Sandra

Definitely a classic, characterization is very rich in detail. Narration is superb. I didn't read Faulkner in college or high school, and I'm not sure it could be appreciated by someone in High School. Midway through the book I did some research on Faulkner and on the book which helped considerably. It is amazing to me that this was written in the 1930's, which sheds light on why the author's work wasn't appreciated in his life time--it's not pulp fiction. It is not an easy book to read or listen to. I expected the racial prejudice but was surprised by the "fire and brimstone" religious overtones, and the degree that women were denigrated by many of characters in the book. I will be digesting this for quite awhile.

I was in my middle teens when Biafra was in the headlines--I knew it was in Africa and involved starving children, but that's all. This book is wonderful on so many levels--the history, the politics, the culture and as already mentioned, the complex characterization. It's not just about the atrocities of a war that happened almost 50 years ago, it is relevant to issues we struggle with everyday. The differences of culture, religious values, things we hold as important to ourselves or within our group. The narration is superb--I really can't say enough about how much I enjoyed this book.

What I love about Audible.com that is different than going to the library; it's unlikely I would go to the library looking for a book on the history of Nigeria or the civil war of Biafra. Audible offered this book along with several others as a free offering which made me look at it. I am so glad I chose it. It is the same with the $4.95 specials--I consider books I didn't know I wanted to read. Audible has been a true treasure for me since I retired. I wish I had learned about Audible prior to retiring for my twice daily 25 mile commute!!

Fantastic read, the best narrator yet!! Rates as high as Huck Finn narrated by Elijah Wood and Autobiography of Mark Twain, Volume one.

Definitely a classic, characterization is very rich in detail. Narration is superb. I didn't read Faulkner in college or high school, and I'm not sure it could be appreciated by someone in High School. Midway through the book I did some research on Faulkner and on the book which helped considerably. It is amazing to me that this was written in the 1930's, which sheds light on why the author's work wasn't appreciated in his life time--it's not pulp fiction. It is not an easy book to read or listen to. I expected the racial prejudice but was surprised by the "fire and brimstone" religious overtones, and the degree that women were denigrated by many of characters in the book. I will be digesting this for quite awhile.

Probably is a good book but couldn't get thru first chapter. Narrator sounds like he's in a tunnel.

I agree with previous reviewers thoughts re prisoners of war in Japan--horrendous treatment of all prisoners especially in the transport ships as well as the camps. In addition, I found Weller's commentary on military censorship very thought-provoking. When is it appropriate for the government to censor because of national security, and when is it their attempt to put the "right spin" on it. I'm inclined to think it's more the latter.

First book I've read on Hiroshimas and Nagasaki. The author has an amazing talent with words, even in describing two of the most horrible events in history. Bringing personal details from survivors into the story makes it very human and very real. I would hope excerpts would be required reading in High schools, as well as the message from Dr. Nagai, Love thy Neighbors, Do unto others, Pay it forward.

Thoroughly enjoyed this book; the characters as developed in their letters to Juliet, the main character, as well as learning about the history of the Channel Islands during World War II.