Barbara

Great story beautifully told

Revisado: 01-06-25

History that reads with all the propulsion of well-written fiction. Outstanding narration, too. This is a fascinating account of Cook’s last voyage. He was a brilliant navigator, cartographer, and seaman, but he had a streak of cruelty and a temper that - almost in Greek-tragedy fashion- let to a series of misunderstandings and resentments that ultimately got him killed. The descriptions of the first encounters with indigenous people in the Pacific Northwest are brilliant

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Charming little story of second chances

Revisado: 08-13-24

I don’t know who recommended this to me, but I am grateful! It’s a little story of two sad people finding one another, and maybe some love. The woman is witty and hilarious, and the narration perfectly captured both of them. Loved this!!

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Fascinating

Revisado: 07-27-24

The author/narrator’s enthusiasm for his subject makes this book approachable and fun. Even a materials scientist will enjoy reading about this history of turning sand into glass, WW I secret exchanges of vital materials and the relationship between petrochemicals and tomatoes.

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Not Trollope’s best

Revisado: 05-23-24

I love the Palliser and Barchester novels, but this one didn’t quite measure up. The melodramatic sub-plot totally eclipsed the rather dry political main plot. The Duchess, GlenCora, had a wonderful role in this, reminiscent of several political wives, and I’ll be sorry to see her off the stage.

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Wilder, Chekhov, and Streep

Revisado: 03-30-24

Best narration ever!
Unlike the rest of the planet, I’m not a big fan of Ann Patchett, but I enjoyed this book a lot. No terrorists, opera singers or Dutch house, just a quiet pandemic tale about a woman, her daughters, her past and present loves, and past and present are woven together beautifully. What absolutely makes it is Meryl Streep’s honey-rich voice and perfect narration.

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Lovely book, but…

Revisado: 01-29-24

Enjoyed this right up until the last chapter, even though the additive and-then-this-happened quality of the journey was a little stultifying. The last chapter was a complete dud, however, as though the author was just told to put down her pencil.

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I'm mystified by this sly book

Revisado: 01-08-24

This is a weird, sly book that doubles back on itself in odd self-referential ways, and I'm just not sure what to make of it. The writing is gorgeous, arch and luscious; the narration superb, but I lost my footing in this weird realm of slippery and unreliable reality.

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Obvious plotting, cardboard characters, Awful

Revisado: 01-08-24

I enjoyed the first part of the book, set in Jamaica, and looked forward to the rest. But as the cliches piled up, as did checkmark "issues" (climate change, domestic violence, LGBTQ, etc etc) I was so distracted by the amateurish writing that I just had to give up.
I just couldn't care about any of the characters or any resolution. The book had the potential to be a richly detailed narrative of migration and family, but the author blew it with the clunky dialogue, senseless repetitions, choppy format and the gaping obviousness of the whole enterprise. I quit about two hours before the end, and just couldn't make myself spend another minute with these boring people. It needed a strong editor.
(I did, however, make a black cake (meh), and (fun fact) found a recipe by Emily Dickenson for a 20-lb Black Cake that calls for 19 eggs).

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Brilliant!

Revisado: 11-18-23

This not quite prequel not quite part of the series explains some of the foundational mysteries behind Slough House, and, as always, Foyle’s narration is absolutely perfect. Can’t wait for more.

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Thoroughly enjoyable

Revisado: 11-12-23

I’ve been on a classics kick for a while, and decided to listen to this book, which I read many years ago. A wonderful performance brought it to life.

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