This book was a real disappointment. The editor's reviews compared it to The Help - not even close.

it was all over the place hard time of keeping up with who was who and at what point in their life it was.

Highly recommend, much easier to listen to than to read.

When De and Pasquale were about to be reunited after many years. I couldn't wait to hear the story.

No

Yes I wanted to but of course couldn't. I came back to it as often as I was able. Then I was sad that there wasn't more when it was over.

Great audio, this book would easily get people hooked on audio books.

This book drew me in from the first sentence, and I could not stop listening until the last. The yearning of the characters, the bittersweetness of their fates, the interweaving of such disparate lives - all this could have devolved into something cringeworthy and manipulative. But Jess Walter is brilliant and his marvelous use of language, both english and italian - his obvious empathy for his characters - his wonderful humor and tenderness are what make this tale a gift to listen to. Ballerini's reading is pure pleasure - and I especially enjoyed the pure musicality of his italian.

The stories of the various characters are expertly woven together. The expressiveness of this book is just lovely. And the performance is amazing. I thouroughly enjoyed this listen.

I would never have bought this book had it not been for the Audible recommendation and the great reviews. Best decision ever. Absolutely perfect in every way. Narration was stellar and the story was beautifully written.

Yes it is a love story, in fact many different ones woven in the tale. So beautiful it makes you ponder the tittle. The characters are so well developed you wish you could meet these people. Some you want to put your arms around, and some you want to kick. The author transports us semlessly betwen the past history of the characters and present day.

Touching unique beautiful

I could see the characters, and I cared about them

Outstanding all around, great work with different voices

Not an option for me

Intoxicating, mesmerizing and exciting

No other book compares. Beautiful Ruins is unique

Everything, he was perfect

Yes, if only time would allow.

Buy this book.

More interesting characters

Make me care about the characters...any of them!

There was potential in the original story, but the forward in time story was flat

Don't waste your time, there are much better books out there.