Louise

Only second audio book that I truly couldn't get into. This is not necessarily the author's fault. The reader was unbelievably hard to listen to.

This books works wonderfully as an audio - probably better than reading. The narrator has just the right "Aussie" accent. I was initially concerned that it would be hard to understand as some of the British narrators are (for me), but instead, the whole story felt like a wonderful family tale handed down for others to hear.

I also put off buying this audio because it was so long and I wasn't sure I was that interested in Australian history. Instead, I was sad to get to the end of the audio and I learned so many interesting things about Australia; it was an amazing "read".

Occasionally, the story headed in a direction where I thought I would lose interest but that never happened. I stayed continually engaged. Also, the book, especially the narrators presentation, is very funny. His sharing of childhood interpretations of adult themes makes you laugh out loud. I didn't expect that from this book.

I've recommended this book to my sister who is an avid reader but refuses to try an audio book.

I did not write a review when I finished the book but a year or two later, it is still memorable - so many books blur a week or so later. Fascinating story with so many layers.... reality of nuclear devastation, learning to live again on bare minimum of resources (even more dramatic today than in 1950s setting of the novel), relationships of the various characters....Definitely worth listening to - different yet engrossing. See also, Will Patton below.

Will Patton is one of the best Audible readers ... dramatic but not overstated... a great story teller. There are certain "Audible" reads where I just feel the listening experience is better than if I had read the book, and this is one of them. Will Patton definitely contributes to that assessment. (FYI - some other better than reading - And There Eyes Were Watching God, White Tiger, Somebody Knows My Name).

This book is different. Worth the read if you are looking for a change of pace. I often read mysteries, historical fiction.

This is a very light read but enjoyable. Mostly for women. It is fun and funny at times but nothing deep.

This book was sad and humbling. It gave me a new respect for what the Marines dealt with in that horrible war and made me sad for our soldiers now at war. A recent book on the Irag war brought home the same message as this book - these are 19 year olds - yes "kids" as Melis calls them. The detail is gory and depressing -- some reviewers said it went on too long but you realize after a while that in some ways that is what makes the story real. While there are uplifting moments, this is not an uplifting book but perhaps a story that we need to hear. It is interesting how many people chose to review this book.

This is a great listen. The story is fascinating and the narrator excellent. Lots of medical discussion set mostly in the 1940's to late 60's. It is long but kept my interest the entire book. Sad to see it finish.

One of only maybe two or three books I've purchased so far that I just couldn't finish. The people aren't likable, the atmosphere is rather depressing. The book is well written but didn't bring any enjoyment.

I agree with a previous reviewer - not many people to like in the book. That being said, it is well written, thought provoking and gets better as it goes. Worth sticking with.

This book takes a while to get in to but it is definitely worth it. The characters are fascinating and the narrator is awesome. A sad story but moving.