Alison

Excellent reading of a great book

Reviewed: 22-03-2020

There is no shortage of praise for Trent Dalton's outstanding debut novel but I also want to compliment the reader, Stig Wemyss, who did an outstanding job capturing the voice and character of the young Eli Bell. I must admit, it took me a little while to fully engage with Dalton's writing. I was annoyed by all the extraneous detail and the wordy descriptions and was wondering why his editor hadn't done more to trim it down. Then I realised that this was part of the plot and characterisation and I thought it was genius. Thank you Trent Dalton, Stig Wemyss and Audible for a hugely enjoyable experience.

Great book, great reader

Reviewed: 27-09-2019

This is Atwood at the height of her powers, beautifully read by xxxx. My only quibble is the lack of post production. On a number of occasions the reader repeats a sentence, making small corrections to her intonation but her first attempt has not been edited out. I think this is a shame given the care the reader has taken to get it right.

Possibly a good book, poorly narrated

Reviewed: 19-06-2019

I plan to return this after just four chapters. I usually enjoy Joan London's novels but this narrator captures none of the beauty and nuance of her prose and characterisation. His tone is flat and lifeless as if he's reading an instruction manual. I can't bear it anymore. Will seek out the hard copy.

So disappointing.

Reviewed: 06-01-2019

I love The Razor’s Edge but this novel leaves me cold. It seems very dated with stilted dialogue and predictable story lines. The reader’s wussy, whining characterisation of Philip hasn’t helped. The moment I get the offer of a swap, I’ll be jumping ship.

Outstanding reader

Reviewed: 27-10-2018

This is one of the best narrations I have heard on Audible. The reader captured Dickens’ many characters perfectly. So enjoyable!

1 person found this helpful

Ruined my day!

Reviewed: 09-04-2018

I can’t believe I’m abandoning a novella half-way through but I can’t take another minute of this book. In a word, it’s repulsive. It should carry warnings of its grotesque and distasteful content. I’m not easily put off but the prose made me feel physically queasy and I couldn’t see the point in continuing. All a bit gratuitous and try-hard if you ask me, like the bad product of a creative writing workshop.

1 person found this helpful

Beware - this is not the audio book!

Reviewed: 07-08-2017

Would you try another book written by George Orwell or narrated by Tim Pigott-Smith?

This recording was a huge disappointment! I thought I was downloading the audio book, not some hammy radio dramatization. Am very disappointed and feel misled by the words "ORIGINAL" and "narrated by" in audio book title.

Has Nineteen Eighty-Four put you off other books in this genre?

My first Audible title was great but this one has made me wary of the products I'm buying on Audible.

How did the narrator detract from the book?

There is no reader/narrator!

What reaction did this book spark in you? Anger, sadness, disappointment?

Annoyance and disappointment - not with the novel but with its misrepresentation as an audio book. Blew my freebie for the month.

Any additional comments?

Please make clear whether we are buying the reading of a book or a dramatisation. It is a completely different experience.

7 people found this helpful