"Sooo long ..."
It is difficult to say what this book was conveying. It’s a cross between fantasy, science fiction and mysticism. And somewhere there is a bit of “Invasion of the Body Snatchers”. Well now you know the world of Murakami. After reading the Windup Bird, I was really looking forward to immersing myself in his bizarre world again. I was not disappointed but the book is ridiculously long. Some stages are extremely boring but at the point where you are going to give up, he reels you back into the world of two moons. That’s the strength of the author and his telling of 1Q84. The performances by the narrators are extremely strong and that has a lot to do with staying the course on this ‘weird’ book. Recommended for weirdoes like me.
"Smashing read!"
As an Asian immigrant myself who grew up most of his life in London and went to University there, I immediately connected with the story and the old judge. I now live in the USA and the story of Biju struggling to earn his keep seems so real in so many ways for new migrants. There are so many beautiful and colorful characters in this story each with their own wonderful tales and I was totally lost in nostalgia for the old “Raj”. The English certainly left an indelible mark in India and post-independent India never recovered. In one sense, this is the story of moving-on and yet it is also the story of longing for the old ways. The vocal delivery is absolutely top-notch in this release. I loved this book and it should not be missed!
"Funny and sad at the same time ..."
This is a beautifully written book that captures the essence of the human condition. Sometimes we make choices, and they may be for the right cause but not what we really desire. In this way, we feel for the characters in this book who are trying to overcome their imperfect lives, abiding by the rules of normalcy, facing tragedy and heartache, and yet overcoming the challenges over a 50 year saga. As I listened, I sometimes laughed out loud and then sulked with the disappointments of the protagonists. I was immersed in each sub-plot, each character, each wonderful location, and ofcourse the “Pitch”. What a lovely book – movie anyone?
"Incredible story!"
I am always drawn to real-life stories rather than imaginary tales. That is because in reality, they are much more fantastic in every sense of the word. The story within this book is remarkable and almost dream like. Yet, through thorough and painful research, we are given a tale of the unbelievable in 18th century France. A time in which many a citizen lived in fear of its government and the notorious guillotine. Through this cloud rose a man of color, from the French colonies, that led many French soldiers to glory. I loved this book! General Alexandre Dumas will stay with me for the rest of my life. A must read!
"Engrossing."
I remember many years ago as a child, watching the Russian movie Solaris by director Andrey Tarkovskiy. To tell you the truth, I really did not understand it one little bit. It was a confusing film that nearly put me to sleep. It was hard to grasp and I had a very difficult time understanding the concepts around the ocean and its manifestations. But the story lingered in my mind thereafter and I knew that one day I would have to read Stanislaw Lem’s novel to understand it as an adult. Finally I got to listen to this incredible novel. This is one of the very best science fiction novels ever written. Lem really studies our inner soul and its interaction with the impossible. As you engross yourself in the novel, do not be disappointed that there is no final answer to the mystery of the ocean, but marvel in the way he entices you to answer the questions the protagonist struggles through. What would you do in an event like this? That is really what Lem is asking of you … A must read!
"Remarkable yet underwhelming."
I really wanted to read this book after some recommendations from readers who enjoyed books like Unbroken, Lost in Shangri-La, Long Walk and We Die Alone. It is no doubt a remarkable story of resilience against the harsh sea. A man surviving for 130+ days at sea on rain water, fish and occasional birds seems unbelievable but it is a true story that solely belongs to a remarkable human being - Poon Lim. Unfortunately, the book does little credit to this man’s incredible journey through lackluster writing and the vocal performance on the audiobook is less than stellar. Yet, it is still an engrossing listen and I recommend it because of its remarkable subject matter.
"Wonderful stories."
I had been waiting a long-time to catch up on the famed short stories of Anton Chekhov. Finally, I found the best volume with an awesome narrator and a subtle music score. I love Chekhov’s wonderful, unpretentious narrative with a hearty dose of irony and candor. I really hoped that they had done a Volume 2 also. My favorites were “The Lady with the Dog” and “Kiss”. These two stories are absolutely stunning in their realism and frankness. These stories are still very valid in our present time. A must listen!
"Stupendous!"
This is an extraordinary story of individuals in an extraordinary time of our nation. I was naïve of the Civil War and lacked the meaning of the struggle for emancipation until I experienced this book. The author handsomely illuminates the ideology held by key players of the era leading to the eventual war of the States. It is clearly slanted towards the North (as it should be), and detail clearly the various sub-plots in the secessionist and non-secessionist thinking. I was particularly moved by the fate of Elmer Ellsworth and his Zouaves. Little did I know of the Wide Awakes movement or its pivotal role in St. Louis. This book details the entire sentiment of the time leading to the conflict. Definitely in the same league as the ‘Guns of August’ by Barbara Tuchman.
"Another OK listen"
First, let me say the narration is awesome. I really enjoyed the gruff voice and it helped the story line very well. I wish I could say the same for the story and its characters. Even though I finished the book, I really wanted it to end much sooner. Perhaps it was a tad too long and a little too contrived for my taste. It isn’t a bad story and surely not a great page turner. But I can see why this type of novel is popular amongst other listeners. It just wasn’t my type of book.
"Terrific story."
Somewhere I was recommended this story as a good read. Since I am a fan of real-life survival stories that included “The Log Walk”, “Unbroken”, and “Lost in Shangri-La”, this book seemed a real good choice. I was not disappointed at all as this is an extremely harrowing and arduous tale with an ultimate happy ending. Man has an incredible will to live through the most harrowing of experiences and this is a tale of the extreme in every sense. Also, this is a story of Norway in WWII in which only small fragments of information exist. This adds to the allure of this incredible story.