel seriously remiss about letting it lie on the shelf. Recently, I looked to see what was available on Audible.com; it was a comedown for my self-respect, but at least an attempt to discover the book. I chose the Juliet Stevenson reading, as I had heard and appreciated her before.

It took me a little while to get going, as I did not take to the main character and thought I couldn't bear to follow her blundering her way through the narrative. I was in for a major surprise--by the third chapter, I was enthralled with the characters and the story, and could hardly stop listening. I now see why it is called one of the great novels of all time, and I will undoubtedly read it in print in the future.

It is not necessary to relate the ingredients; however, there is no doubt that the reading by Juliet Stevenson was so splendid on every level that it enhanced my respect for the book. George Eliot deserves the best, and in this recording, she gets it in spades.

I do not have the words handy to describe the sublime experience of listening to this magnificent work. My only wish is that I could repeat the pleasure of reading it for the first time! No doubt a second and third hearing will come along in due time and will be valued like an old friend, as well as for new impressions and inspirations that I may have missed before.

ABSOLUTELY RECOMMENDED!

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CICERO CONQUERS

Revisado: 01-12-18

GREAT BOOK, SUPERB SERIES. BEFORE LISTENING TO THE FINAL VOLUME, I RE-READ THE FIRST TWO BOOKS AND FOUND THEM EVEN MORE FASCINATING AND SMOOTHLY WRITTEN THAN I REMEMBERED. ONE REALLY CARES ABOUT THIS AMAZING HISTORICAL PERSONAGE.
EXCELLENT READING AND CHARACTER PORTRAYAL BY SIMON JONES. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, BEST DONE IN SEQUENCE,

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DOSTOEVSKY DONE WELL

Revisado: 01-12-18

Excellent reading by Robert Whitfield, whom I have enjoyed hearing on other Audiible books.
He portrayed the characters well, including the women, without striving for effect. Because of that, I could relax and listen attentively to the story. First-time reading for me, in any format, and I was entirely satisfied to experience this classic in this way.

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PIED PIPER

Revisado: 12-24-17

Vintage Nevil Shute, moving story of the human spirit, perfectly read by David Rintoul, one of the most outstanding readers for Audible.com. He gave the story its fullest and most sympathetic impact.
Absolutely recommended!

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SECRETS & LIES

Revisado: 09-05-17

To me, this is one of Heyer's lesser stories~~yet it becomes first rate in Sian Phillipses narration. This is a case where the reader makes the book. In her portrayals, the characters leap to life and propel the tale to its sucessful
conclusion.

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TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE

Revisado: 08-19-17

A delight from start to finish, the Heyer touch has never been more deft or charming. Along with a magnificent reading that brought all characters into individual focus. Ms. Nash was born to read Georgette Heyer (and I wish Audible would replace all Heyer male readers with Ms. Nash and Ms. Phillips. I have not been able to listen to any G.H. read by the men chosen to do so~~they do not seem to understand what the writing signifies).

For a lovely about-face, "Cotillion" presents an anti-hero and a heroine who does not learn her own heart until almost too late. Resplendent with vintage Heyer dialogue and historical setting and context, and populated with characters who seem alive and will stay with one in memory.

Brilliant combination of author and narrator. Don't miss this one!

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