Chantelle

This is the second book I've listened to by this author and like the first I was surprised at how easily I was pulled into the lives of the characters. If I read a summary which gives barely a clue, or if I hear it's about 'one family's struggle' - I usually pass but this writer truly makes it worth the read. Also not usually a fan of war writing but this is done so well (as it was in Brother Fish) and its only a portion of the lives of the Maloney's. Mr. Courtenay turned a genre I avoided into something I enjoyed and learned from. The rest of their lives in a small town was very entertaining and inspiring. The only drawback for me was the ending which felt rushed. The narrator was just fantastic and great with different voices - just perfect.

I didn't find a problem with the narration as others have, but I'm just about done with reading/listening to anymore of this author because of his relentless sadism. He has a real problem! The torture involved in these books is unhealthy and revolting. Three books in and I dont think I can hear anymore, but to be honest, I'm pretty sure I can predict the rest of the series because the books follow a pretty lame repetition. I did like the first book - aside from the violence and torture, but they have gotten worse and I'm almost afraid to hear anymore.