the book was good until you realize that 3/4 of a way into the book it is sophie's choice in a different package. relation ship characteristics are the same. the narration is good, i like it when books choose different actors for different characters. Good but NOT great

I do not understand all the five stars. I couldn't disagree more. This amateur effort is nowhere near a classic. The plot is thin and the characters woefully undeveloped. At times it read like a cheap bodice ripper (romance novel). The author repeatedly required suspension of disbelief which this reader could not do. Bright spot: the old Jacob narrator was good and old Jacob's story was enjoyable. But this could not carry the book. I struggled to read the whole thing, and unfortunately I shouldn't have bothered.

I didn’t find this to be a great adventure book. It’s kind of a weird circus romance story. It’s not bad but not what I enjoy. Good reminder that I don’t want to grow old and feeble.

I thought this book was far from great I found it to be boring.

I barely made it though the first four chapters of the book before I just couldn't listen to it anymore. I'm disappointed as I had heard it was a good book. For one, the language is too offensive for me to continue listening to. Another reason is that there is a disgusting scene described with a circus prostitute. Need I say more? I wish someone had warned me in a review before I spent the money and time downloading it. So if you don't watch R rated movies and even get offended at some PG-13 rated movies, then this book isn't for you either and you won't have to waste your time or money.

Disappointing. #1 novel on Audible in 2006?! I'd categorize it a "cheap dime novel", as we used to refer to books cranked out by authors who stooped to adding sordid events with the hope of attracting more readers. Every other chapter in this book has some unnecessary titillating account with cheap sexual descriptions.

I bought this title based on enthusiastic, almost cultist reviews and its place on the bestseller lists. I found the plot tendentious and trite, and the protagonist both weak and unattractive. I quit about 1/2 way through. I later learned of a number of others who greatly disliked this book. So, before purchasing, be aware that as great as some are calling it, there are a lot of folks who not only dislike it, but think it's junk.

I did not really love it , but I enjoyed it

probaly not

no

it is a good story not amazing but entertaining

nothing

absolutely not

the narrator is not the problem, it's the storyline

the entire story, while it points out some realities most of us don't want to know about, upset me so much I never finished the book. I will delete it from my library permanently!

My sister recommended this book and I now refuse to get anything she recommends. By chapter 4, I thought I knew what was coming. By chapter 7, my fears were confirmed. If you like listening to people tell their life stories over and over, even though you know what's coming, then you will love this book.
The story would have been very interesting if the author would have done a better job of employing flash back / flash forward tools. For me, that is what ruins it. It just became too predictable. It's like reading a story by starting with the last 3 chapters, then going to the beginning.