David

While I have enjoyed the series immensely, I am periodically put off by Roy Dotrice's portrayals of some of the characters. He does many things so well including consistent and distinct voices for each character and keeping Tyrion and The King slayers voices different but similar (they are brothers). But often he portrays young people and women with voices that sound so unrealistic that I find it disturbing and distracting. Teenagers are often made to sound much older and most older characters sound toothless. I am about to try the fourth book in the series and hope that the narrator, who did Pillars of the Earth, is an improvement, though I suspect from the preview that some of the subtle tones of Dotrice will be sacrificed for more of a "reading" than a portrayal. Stay tuned.

It is one of my all time favorite listens. I often avoid dry history books, but this one is full of real people involved in a fascinating story.

This book and the narration brought ancient Rome to life for me. It was as if I got to know intimately, historical figures who were previously like cardboard images.

Jones's voice has that ring of truth that makes the fictional part of the story merge seamlessly with the factual part, creating an informative and engaging tale yet avoiding distortion. There is an appropriate arrogance in his delivery that makes the words sing.

It has been many years since Goodbye Columbus when I first read Philip Roth's work. If I had known how his skill and insight had evolved I would have followed him every step of the way. As it is, now I have to go back and listen to his entire body of work. Roth has an ability to see into his characters and through his revelations, articulate his philosophy in a way that makes his writing unique and potent. This is my favorite Audible selection so far and, in fact, is one of my favorite reads of all time.

Even with the interruptions imposed by intermittent listening, I could easily drop into the story at any point. I was there every step of the way with this exceptionally talented writer and superb narrator. I was especially impressed with the writer's skill in interjecting what I imagine are his personal insights into the story line in a matter of fact manner, that never felt like prosteletizing.