Jeanne

Grant's Final Victory is a window into American life during the years after the Civil War. Financial scandal, fraud, rapid social change...that time resonates in many ways with our own. The heart of the book is the story of a true hero. The narrator never got in the way of the story and the time flew by as I listened to this account.

This may be an example of a book that is better experienced in print form. It would be easier to skip the overlong stories-within-stories. When yet another thread and character was introduced during yet another time, I threw in the towel.

Perhaps the narrator would be better served with some more interesting material. However, I found her mannerisms and affectations to be a turn-off after a while.

It was great to see Ivan come into his own. He's always been a favorite of mine as I read and/or listened to other parts of the series. At long last, he takes center stage. We get to revisit other well-known series characters as well.

Grover Gardner knows these characters well. It's hard to pick just one favorite.

I wish I had the time to listen through in one setting. I found myself grabbing opportunities to hear just a little more and a little more.

This would NOT be the place to begin an acquaintance with the Vorkosigan series. Treat yourself to reading them in order first. Much of my enjoyment depended on the knowing the back story and revisiting earlier acquainances.