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Brian

La Jolla, CA, United States | Member Since 2009

1
HELPFUL VOTES
  • 2 reviews
  • 41 ratings
  • 233 titles in library
  • 17 purchased in 2013
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  • Ancient Light | [John Banville]
    Ancient Light
    UNABRIDGED

    Ancient Light

    • UNABRIDGED (9 hrs and 41 mins)
    • By John Banville
    • Narrated By Robin Sachs
    • Whispersync for Voice-ready
    Overall
    (18)
    Performance
    (13)
    Story
    (12)

    Is there any difference between memory and invention? That is the question that fuels this stunning novel, written with the depth of character, the clarifying lyricism, and the heart-wrenching humor that have marked all of John Banville's extraordinary works. And it is the question that haunts Alexander Cleave as he plumbs the memories of his first - and perhaps only - love (he, just 15, the woman more than twice his age, the mother of his best friend; the situation impossible, thrilling, devouring, and finally devastating).

    victoria says: "Gorgeous!"
    "Banville at his best"
    Overall
    Performance
    Story
    Would you listen to Ancient Light again? Why?

    No. I never reread a book.


    What did you like best about this story?

    Banvilles prose.


    What about Robin Sachs’s performance did you like?

    Captures to essence of Banville.


    Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

    No


    Any additional comments?

    I consider John Banville/Benjamin Black to be one of the great contemporary writers. His characters and character descriptions are so detailed and convincing that the reader can picture and get to know the person. His stories are always interesting and often end with an unexpected twist.

    1 of 1 people found this review helpful
  • Norwegian Wood | [Haruki Murakami]
    Norwegian Wood
    UNABRIDGED

    Norwegian Wood

    • UNABRIDGED (13 hrs and 30 mins)
    • By Haruki Murakami
    • Narrated By James Yaegashi
    • Whispersync for Voice-ready
    Overall
    (315)
    Performance
    (134)
    Story
    (131)

    Toru, a quiet and preternaturally serious young college student in Tokyo, is devoted to Naoko, a beautiful and introspective young woman, but their mutual passion is marked by the tragic death of their best friend years before. Toru begins to adapt to campus life and the loneliness and isolation he faces there, but Naoko finds the pressures and responsibilities of life unbearable.

    Dr. says: "A Different Side of Murakami"
    "Well written story, poor naration"
    Overall
    Performance
    Story
    Where does Norwegian Wood rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

    Murakami's prose are exceptional. Descriptions of the city, the countryside and nature are quite beautiful. The characters are complex and many are troubled. The protagonist is a bit whiney and indecisive. Overall, the author dealt sympathetically with


    Would you recommend Norwegian Wood to your friends? Why or why not?

    I would recommend this book, but would probably be a better read than audio.


    How did the narrator detract from the book?

    The narration was a major disappointment. Depiction of the female characters was cartoonish and distracted from the serious dialog.The recording quality was below par as I kept hearing the narrator take deep breaths.


    Any additional comments?

    I will listen to more of Murakami's books, provided that there is a different narrator.

    0 of 0 people found this review helpful

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