Rosalind

Very disappointing, endless justification for a life spent with "rap" interpretation. Constant repetition of sexual excesses, drug induced writing, boring , boring, boring.
Pap for the masses.

At best, an entertaining concept. However, the storyline had an inevitable climax.

The characters seemed to lack any real passion.

I think the narration was adequate

I am pleased that I only ordered the first book, even though the 2nd and 3rd were on sale at the time. I wouldn't care to continue pursuing the fate of these characters, there was no real depth to them.

I see that they are about to make a series of films of these books.
They may capture the interest of the teen market, but I think these books have no maturity in character development or plot development.

Yes, I found it interesting, particularly because it took part in a country which is dear to my heart.
I find le Carre books quite difficult to follow at times. Even though they don't adopt the now popular editing method of jumping ahead in time then back again, which adds pace and anticipation to a novel, but can also be confusing.

This is only the second book of his that I have listened to, and I did enjoy it.

No, but I thought he did a splendid job of the narration,

Not at all. I paced it over about 4 days, which was just fine.

I found it a little drawn out and it probably took a little too long to reach the vital moment of exposing the full plot and motivation. I feel that clever editing could have improved it, but that was fundamentally the old school of writing. Or perhaps thats just the way le Carre wanted it.

Probably in the top 5 books that I have listened to and I think I've listened to over 100.

Marion was my favourite character. Although this book was so brilliantly written, so detailed in description of childhood, heartache, loneliness, disappointment,hope, loss, deception,ambition, achievement, It will hold you spellbound.

Emotion of each character. His voices are brilliant. His descriptions are so rich and full of heart, I will listen to this book again, maybe in a few weeks.

Just about all the main characters were memorable, they each played a part in the overall journey of Marion and his brother.

Do yourself a favour, get this book. This is more than a book. It is a journey.
There is a certain amount of medical jargon that could prove a little more than enough, however I think it is important to the description of their accomplishments.

I haven't read the print version, although I have bought it for a friend. However the audio version was fantastic.

The diversity, the intrigue.

I found Rene Auberjonois' reading of this book was captivating. His ability to distinguish between the characters was amazing.

I thought the entire book was exciting. It kept a tremendous pace, I could hardly stop listening.

You won't be disappointed. It is a great story. Right to the end.

The characters were so genuine. The story really enveloped you. It was mesmerising. She created people which you could empathise with.

In some ways it was like a Thousand Splendid Suns. Not in content, but in plight of human spirit.

The reader has a fantastic talent with accents and voices. Unlike too many other audio books, this reader had the absolute ability to switch you from character to character, it was seamless.

A book of prejudice, fear, hope and heartbreaking love.

This book makes audio listeners wanting more. If only they were all so beautiful. And all audio readers this talented. So many good stories are spoilt by the reader.

For so long did I endure. Over and over did I go back, checking that I had not fallen asleep and missed some small moment to encourage me to move forward.
And...the reward, after 18 hours of dedication, a paltry moment, when these two tortured souls, finally whispered, and I mean whispered, a brief encouraging moment of hearfelt intimacy. Oh, be still my beating heart. Thank goodness we have moved along a little since the author penned this work.

I don't know how to describe my disappointment with this book. It was so hard to understand the story line. The audio was DREADFUL. I love Jennifer Ehle, in so many roles she has played, however she just couldn't get into any of the characters she was reading. Her voice was so monotone, her pronounciation was appalling, the entire book was just awful. I have re-listened to it, in the hope that I was not interpreting it correctly. Alas, no better. Sorry Jennifer, but this was certainly not one of your better performances,

I have listened to this book twice now, sometimes, when I really enjoy a book, a second listening, after a few weeks, brings new feelings towards characters, even things which I feel I have missed. Possibly loss of concentration. This book is stunning. The evolution of the main characters from childhood through their teen years and adult years was so beautifully crafted.
How wonderful that someone with such a talent can bring such joy, such laughter, such sorrow to their audience. I will now have to buy the book in hard copy. Only once before did I need to physically own the hardcopy and that was The Story of Edgar Sawtelle. Lets have more stories like these, please.

This is without doubt one of the most beautifully written stories one could possibly listen to. The narration is superb. His voice is almost mystical. I have listened to it twice, I have now purchased the book. I felt a need to read the passages which were so wonderfully narrated. I have recommended it to friends, one who had already read it and herself passed it on to her dearest friend. You will love this incredible tale, it is enchanting, and sad and I can't find the words to express what this author has achieved, in this his first book.