Bad Narrator Decision!

I love the Bryce Courtenay and Humphrey Bower combination. If this book had been just that, the listening would have been enjoyable. Unfortunately, Bower is out after the introduction and Melissa Eccleston's reading is too annoying to finish. I am not certain what the logic was in the casting but it was a serious mistake.

10 people found this helpful

Folk Tales

I never thought that I would be so uninspired by one of Bryce's books! I felt that this book should have just stayed in the family circle where it would be more appreciated and read by the members of the family and then their Grandmother would come to life. The short little tales told in that interminable female Russian accent only got boring and I found myself fast forwarding and stifling a yawn. I am so disappointed as I had Bryce on a pedestal as a writer.

7 people found this helpful

Do not believe Bryce Courtenay wrote this book

One of my favorite authors but this is not him in anyway. Hung in for hour and a half, but gave up. Do not waste money or credit on this one.

4 people found this helpful

The Family Frying Pan

I cannot even give this version one star. I'm sure the story is great, but the narrator is so awful with her phony Russain/Jewish accent, that I had to stop listening. IT WAS SO IRRITATING!!!
I think I should get my credit refunded!!!!
Make sure you listen to the sample reading if you should want to buy it!!!!
Audible.com...find a new version with a narrator who has real Russian accent or no accent, but not this.

9 people found this helpful

Soporific - don't drive while listening

What could have made this a 4 or 5-star listening experience for you?

A half decent story

Has The Family Frying Pan turned you off from other books in this genre?

Genre - what genre would you put this under?

Which character – as performed by Melissa Eccleston and Humphrey Bower – was your favorite?

None

You didn’t love this book... but did it have any redeeming qualities?

Humphrey Bower in my opinion is the best reader I've heard in all the books I've purchased from Audible

Any additional comments?

Don't waste your money

2 people found this helpful

Sorry, mate. Can't get past the Sheila narrator.

Is there anything you would change about this book?

Melissa Eccleston's attempt at a Russian accent sounds like someone with peanut butter stuffed in their mouth, vainly trying to escape it. So, I'm spoiled with Humphrey Bower's masterful narration. Anyone else would be a let-down. But do us a favor, let us down EASY.

What was the most interesting aspect of this story? The least interesting?

For the first time since "50 Shades of Gray" I had to abort this one, unfinished.

Who would you have cast as narrator instead of Melissa Eccleston and Humphrey Bower ?

Someone who can do ethnic accents without butchering it.

"perfect" = "pyurfect" ? Come on now, not at all convincing.

Did The Family Frying Pan inspire you to do anything?

To get another book.

Any additional comments?

Bower, come back.

2 people found this helpful

So far, so good.

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I only just started listening to the bk. I find it interesting & have already recommended it to an acquintance.
I have turned into a Bryce Courtenay fan after reading BROTHER FISH & FOUR FIRES.

Who was the most memorable character of The Family Frying Pan and why?

MRS. MOSES

1 person found this helpful

Disappointing

This book wasn’t for you, but who do you think might enjoy it more?

Im a big fan of Courtenay and Bower together, but the female reader, Melissa Eccleston, with the phony yiddish/jewish/german accent was annoying. I dont know who would enjoy it, my jewish grandmother???

How did the narrator detract from the book?

the female reader, Melissa Eccleston, used a thick, phony yiddish/jewish/german accent was annoying. It made the story difficult to follow.

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

Anger- That I wasted a credit to purchase this book!

1 person found this helpful

Did not care for the female reader!!

What would have made The Family Frying Pan better?

I ordered the book hoping Humphry Bower was the reader...it didn't sound the way I expected and therefore didn't enjoy it from the beginning. I missed upon ordering that the female was also in it...the majority of it!

How would you have changed the story to make it more enjoyable?

A different female voice!

Would you be willing to try another one of Melissa Eccleston and Humphrey Bower ’s performances?

No

Any additional comments?

I may purchase a hard copy of this book to read as I truly love Bryce Courtenay's books.

1 person found this helpful

Not my favorite

I love Bryce Courtenay's books! Humphrey Bower narrating is the cherry om top! Although this book was well written; it wasnt real crazy about it.