David

The book would have been more intriguing if the ending was unknown and not told at the beginning. Although there were some exciting passages, I found it slow going. Knowing the end, the difficulties became predictable failures.

This probably should not be a novice's introduction to the civil war as it is so detailed that keeping track of all the politicians, generals and battles can be confusing; this is especially true when Foote jumps back and forth between scenes. The chronology is a bit confusing too if you are not familiar with the dates of the battles, especially if two or more battles are being fought simultaneously. I found that having a good civil war map and battle timeline (which I found on the web) helped a great deal. Also, because it is so long, listening to it in fast mode helps get through the massive details quicker.

However, it is very worth while listening to it, as it is an interesting history with lots of background and personality information. A novice will probably want to listen at least twice.

I am looking forward to listening to part II.

I have been looking for some time for the audio version of some of the "contemporary" American classics like those written by John Jakes. The book was exceptional and the audio version was exceptional too.

Grover Gardner was just the person to interpret the story and did a great job on the various characters' voices.

Audible: Please more of this genre, how about some of Michener's books...

Probaily listen to it again after some time has passed, not right away.

This is my first Iles book.

The Nazi characters were all well done.

Do all German names really start with "S"? Couldn't the author have come up with something else?

This recording was right up there at the top...

Not so much the actual story but the prose; extremely well written.

Jeremy Irons was the only one to read this as he was also the star of the BBC series. In addition his voice was beautifully fit for this English story and his interpretation of the character's voices was wonderful.

I wanted to savor it so listened in meaningful segments.

It was wonderful to see just how well the book was interpreted for the TV series and many of the pictures of the series were just as Evelyn Waugh had described them in the book.

Important, reveling, Interesting

Depends on the topic

Well read but not performed

Hardly the topic to make you either laugh or cry, but it does elicit an emotional response of incredulity or despair depending on your point of view.

Interesting facts, based on his own writings, about what motivates the president, which is important to know to understand the direction he is leading the country, and as he has been reelected where the USA society could ultimately end up.

Yes, given time to digest the first pass.

The main character, very interesting personality and real too

John Lee is one of my favorite performers; another winner here.

The suspense wasn't so great that I wanted to finish it all in one sitting but parts were seizing.

Yes. Good story, good performance

The depth of the financial dealings, knitted together by the characters.

All of his Chinese characters were really well done, each an individual voice.

It is very long and detailed. You may want to listen in fast play to get through some of the details faster.

yes

Lots of suspects and subplots trying to lead you astray

As usual great performance with different voices for each of the characters.

Had difficulty putting it down; wanted to continue

You may want to listen to it again in fast speed to put it together after you know the ending.

Listen on fast to get through it in less time

Kind of slow, lots of background on the victims not much intrigue.

Accents are kind of contrived.

Had no trouble putting it down.